Contrast nephropathy.

Preexisting renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus and advanced age are risk factors for the development of contrast nephropathy after radiographic procedures in which hypertonic contrast solutions are infused. Preventive measures include careful patient selection, avoidance of volume depletion and, whenever possible, allowance of recovery time between radiographic procedures. The newer contrast agents appear to be safer than the older agents, and they provide improved radiographic detail.