Medical Imaging Contrast Agents A Clinical Manual

This volume highlights and broadens our understanding of the correct use and the possible contraindications of contrast agents applied in radiology. Written by experts in the field, it not only focuses on the chemistry, physiochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of both iodinated and gadolinium-containing contrast agents, but also on the relevant safety issues such as frequency of their short- and long-term side effects and ways to avoid them nephrotoxicity risk related to the iodinated contrast agents NSF (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis) accumulation of gadolinium in the brain use of contrast agents in pediatric patients and pregnancy It also includes essential data on the use of contrast agents, such as scanning protocols, in the context of various clinical conditions. This comprehensive manual addresses all professionals involved in radiological imaging and is an invaluable tool for radiologists and technologists, as well as for residents and clinicians.

This book is a concise guide to ordering radiology tests for diagnosis and treatment and provides best practice guidelines for patients whose management depends on a clinical question that is best approached through imaging. Organized primarily by organ system, it outlines considerations in selecting the most efficacious imaging studies based on the clinical history, laboratory values, and physical findings to arrive cost-effectively at a correct diagnosis. It also explores the current limitations of each imaging modality and presents evidence-based information to insure that patient safety considerations are observed when ordering potentially dangerous examinations. Clinician’s Guide to Diagnostic Imaging is a valuable resource for all physicians who regularly order imaging studies, including primary care physicians, family practitioners, internists, and surgeons alike. Further, this volume serves as an invaluable reference for medical students who are exposed to medical imaging for their first time or who are rotating through a radiology elective in medical school.

This lavishly illustrated book is a comprehensive guide to the basic principles and clinical applications of MR imaging for all regions of the body. The opening chapter provides a thorough overview of the basic principles for MR imaging, contrast agents, risks and side effects associated with MR imaging, and common imaging artifacts. The remaining chapters address common pathological findings in the head and neck, thorax, female breast, abdomen, pelvis, lymph nodes, musculoskeletal system, and vessels. A final chapter discusses the applications of whole-body MRI, whole-body MR angiography, and high-field MRI at 3 T. Features: Clear guidelines on how to perform techniques, select the appropriate contrast media, attain the best images, and analyze the findings More than 100 differential diagnosis tables that are ideal for at-a-glance review Detailed comparisons of MR findings and findings using other modalities 1,350 high-quality images and illustrations demonstrating important concepts Bulleted lists of MRI Specifics highlighting key points This practical, user-friendly text is a valuable resource for residents and fellows in radiology. It is also an ideal reference for seasoned radiologists seeking to sharpen their MR diagnostic imaging skills.

Completely revised and expanded, this manual offers a thorough, economical and practical approach to the principles and clinical applications of MRI. First covering the fundamentals of MRI, it then proceeds to address application to anatomic areas or disease processes.

This book gives a synoptic description of the practical details of how to carry out the common procedures in imaging on which a trainee in radiology will be expected to be familiar. It does not attempt to cover rarer techniques beyond the scope of the exam or to show the resulting images. Every technique is described under a set of standard headings (for example: methods, indications, equipment, patient preparation, technique, aftercare, complications, further reading). Synoptic style makes for easy preparation for the examination. Selectivity of techniques covered focuses candidates' attention on what questions to expect. Use of standard headings makes information highly accessible. Reflects changes in examination. All new modalities fully covered. Complete redesign will transform appearance

Contrast media are drugs by default. Had there been no default, there would be no need for a related pharmacology, and thus no need for this book. Radiographic contrast media (CM) are substances whose primary purpose is to enhance diagnostic information of medical imaging systems. The position of CM in pharmacology is unique. First, there is the unusual requirement of biological inertness. An ideal CM should be completely biologically inert, i.e., stable, not pharmacologically active, and efficiently and innocuously excretable. Because they fail to meet these requirements, CM must be considered drugs. The second unusual aspect of CM is that they are used in large quantities, their annual production being measured in tens of tons. It is not in spite of, but because of, the increased use of new radiographic systems, computed tomography, digital radiography, etc., that consumption is on the rise. And, it is not likely that the other emerging imaging modalities - NMR, ultrasonography, etc. - will displace radiographic CM soon; it is quite probable that these remarkable compounds will continue to play an active role in diagnostic imaging in the foreseeable future.