This poster is published under an
open license. Please read the
disclaimer for further details.
Keywords:
Contrast agents, Vascular, Veins / Vena cava, CT, CT-Angiography, Contrast agent-intravenous, Diagnostic procedure, Safety, Outcomes, Biological effects
Authors:
M. S. K. Teo, C. Ong, A. Ying, M. Hng; Singapore/SG
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2015/C-0072
Aims and objectives
Contrast enhanced CT is performed by the intravenous injection of a large volume of contrast at a high rate by an electric power injector.
Extravasation of contrast media is a recognized complication of intravenous administration of contrast.
While not common,
extravasation of contrast can be serious.
It is an adverse outcome for patients.
In mild cases,
extravasation results in pain and swelling of the surrounding tissues.
In severe cases,
tissue necrosis and compartment syndrome may occur.
Surgical procedures may be required to treat these complications.
Extravasation can have potential medico-legal consequences.
Fig 1 and 2.
The reported extravasation rates during CT range from 0.03 % to 1.3 % in the literature.
In 2007,
we had an extravasation rate of 0.16 %.
We felt the true rate may in fact be higher due to under-reporting.
We tracked the rate of extravasation of contrast during CT scan in our department over a period of 7 years and 8 months (Jan 2007 to Aug 2014).
In 2008,
we implemented several measures to try to reduce the rate of extravasation of contrast.