Contrast-induced acute kidney injury: what radiologists should know

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury refers to worsening of renal function following the administration of iodinated contrast material. In general, patients at a higher risk for contrast-induced acute kidney injury are elderly and with comorbidities affecting renal function, whose most reliable benchmark is currently considered to be the estimated glomerular filtration rate. The risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury also correlates with factors related to the type and dose of contrast material and its route of administration. Given the ever-expanding role of radiological procedures in the diagnostic and therapeutic workup and the progressive aging of the patient population, radiologists must be familiar with contrast-induced acute kidney injury and the actions suggested to reduce its likelihood. This review aimed to illustrate the definition of contrast-induced acute kidney injury, its pathophysiological background and risk factors, and the preventive measures recommended by current guidelines to minimize the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients receiving iodinated contrast material.