Contrast Media - A Review

Abstract

When the clinical procedure alone fails to achieve accurate diagnosis, there is need to proceed from the simpler, more innocuous technique to other more complex invasive investigations. Radiography is one such simple procedure. They have limitations in their ability of visualization of pathology. Various experiments were performed with various materials to enhance the absorption or transmission of the X-rays and found that if the density of a structure of interest is too low to be visualized on an X-ray image, or if the subject contrast is too low to meet specific diagnostic needs, the contrast and density can be improved artificially. Thus the introduction of contrast agents and its application In contrast radiography assumed a pivotal role in the present day diagnosis and treatment of diseases. At this juncture an attempt has been made to review the literature regarding the history of contrast media, chemistry classification, Ideal requirements, adverse reactions and its use.