The Effect of Iodine-based Contrast Material on Radiation Dose at CT: It's Complicated

Sahbaee et al have underscored the importance of considering the role of injected contrast material on radiation dose at CT. While their study likely defines the extreme upper bounds of dose enhancement when intervascular iodine contrast material is used at CT, iodine does produce a slight enhancement in dose deposition locally to vascular structures in the body. Given that, on average, more than 200 000 CT scans are performed in the United States each day, the studies by Sahbaee et al should serve to stimulate continued research into the microdosimetry methods and models required to understand the biologic effect and potentially increased radiation risk when iodine-based contrast agents are used. © RSNA, 2017.