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European Radiology
Published in: European Radiology 5/2005

01-05-2005 | Contrast Media

Safety of ultrasound contrast agents

Authors: Jarl Å. Jakobsen, Raymond Oyen, Henrik S. Thomsen, Sameh K. Morcos, Members of Contrast Media Safety Committee of European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR)

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 5/2005

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Abstract

The use of ultrasound contrast agents has increased over recent years. The Contrast Media Safety Committee (CMSC) of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) decided to review the safety of ultrasound contrast agents in humans and to draw up guidelines. A comprehensive literature search and review was carried out. The resulting report was discussed by the CMSC of ESUR and at the 11th European Symposium on Urogenital Radiology in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, in 2004. Ultrasound contrast agents approved for clinical use are well tolerated, and serious adverse reactions are rarely observed. Adverse events are usually minor (e.g. headache, nausea, altered taste, sensation of heat) and self-resolving. These symptoms may not be related to the ultrasound contrast materials as they have also been observed in placebo–control groups. Intolerance to some components may occur. Generalized allergy-like reactions occur rarely. Ultrasound contrast agents are generally safe. The ultrasound scanning time and the acoustic output should be kept to the lowest level consistent with obtaining diagnostic information. Adverse reactions should be treated symptomatically.
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Metadata
Title
Safety of ultrasound contrast agents
Authors
Jarl Å. Jakobsen
Raymond Oyen
Henrik S. Thomsen
Sameh K. Morcos
Members of Contrast Media Safety Committee of European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR)
Publication date
01-05-2005
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 5/2005
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-004-2601-0

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