Kidney
Many contrast media are excreted from our body via the kidneys. They can cause severe damage, especially to kidneys that are already damaged. With increasing age, but also with existing diabetes mellitus, the risk is particularly high.
In order to recognize possible risks in good time, patients must have their kidney values (especially creatinine) determined before the administration of contrast media. According to the latest studies, high fluid intake before and after administration can significantly prevent kidney damage. For various reasons, imaging of your head may be unavoidable.
By means of MRI or CT images, doctors can make quick statements about possible disease processes within your brain. Basically, it is decided in each individual case whether a contrast medium is necessary. Very often, however, detailed assessments can only be made by increasing the contrast. For example, in the case of multiple sclerosis, even the smallest changes in the brain can be detected exclusively with contrast medium. Contrast-enhanced images also provide valuable details in brain tumor diagnostics.
Pregnancy
Examinations with X-rays, i.e. CT and conventional X-rays, are not normally used during pregnancy, as radiation can be dangerous for the healthy development of the unborn child. In the case of the MRI equipment used in practice, research and practical experience has shown that there is basically no evidence of any possible danger to the unborn child. Nevertheless, the examination is avoided as a precautionary measure during the first three months. The administration of contrast medium should therefore be used with extreme caution during pregnancy. However, as soon as potentially life-threatening situations arise for the expectant mother and a contrast-enhancing examination could be life-saving, the risk of damage to the embryo must be accepted.
Conclusion
In summary, modern medicine is unthinkable without contrast media. In X-rays, CT and MRI, they help to distinguish similar tissue more clearly. In the vast majority of cases, the application is problem-free and those affected hardly experience any side effects. Only in some clinical pictures, such as renal insufficiency or hyperthyroidism, must the risks and benefits be carefully weighed against each other.
