Purpose of review: In this review, we provide a summary of the recently published literature on various methods of preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and radiation-related injuries associated with cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Recent findings: The overall reported incidence of CI-AKI is declining, primarily due to adaptation of a standardized definition for CI-AKI as well as implementation of pre-procedural protocols to prevent or decrease the risk of CI-AKI. The implementation of increasing awareness and establishing radiation protection culture has been shown to be effective measures in reducing radiation exposure. Coronary angiography and PCI are valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tools in cardiovascular medicine. Accurate imaging of the coronary arteries in cardiac catheterization is dependent on the use of intravascular injection of iodinated contrast media and fluoroscopic imaging. Patients undergoing diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization may be exposed to a substantial amount of contrast media and ionizing radiation. Administration of contrast media is correlated with increased risk of CI-AKI, and exposure to radiation is known to be associated with a spectrum of acute and chronic tissue injuries.
Keywords: Cardiac catheterization; Contrast-induced acute kidney injury; Contrast-induced nephropathy; Radiation injury.