Contrast safety in the cancer patient: preventing contrast-induced nephropathy.
Cancer patients undergo frequent imaging examinations. Computed tomography (CT) examinations for tumor staging and assessment of treatment response generally require administration of intravascular contrast medium. Iodinated contrast agents for CT are associated with the risk of contrast-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN), particularly in patients with impaired renal function and diabetes. In many cancer patients the risk of complications from intravascular contrast medium administration is compounded by advanced age, dehydration and coadministration of nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs. In this article I review the definition, clinical manifestations, possible mechanisms and risk factors for CIN, and provide recommendations for prevention of this potentially life-threatening complication.
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. heikenj@wustl.edu
Jay P
JP
Heiken
D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*
D003287:Contrast Media