Contrast media and the kidney: European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines.

The Contrast Media Safety Committee of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) has looked at the effects of contrast media on the kidney including prevention of contrast medium induced nephropathy. This has resulted in four reports dealing with 1) contrast medium induced nephrotoxicity, 2) haemodialysis and contrast media, 3) use of gadolinium contrast media instead of iodinated contrast media and 4) contrast media injection in diabetic patients receiving metformin. The review presents an overview of these four reports and offers the current understanding of the interaction between contrast agents and the kidney.