IS THE SAFETY OF CONTRAST AGENTS AN ISSUE IN BODY COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. To investigate the comparative safety profil es of nonionic and ionic contrast agents in body computed tomography ( CT) studies. METHODs. A literature search was conducted to examine the following variables: image quality, repeat or aborted studies, and th e cost of nonionic agents versus benefits. Data are presented that add ress the following questions: Does administering nonionic agents save time? Are nonionic agents more likely to provide an adequate study? Do es an adequate study necessarily ensure an improved detection rate? RE SULTS. The administration of nonionic contrast does not save time duri ng the body CT studies. There is little significant difference between the sensitivity for making a diagnosis when using an ionic or nonioni c agent. CONCLUSION. The lack of difference in diagnostic sensitivity or time to perform a study between ionic and nonionic agents does not warrant the conversion to nonionic agents in body CT.