Which imaging exams use contrast materials?

 

 CT images of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including:

• pharynx
• esophagus
• stomach
• the small intestine
• the large intestine (colon)

In some situations, iodine-based contrast materials are substituted for barium-sulfate contrast materials for oral administration.

Intravenous Contrast Materials
Iodine-based

Iodine-based contrast materials injected into a vein (intravenously) are used to enhance x-ray and CT images. Typically they are used to enhance the:

• internal organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, adrenal glands, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, uterus, and bladder
• gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, small intestine and large intestine
• arteries and veins of the body, including vessels in the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and legs
• soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, fat and skin
• brain
• breast