Get Acr Nrdr Ice Registry Iv Contrast Extravasation

If this has happened, you will experience a stinging sensation where the contrast has gone into the tissue which can be painful and can also cause swelling of the arm or hand. This usually wears off after about 30 minutes.

Contrast media extravasation (CMEX) is a complication where there is leakage of intravenously administered contrast agents (either iodine or gadolinium-based), into the surrounding soft-tissues [1]. This can vary in severity from minor discomfort to compartment syndrome, skin ulceration and necrosis.

The difference between an infiltration and extravasation is the type of medicine or fluid that is leaked. Infiltration – if the fluid is a non-vesicant (does not irritate tissue), it is called an infiltration. Extravasation – if the fluid is a vesicant (a fluid that irritates tissue), it is called an extravasation.

If the contrast injection leaks out from the vein to the tissues under your skin, this is called extravasation. It can cause a stinging feeling, but this usually wears off after about 30 minutes. You might also have some swelling of your arm or hand.

A vesicant is an agent that has the potential to cause blistering or tissue necrosis. Radiologic contrast media are considered to be vesicant solutions.

How Is Contrast Extravasation Treated? If contrast extravasation happens, we will have you raise your arm above the level of your heart and apply a cold compress to the IV site. An ice pack also helps to limit any pain you may have—both while you are at the medical center and over the next few days.

A systematic review of 759 047 nonionic low osmolality iodinated contrast media injections,1 the most routinely used in current clinical practice, revealed a 0.26% extravasation rate during CT scans. Most extravasations cause mild swelling, pain, and localized transitory erythema.

There is no clear evidence favoring the use of either warm or cold compresses in cases of extravasation. As a result there are some radiologists who use warm compresses and some who use cold compresses. Those who have used cold have reported that it may be helpful for relieving pain at the injection site.