Kontrastmittelarten

Kontrastmittelarten are substances used in medical imaging to enhance the visibility of internal body structures on X-ray images. They are typically injected into a patient's bloodstream and absorb X-rays differently than surrounding tissues, allowing for better visualization. There are two main types of contrast media: ionic and non-ionic.

Ionic contrast media contain iodine and are further divided into high-osmolar and low-osmolar types. High-osmolar ionic contrast media, such as iopromide and iopamidol, have a higher concentration of iodine and are generally used for angiography procedures, which involve injecting contrast into blood vessels. Low-osmolar ionic contrast media, like iohexol, have a lower concentration of iodine and are often used for computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis.

Non-ionic contrast media do not contain iodine and are typically used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. They are based on gadolinium and are classified as linear (e.g., gadopentetate dimeglumine) or macrocyclic (e.g., gadobutrol). Linear contrast media are generally used for liver and kidney imaging, while macrocyclic contrast media are often used for brain imaging.

Both ionic and non-ionic contrast media have potential side effects, which can include allergic reactions, kidney damage, and contrast-induced nephropathy. Therefore, patients are typically pre-screened for allergies, and contrast media are administered with caution, especially in patients with kidney disease. The choice of contrast medium depends on the specific imaging procedure and the body part being examined.