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Iodinated contrast contains iodine.It is the main type of radiocontrast used for intravenous administration.Iodine has a particular advantage as a contrast agent for radiography because its innermost electron ("k-shell") binding energy is 33.2 keV, similar to the average energy of x-rays used in diagnostic radiography.
Contrast CT of a patient with brain metastases from breast cancer, before (left) and after (right) injection of iodinated contrast.. Iodinated contrast is a form of water-soluble, intravenous radiocontrast agent containing iodine, which enhances the visibility of vascular structures and organs during radiographic procedures.
A contrast agent (or contrast medium) is a substance used to increase the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in medical imaging. [1] Contrast agents absorb or alter external electromagnetism or ultrasound , which is different from radiopharmaceuticals , which emit radiation themselves.
However, there are no absolute contraindications to iodinated contrast, so the benefits needs to be weighted against the risks. [14] As with CT scans in general, the radiation dose can potentially increase the risk of radiation-induced cancer. The injection of iodinated contrast agents may sometimes lead to its extravasation. [15]
Iodine-123 (123 I) is a radioactive isotope of iodine used in nuclear medicine imaging, including single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or SPECT/CT exams. The isotope's half-life is 13.2232 hours; [1] the decay by electron capture to tellurium-123 emits gamma radiation with a predominant energy of 159 keV (this is the gamma primarily used for imaging).
The radiation used in CT scans can damage body cells, including DNA molecules, which can lead to radiation-induced cancer. [148] The radiation doses received from CT scans is variable. Compared to the lowest dose X-ray techniques, CT scans can have 100 to 1,000 times higher dose than conventional X-rays. [149]
Opting for an alternative type of scan without contrast might result in a 10 to 20 percent reduction in diagnostic accuracy, he said. Other sources of the dye are limited, however.
Radiopharmaceuticals can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Radiopharmaceuticals emit radiation themselves, which is different from contrast media which absorb or alter external electromagnetism or ultrasound. Radiopharmacology is the branch of pharmacology that specializes in these agents.