
Radcomics
Vol.1
What to consider for contrast CT & MRI on the same day
Patient Condition | Iodine-Based Contrast Media (ICM) | Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents (GBCA) |
Combined Imaging (ICM + GBCA) |
---|---|---|---|
Normal Renal Function (eGFR > 60) |
12 hours (optimally) | 12 hours (optimally) | 6 hours (optimally) |
4 hours (minimally) | 4 hours (minimally) | 2 hours (minimally) | |
Moderately Reduced Renal Function (eGFR 30-60) |
48 hours (optimally) | 48 hours (optimally) | 48 hours (optimally) |
16 hours (minimally) | 16 hours (minimally) | 16 hours (minimally) | |
Severely Reduced Renal Function (eGFR < 30) |
7 days (optimally) | 7 days (optimally) | 7 days (optimally) |
2.5 days (minimally) | 2.5 days (minimally) | 2.5 days (minimally) |
Additional comments
When combining contrast-enhanced CT or (coronary) angiography with an iodine-based contrast medium and contrast-enhanced MRI with gadolinium-based contrast agent on the same day in an elective situations, it is better to start with the MRI examination, unless the CT examination is intended for the kidneys, ureters, or bladder

*In emergency or life-threatening situations, employ less waiting time between successive a) iodine-based contrast media administrations or b) gadolinium-based contrast agent administrations. Not enough evidence for combined scans
Van Der Molen, A. J., Dekkers, I. A., Geenen, R. W. F., Bellin, M., Bertolotto, M., Brismar, T. B., Correas, J., Heinz-Peer, G., Mahnken, A. H., Quattrocchi, C. C., Radbruch, A.,Reimer, P., Roditi, G., Romanini, L., Sebastià, C., Stacul, F., & Clement, O. (2023). Waiting times between examinations with intravascularly administered contrast media: a review of contrast media pharmacokinetics and updated ESUR Contrast Media Safety Committee guidelines. European Radiology, 34(4), 2512–2523. https://doi.org/10.1007/