Bracco Diagnostics

Robert G. Mitchell, senior manager, contrast imaging solutions, explains how Bracco Diagnostics' acquisition of E-Z-EM further positions the company as a global leader in diagnostic imaging in radiology and cardiology. The merger allows for significant growth opportunities as E-Z-EM complements Bracco's comprehensive repertoire of diagnostic imaging agents.

December 1, 2008 – At RSNA 2008, Bracco highlighted studies of its products that were the subject of multiple studies this past year, which reportedly demonstrated the company’s dedication to the manufacture of products that provide clinical safety and efficacy, including the following:

Over the past year, headlines across industry and consumer media have highlighted FDA warnings on the dangers of gadolinium-based contrast agents. To date, it has become common knowledge and a FDA black box warning that gadolinium-based agents run the risk of causing Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSF/NFD).

In this retrospectively gated full thoracic CT study, the examination was performed using the LightSpeed VCT 64 system with 0.625 mm detector collimation, retrospective cardiac gating and mono-sector reconstruction. The patient received three 5 mg injections of Metoprolol intravenously for cardiac rate control. Heart rate during acquisition was 64 to 65 BPM.

Gastrografin (diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium solution USP) is a palatable lemon-flavored, water-soluble iodinated radiopaque contrast medium for oral or rectal administration used for radiographic examination of segments of the gastrointestinal tract and as an adjunct to contrast enhancement in CT of the torso.