Contrast Agents Flashcards
gas or radiopaque substances that is injected into the body, introduced via catheter, or swallowed in order to facilitate radiographic imaging of internal structures that otherwis are difficutl to visuliaze radiographically
contrast
most organs and blood vessels have xray absorption to similar surrounding tissues.
used to enhance radiographic contrast pf soft tissue
contrast media
an inert inorganic metallic salt of the chemical element barium
used exclusivley for radiography of the GI tract and is administered either orally or rectally
barium sulfate
most palatable when cold and offered with a straw which helps it from coating the mouth
oral administration
disposable eneam kits are available that include a plastic bag, enema tubing, and a rectal catheter. A liquid barium suspension may be poured inot a disposal enema bag and diluted if required, tepid water
rectal administration
the principle problem with bariym complicationg the used of barium is its
hygroscopic nature
most organs and blood vessels have similar xray absorption characteristic. This causes radiographic images to be only faintly distinguishable
iodinated media
special water-soluble iodine compounds
most frequently used contrast agents other than barium
used when barium sulfate may be contradicted
water soluble (aqueous)
unlike barium, compounds absorb into bloodstream
may be used when high risk of barium impaction is suspected
advantage of water soluble
more expensive and generally produce less radiographic contrast
contraindicated for exams of esophagus or a fistula connecting esphagus to trachea
concentration of iodine determines the degree of attenuation
concentration depends largely upon the degree it will be diluted by body fluids
disadvanted of water soluble
referes to the number of particles in solution per kilogram of water
osmolality
human blood is about
300 mOsm/kg
water soluble contrast media ranges from
300 mOsm/kg to more than 1000 mOsm/kg
some contrast media molecules dissociate into two charged particles when placed in solution resulting in higher osmolality
ionization
specialized contrast agents that were developed for studies in which absorption of contrast into surrounding tissues or mixing of contrast with body fluids is not desired
used ofr lymphography
ethiodized oils