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Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

contrast staining

Persistent retention of contrast agent within the vessel wall, indicating dissection or vessel wall injury.

Full Definition

Contrast staining refers to the persistent retention of contrast material within the arterial wall that becomes apparent on delayed angiographic images, indicating disruption of the vessel wall integrity. This finding typically suggests coronary dissection, vessel wall injury, or contained perforation that allows contrast to extravasate into the vessel wall layers. Contrast staining appears as a persistent density that outlasts normal contrast clearance and may be associated with chest pain or electrocardiographic changes. While some degree of staining may be benign and resolve spontaneously, significant or expanding staining may require intervention such as prolonged balloon inflation, covered stent placement, or surgical repair. Recognition of contrast staining is important for risk stratification and treatment planning.

Usage

Usage note: Document the location, extent, and management of contrast staining.

In Context

  • "Mild contrast staining was noted at the balloon inflation site but resolved without intervention." — Procedural complication assessment
  • "Progressive contrast staining prompted placement of a covered stent to seal the vessel wall injury." — Interventional management report

Also known as

contrast extravasation vessel wall staining

Contrasted with

normal contrast clearance

Don't confuse with

thrombus slow flow vessel tortuosity

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