Contrast medium
Contrast Medium
Contrast medium (pronunciation: /ˈkɒntrɑːst ˈmiːdiəm/), also known as contrast agent or dye, is a substance used to enhance the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in medical imaging. The etymology of the term comes from the Latin contrā meaning "against" and medium meaning "middle", referring to the substance's ability to differentiate between different body structures in imaging.
Types of Contrast Medium
There are several types of contrast media used in different imaging techniques. These include:
- Iodinated contrast: These are water-soluble compounds containing iodine, used in Computed Tomography (CT) scans and X-ray imaging.
- Barium sulfate: This is a type of contrast medium used in X-ray imaging of the digestive system.
- Gadolinium: This is used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a contrast agent.
Uses
Contrast media are used to improve the visibility of internal structures in medical imaging. They are often used in diagnostic procedures such as:
Risks and Side Effects
While contrast media are generally safe, they can cause side effects in some patients. These can range from mild reactions like nausea and itching to more serious reactions such as anaphylaxis. Patients with kidney disease or certain allergies may be at higher risk of complications.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Contrast medium
- Wikipedia's article - Contrast medium
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