CT scan and Omnipaque contrast injection

Just had a letter from the hospital today. I have a CT scan booked for tomorrow morning! Despite being very short notice, I guess I should be grateful.

This has come about due being flagged for cancer screening due to losing nearly 2 stone in 4 months. See my earlier post regarding overlapping symtoms and currently taking folic acid for vitamin B9 deficiency.

I'm not worried about the CT scan so much but as I've had two blood tests in the last few weeks showing eGFR of 49 (same 2 weeks apart) I am worried about the Omnipaque contrast causing issues. I note on the form I have to fill in that it asks if I have any kidney problems and what my eGFR is.

I'm very new to all of this having been very lucky with my health up to now. Any thoughts or encouragement welcome. God bless.

[Darlenia]

My husband has had many CT scans before and after his kidney transplant - heart, brain, kidneys, etc. They truly are essential in many situations. We discovered that the best way to present your concerns over contrast etc. is to let the radiologist know you've been diagnosed with CKD the moment he steps into your room and introduces himself. (Even though you may have mentioned it in paperwork and so forth, the info rarely lands in the hands of the radiologist on duty that day.) In our experience, a good radiologist will make adjustments then and there - sometimes in discussion with the attending doctor. For example, my husband's cardiologist felt he could still read the pics with less contrast. However, his neurologist needed the full amount to figure out how to best remove his hematoma. So be prepared for any outcome. Then, don't forget to ask ask what can be done to remove as much as the contrast from your body after the the procedure is done - perhaps they will ask you to drink a lot of water, etc. I'm glad to say that nothing significant happened to my hubby's kidney labs during any of them. Trust all goes well with you!

[Hidden in reply to Darlenia]

Thanks Darlenia. I'll make a point of my CKD as soon as I get there and how to flush it out.

[Badger2024 in reply to Darlenia]

Great advice Darlenia. I would advise the same. Good luck Steve

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

Gadolinum is fine. Iodine is what is concerning. I would ask what kind of contrast. The scans can be done without contrast but do not show as much detail. You want to make an informed decision.

[Coasties]

My father had CKD and said it worsened significantly after having dye for a standard procedure. I wouldn’t let them put dye into you

[userotc]

The links below confirm that there are risks albeit that its only ~1% unless egfr <30 (1st link). Gadolinium-containing contrast dyes can affect ~4% with "advanced" CKD, according to 2nd link. Any adverse effect on serum creatinine should only last up to 14 days but may be longer, according to 3rd link.

My mum is due soon for her now bi-yearly CT following kidney cancer and nephrectomy >7y ago and her bloods including serum creatinine will be done first. 🤞🤞

radiology.ucsf.edu/blog/abd...

kidney.org/kidney-topics/co...

cancertherapyadvisor.com/ho...

[Beachgirl32]

when I was not on dialysis yet I know my kidney doctor said no to contrast so I always told them no do it without contrast. When I went on dialysis then I said to contrast cause the dye could be flush out through dialysis . I know some were not happy not doing contrast but every time they did it they could still see what my problem was. Best of luck to you prayers lifted for you

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Just make sure you drink plenty of water after the test to flush out the contrast out of your kidneys. Best of luck with the results.

[Hidden]

Well had the CT scan. I did mention the kidney issues (it was recognised on my paperwork anyway) They stuck on the view that my eGFR of49 was OK for the contrast and said they'd only be concerned if it was below 30! The worst part was working out how to put my hospital gown on! 🙄

So I had the contrast and just hope I'll be OK. Part of me is OK about it as it is more likely to show up any issues .

Now drinking lots of water to flush it out.

Thanks again to all of you for your input It did make things a bit easier for me. I have a very simple faith but pray we all find peace.

[RVerJ]

We all have peace! Amen!! Good luck, Steve, you'll be in my simple prayers.