Introduction to iodinated contrasts: Properties, intravenous administration and distribution throughout the body

Iodinated contrast media enable greater attenuation of vascular and visceral structures in radiological studies and are widely used due to their high degree of safety, easy administration, acceptable level of tolerance, wide distribution and rapid excretion, qualities determined by their composition.

Automated power injectors are used to administer contrast media. Once injected, contrast is distributed throughout the body, remaining in the intravascular space during its first passage before reaching the organs and spreading into the extracellular interstitial space, followed by a recirculation phenomenon.

In CT studies, the level of contrast enhancement obtained is determined by multiple factors including patient-related factors, contrast medium characteristics, method of administration, equipment and technique. Different methods are available for determining the scan timing depending on the aim of the exploration.