[ad_1]
Medical imaging technology, such as CT scans and MRIs, use contrast agents to highlight specific areas of the body for diagnosis. Iodine is commonly used for CT scans, while gadolinium is used for MRIs. Barium is used for oral and rectal contrast scans. Side effects are rare but can occur, especially in patients with certain medical conditions.
Before the development of computer imaging technology, physicians often needed to perform exploratory surgeries to identify organ and soft tissue abnormalities. Now medical professionals have a wide range of imaginative equipment to help in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. A contrast scan is an imaging test that uses a contrast material, or dye, to highlight a particular area of the body. These tests allow doctors to identify some cancers and other problems that would not be visible by any other means.
One of the more popular imaging machines is computed tomography, known as a CT scan or CAT scan. This machine can examine almost any part of the body, except for the breasts, soft tissue around the joints, and obstetrics. A CT scan uses computers and ionizing radiation to create images of internal organs, blood vessels, and three-dimensional images of bones.
While not all CT tests are a contrast scan, many require the use of a contrast agent. Iodine is the dye most commonly used with CT or X-rays. It absorbs photons from the X-rays so they are not picked up by the X-rays. This creates a highlighted effect, making the organ, blood vessel or area stand out. of the fabric.
A contrast scan can also be done with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) equipment. These machines use magnets and radio waves to create images of internal tissue or blood vessels. Depending on the test, an MRI exam may or may not use a contrast agent. MRA tests always use a contrast agent.
A contrast MRI and MRA scan generally uses the element gadolinium, which alters the magnetic properties of tissue. This makes the fabrics appear white, differentiating them from the surrounding matter. Although there are fewer reactions to gadolinium than to iodine, it can cause life-threatening disease in patients with kidney dysfunction.
The dye used in a contrast scan can be administered orally, intravenously (IV), rectally, or, in rare cases, by inhalation. Some tests involve a combination of these methods. The method of administration depends on the test performed. A contrast IV scan is used to highlight the blood vessels or tissue structure of organs such as the brain, heart, spine, liver, and kidneys. The most popular IV contrast agent is iodine, which passes through the body quickly.
The orally administered dye is usually used with a contrast scan that examines the abdomen and pelvis. The most common oral contrast agent is barium sulfate, which weakens the X-ray beam, highlighting the area containing the agent. Rectally administered dyes also contain barium. These tests usually look at the large intestine, bladder, uterus, or other organs in the lower abdomen. Inhaling a gaseous contrast medium is very rare and is used only for some brain and lung tests.
Side effects of barium can include constipation and a metallic taste. Iodine agents, which are administered intravenously, can cause a wider range of reactions. The most common of these are a feeling of flushing, flushing, nausea, or dizziness. More serious effects include shortness of breath, blood clots and allergic reactions. Patients suffering from allergies, asthma, heart problems, diabetes, and kidney or thyroid problems are most at risk.
A contrast scan is an extremely valuable tool for diagnosing disease and assessing internal damage and other abnormalities. While there is the possibility of reactions to the contrast agent, these are rare and it is usually better to get tested than to leave an illness or condition untreated. When dealing with a patient who has had reactions in the past, or is considered high risk, the technician usually administers an antihistamine as a preventative measure.
