Current evidence on prevention and management of contrast-induced nephropathy.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has been a hot topic within the field of radiology for many years. Nearly all studies of CIN have involved intraarterial injection. Only a few prospective randomized studies have investigated the incidence of CIN after intravenous administration of contrast medium, despite the fact that patients with reduced renal function are similarly at increased risk. Whereas volume expansion reduces the risk of CIN, there is no evidence that the use of the nonionic dimer iodixanol and acetylcysteine are beneficial in reducing the rate of CIN in patients requiring intravenous administration of contrast medium. Gadolinium-based contrast media should not be used for CT.