Section 4: Contrast-induced AKI

BACKGROUND Contrast-related acute kidney problems are frequent and occur in both ambulatory and hospitalized patients. Since there is accumulating evidence that many risk factors, preventive measures, and the immediate and long-term prognosis of these problems are common to the other causes of AKI, the Work Group believes that there is a need for a unifying definition for all forms of AKI and therefore proposes that the term contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) be used for patients developing AKI secondary to intravascular radiocontrast media exposure. The literature on CI-AKI is predominantly related to AKI following iodinated contrast-media administration. As will be discussed in Appendix E, non–iodine contrast media— notably Gd-containing contrast media—may also occasionally induce AKI.