Iodine in contrast media
Contrast agents are used in various imaging procedures to make certain structures more visible. Such imaging techniques include X-ray examinations or magnetic resonance imaging. In such examinations, contrast agents are sometimes administered prior to imaging.
Some of these contrast media contain iodine. Contrast media work by amplifying or modifying the signal generated by the examination and converted into images. For example, contrast media containing iodine make vessels otherwise invisible in X-ray examinations visible if they were previously injected into the vessels.
In general, contrast media containing iodine are injected as water-soluble substances into the vessels or tissue or into hollow organs. For example, contrast media containing iodine are used to visualize the kidneys and the urinary tract or the veins and arteries. Different iodine-containing contrast media generally differ in the substances to which the iodine is bound (carrier substances).
The different contrast media differ in their effect and compatibility. A possible side effect of using contrast media containing iodine is hyperthyroidism.Before using contrast media containing iodine, it is essential to clarify any thyroid disorders. Contrast media containing iodine are excreted almost completely (90%) via the kidneys.
