Assessment of Tissue Histotoxicity and Effective Dose of computed tomography (CT) Contrast Media

Abstract Background: A computed tomography (CT) scan is one of the most prevalent techniques used for disease diagnosis. Clinically, CT scans might necessitate contrast media (CM) to enhance the clarity of images of different tissues and organs. Presently, iodinated contrast is widely utilized despite several drawbacks. The main current concern is regarding the potential toxicity of combining a high effective dose with CM injection in CT imaging diagnosis. Objectives: This study represents two main areas: first, measurement of risks of CT radiation to the diagnostic organ. Second, it scrutinizes the histotoxicity of CM. Materials and Methods: This study involves in vitro and in vivo assessment of the measured doses’ effectiveness and histotoxicity effects of CM in CT imaging. The main focus lies in evaluating the histotoxicity impact of intravenously injected CM on animals. Furthermore, the assessment of collecting blood samples was evaluated for human patients. Results: CM impact was validated through injected animals to evaluate its effect on kidney function. Outcomes indicate no deterioration but a slight increment in creatinine levels. CT examinations were examined for patient diagnosis, revealing a significant correlation between the patient’s age and effective dose ( P < 0.05); a higher effective dose was observed in 15–30-year-old patients; however, there are no significant gender-based distribution differences. Conclusion: These findings highlight the critical need to strike a careful balance between the advantages of diagnostic efficacy and the potential risks linked with CM-enhanced CT imaging. This is crucial in the optimization of protocols to mitigate radiation exposure, maintaining diagnostic accuracy and ensuring patient safety.