Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) is commonly used for treating hyperkalemia because it sequesters gastrointestinal potassium ions, thereby reducing serum potassium levels. However, a less-discussed aspect of SZC is its radiopacity on x-ray-based imaging techniques. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has only vaguely addressed this issue. Radiopaque substances like SZC can interfere with diagnostic imaging, creating challenges for clinicians and radiologists. We present the case of a 34-year-old Italian male to illustrate these concerns.
Keywords: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); Computed Tomography (CT) imaging; Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate; diagnostic imaging; hyperkalemia; radiopacity.