Judith A. W. Webb – författare

Two years only after the publication of the ? rst edition of “Contrast media – Safety issues and ESUR guidelines” in our book series Medical Radiology in 2006, it appeared that a second edition was urgently needed. The ? rst edition was indeed an exceptional success with our readership and sold out rapidly, but moreover the safety of MR contrast media urgently required a reappraisal after the publication of a new and dramatic adverse reaction to some of the gadolini- based agents: the so called NSF syndrome. I am very much indebted to Professor Henrik S. Thomsen and his academic colleagues from the ESUR Contrast Medium Safety Committee for accepting the task to prepare a second edition of their remarkable book.Within a record short period of time they have been able to complete this fully revised new volume. It offers to the readers a comprehensive overview of all problems related to the use of contrast media in modern radiology and of our latest knowledge and insights in the mechanisms of adverse reactions related to contrast media. It answers all questions that radiologists and referring physicians are confronted with in their daily practice when they consider the administration of these agents to their patients.

This is the third edition of a very successful book that originally emerged from the work of a committee set up by the European Society of Urogenital Radiology in 1994 to consider the safety of contrast media used for diagnostic imaging. The new edition not only fully updates the previous edition, but also includes new chapters on complex topics such as pediatric issues and practical aspects of off-label contrast media use. Comprehensive consideration is given to the many different safety issues relating to iodine-based contrast media, gadolinium-based contrast media, microbubbles for ultrasound, and barium sulfate. The text includes chapters on both acute and delayed non-renal adverse reactions and on renal adverse reactions. All of the questions frequently raised in radiological practice are addressed. This book, presented in a handy, easy-to-use format, provides an invaluable, unique, and unparalleled source of information.