Contrast media safety and managing at-risk patients: Update 2008

Abstract

The use of iodinated contrast media (CM) for radiological and cardiological applications continues to increase. An estimated 50 million computed tomography (CT) exams are performed annually, with almost 50% involving the use of contrast material. Additionally, 500,000 procedures are done annually for peripheral arterial interventions, and 3 million coronary diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures are done each year in the USA alone. In this chapter, we review recent developments in the field of contrast-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN). © 2008 Springer-Verlag Milan.