Intravenous Contrast Media Extravasation in Patients Undergoing Computerized Tomography Scanning in a Hospital in Southern Brazil: Patients Profile and Possible Related Causes

• Published in: Journal of radiology nursing 2024-06, Vol.43 (2), p.153-157
• Main Authors: Bertoldi, Karine, Pretto Báo, Ana Cristina, Gaedke Nomura, Aline Tsuma, Glaeser, Alesandra, Cristine de Souza da Silveira, Jeane, Menna Barreto, Luciana Nabinger, Lauer, Rodrigo D'Avila, Johansson Timponi, Sabrina Curia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computerized tomography; Contrast media extravasation; Risk factors
• ISSN: 1546-0843; 1555-9912
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jradnu.2024.01.005

Contrast media extravasation (CME) is a well-known adverse event that can occur during the computerized tomography (CT). Studies about the risk factors related to these events are necessary to prevent its occurrence. The purpose of the study was to identify risk factors and possible related causes associated with CME in patients undergoing CT. A retrospective and quantitative study performed in a hospital in southern Brazil. Data from patients who had undergone intravenous contrast computer tomography scanning between March 2022 and May 2023 were collected and descriptive statistics was used. This study demonstrated that the highest incidence of CME occurred in males and inpatients, with age >60 being the greatest risk factor (82%). Additional risk factors such as fragile veins and contrast infusion rates >3 mL/sec were associated with more than 75% of the extravasations. In the absence of severe injury, all patients were treated with conservative medical management. Risk factors such as male, inpatient, age >60, and fragile veins are likely to predispose the patient to a higher incident of a CME event. Although severe injuries are rare, identifying the risk factors is important to minimize its incidence. •Older patients and inpatients are more susceptible to contrast media extravasation.•High infusion rates of contrast media can increase the risk of extravasation.•Most cases of extravasation were moderate and conservative management was indicated.