Category: Medical imaging

In patients with normal renal function, gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have a biological half-life of about 1.5 to 2 hours [1.2.1, 1.3.3]. This article explains in detail how long it take for gadolinium to leave the body and what factors influence its retention.

According to the European Medicines Agency, SonoVue is contraindicated in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension, right-to-left shunts, and uncontrolled systemic hypertension. Knowing what are the contraindications for SonoVue is crucial for ensuring patient safety before receiving this ultrasound contrast agent, as its use is restricted in certain serious medical conditions.

With normal kidney function, most gadolinium is removed from the body via the kidneys within 24 hours. However, trace amounts of gadolinium can remain in the body for months to years, even in individuals with healthy kidneys.

Adrenal incidentalomas, or masses discovered by chance, are found in about 3-5% of patients undergoing abdominal CT scans [1.3.1]. A key diagnostic tool for these masses is determining **how to calculate adrenal washout**, which helps differentiate benign from malignant lesions.

The incidence of transient cortical blindness, a rare but known complication of iodinated contrast agents, is reported to be between 0.3% and 1% for certain procedures [1.2.2]. So, can contrast dye cause eye problems? While severe issues are uncommon, a range of ocular side effects can occur.

While serious adverse reactions to iodine contrast dye after a CT scan are rare, occurring in less than 1% of patients, it is common to experience mild, temporary side effects. The potential reactions can vary significantly in severity, from a warm sensation and metallic taste to more serious issues affecting the kidneys or triggering allergic responses.

While most patients tolerate it well, a small percentage of individuals receiving an intravenous (IV) contrast agent experience a delayed reaction that can include mild gastrointestinal side effects. This raises the question, **Can IV contrast cause diarrhea?**

Studies show that up to 37% of patients experience moderate to severe anxiety during an MRI scan [1.2.5]. To manage this and ensure clear images, many wonder: what do they give you for MRI sedation? A variety of medications are used depending on the patient's needs.

For many patients, the thought of an MRI scan can trigger intense anxiety or claustrophobia. The use of benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam) for sedation during medical procedures is a common practice, but it requires careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.

In 2024, 43% of American adults reported feeling more anxious than the previous year, with 53% citing stress as the biggest impact on their mental health [1.7.2]. This raises the question: can you see stress on an MRI scan and its effects on the brain?