Contrast Media Flashcards
7 cards from real ARRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Contrast Media flashcards as text
What physiologic mechanism underlies contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN)?
Answer: Renal medullary ischemia and direct tubular cell toxicity from contrast
CIN results from renal medullary vasoconstriction causing ischemia combined with direct cytotoxic effects of contrast on tubular epithelial cells.
A 55-year-old patient develops generalized urticaria approximately 5 minutes after IV contrast injection. This reaction is best classified as:
Answer: A mild acute allergic-like (anaphylactoid) reaction
Generalized urticaria without systemic involvement (no bronchospasm or hypotension) represents a mild acute allergic-like reaction, typically treated with antihistamines.
For a CT abdomen/pelvis with IV contrast, what is the typical scan delay after contrast injection to capture the nephrographic phase of the kidneys?
Answer: 80–120 seconds
The nephrographic phase occurs approximately 80–120 seconds post-injection, when the renal cortex and medulla enhance uniformly, optimizing detection of renal masses.
Which patient condition is an absolute contraindication to intravascular iodinated contrast media administration?
Answer: Previous severe anaphylactic reaction to iodinated contrast without premedication
A prior severe anaphylactic contrast reaction is a contraindication unless the patient is premedicated and the benefit outweighs the risk; the radiologist must be involved.
What is the recommended IV injection rate range for a CT angiography of the aorta using a power injector?
Answer: 3.0–6.0 mL/sec
CTA of the aorta typically requires injection rates of 3–6 mL/sec to achieve sufficient intravascular iodine concentration for diagnostic arterial enhancement.
A delayed adverse reaction to iodinated contrast media most commonly occurs within what timeframe after injection?
Answer: 1 hour to 1 week
Delayed adverse reactions, often skin reactions such as rash or urticaria, typically occur between 1 hour and 1 week after contrast administration.
When using bolus tracking for a contrast-enhanced CT aorta study, where is the region of interest (ROI) typically placed to trigger scanning?
Answer: Descending aorta at the level of the diaphragm or ascending aorta
For aortic CTA, the ROI for bolus tracking is placed in the aorta (ascending or at the diaphragm level) to trigger acquisition when contrast reaches the threshold HU.