Radiopacity of Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate in Computed Tomography: a case of a patient with Hyperkalemia and kidney disease

Abstract

Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) is commonly used for treating hyperkalemia because it sequesters gastrointestinal potassium ions, thereby reducing serum potassium levels. However, a less-discussed aspect of SZC is its radiopacity on x-ray-based imaging techniques. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has only vaguely addressed this issue. Radiopaque substances like SZC can interfere with diagnostic imaging, creating challenges for clinicians and radiologists. We present the case of a 34-year-old Italian male to illustrate these concerns.

Keywords

• Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate
• radiopacity
• Computed Tomography (CT) imaging
• hyperkalemia
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
• diagnostic imaging