This volume highlights and broadens our understanding of the correct use and the possible contraindications of contrast agents applied in radiology. Written by experts in the field, it not only focuses on the chemistry, physiochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of both iodinated and gadolinium-containing contrast agents, but also on the relevant safety issues such as frequency of their short- and long-term side effects and ways to avoid them nephrotoxicity risk related to the iodinated contrast agents NSF (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis) accumulation of gadolinium in the brain use of contrast agents in pediatric patients and pregnancy It also includes essential data on the use of contrast agents, such as scanning protocols, in the context of various clinical conditions. This comprehensive manual addresses all professionals involved in radiological imaging and is an invaluable tool for radiologists and technologists, as well as for residents and clinicians.

This is the first time detailed and updated information on the targeted delivery of imaging agents has been collected into a single handbook. This comprehensive volume presents the scientific background together with the latest experimental and clinical data in this fast-growing area. The Handbook of Targeted Delivery of Imaging Agents meets the requirements of the broadest audience including researchers, practitioners, and students. The basic principles of targeted delivery of imaging are presented and discussed together with various imaging agents and different imaging modalities such as gamma-imaging, MR-imaging, and CT, PET, and SPECT imaging. The book consists of eight parts and 39 chapters covering all aspects of targeted drug delivery-from the imaging theory and chemistry of imaging agents to their experimental and clinical use for targeted visualization of cancer, including ovarian, prostate, colorectal, and thyroid cancer, cardiovascular (atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and thromboses) and neurological diseases, infection, and inflammation sites. A special section discusses the targeted delivery of imaging agents into lymph nodes, which are often sites of metasteses during different malignant diseases. Monoclonal antibody-based targeted imaging agents are considered together with new approaches involving the use of labeled micelles, liposomes, and polymer-coated particles. The book describes the possible application of designer antibodies for the delivery of diagnostic agents, including the preparation, properties, labeling, and experimental use of multifunctional antibodies. The alternative improvement of antibody-directed targeting describes the application of avidin-biotin system for the delivery of imaging agents. Long circulating blood pool imaging agents are considered as a special group of organ-specific pharmaceuticals. The latest trends in the synthesis of immunoscintigraphic, MR, and CT agents are presented. This Handbook of Targeted Delivery of Imaging Agents is a must-have reference for all those who need to stay abreast of the latest developments in this hot field.

Contrast media are drugs by default. Had there been no default, there would be no need for a related pharmacology, and thus no need for this book. Radiographic contrast media (CM) are substances whose primary purpose is to enhance diagnostic information of medical imaging systems. The position of CM in pharmacology is unique. First, there is the unusual requirement of biological inertness. An ideal CM should be completely biologically inert, i.e., stable, not pharmacologically active, and efficiently and innocuously excretable. Because they fail to meet these requirements, CM must be considered drugs. The second unusual aspect of CM is that they are used in large quantities, their annual production being measured in tens of tons. It is not in spite of, but because of, the increased use of new radiographic systems, computed tomography, digital radiography, etc., that consumption is on the rise. And, it is not likely that the other emerging imaging modalities - NMR, ultrasonography, etc. - will displace radiographic CM soon; it is quite probable that these remarkable compounds will continue to play an active role in diagnostic imaging in the foreseeable future.

This issue of MRI Clinics of North America focuses on Update on Imaging Contrast Agents, and is edited by Drs. Carlos Zamora, Mauricio Castillo, Richard Semelka. Articles will include: Historical Perspective of Imaging Contrast Agents; Current Radiographic Iodinated Contrast Agents; Contrast-enhanced Sonography; Myelography: From Lipid-based to Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents; Acute Allergic Reactions with Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents: Diagnosis and Treatment; Deposition and Chronic Toxicity of Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents; Managing Allergic Reactions to Contrast Agents; Safety of Contrast Material Use in Children; Molecular Imaging and Contrast Agents; Contrast Agents for MR Imaging: Gadolinium, Manganese, SPIO, Superparamagnetic Iron Platinum, and Oral Agents; Contrast-induced Nephropathy: Pathophysiology, Manifestations, Prevention, and Management; and more!

This revised edition of Contrast Media: Safety Issues and Guidelines, updates the successful first edition and contains new chapters. It provides an invaluable, unique and unparalleled source of information on the safety issues relating to contrast media.

In this volume experts answer questions which are frequently asked about theproperties and handling of X-ray contrast media, providing a good source of reference in the use of these agents and which should help to reduce the rate of adverrse effects. In addition, basic information is provided on the development, toxicology, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and clinical testing of X-ray contrast media. Finally, a look at the prospects for contrast media in magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound underlines the increasing importance of these diagnostic imaging procedures. This book will be of interest to physicians and their staff alike.