contrast extravasation
The abnormal leakage of contrast material from blood vessels into surrounding tissues, indicating vascular injury or increased permeability.
Full Definition
Contrast extravasation refers to the pathological leakage of contrast material from the vascular space into the extravascular tissues during contrast-enhanced imaging studies. In cardiovascular imaging, this finding may indicate acute vessel injury, rupture, or increased microvascular permeability associated with inflammation or ischemia-reperfusion injury. Contrast extravasation can be observed in various scenarios including coronary perforation during intervention, myocardial rupture, or microvascular injury following acute myocardial infarction. Recognition of this finding is critical as it may require immediate clinical intervention and can significantly impact patient management and prognosis.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from normal contrast enhancement patterns by location and timing.
In Context
- "Contrast extravasation was noted in the pericardial space, suggesting coronary perforation during the intervention." — Interventional cardiology report
- "MRI demonstrated focal contrast extravasation consistent with microvascular injury in the infarct zone." — Cardiac MRI report