Contrast-Enhanced CT Does Not Increase Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Adults

Among 7,772 critically ill adults, contrast-enhanced CT did not raise risk of acute kidney injury within 48 hours: 19.3% vs 20.4% for noncontrast scans, per an Emergency Radiology study. No link to later AKI, renal replacement therapy, or creatinine changes.

• No significant difference in AKI rates was observed at 72 hours or cumulatively through seven days.
• Contrast was not associated with time to first kidney injury, need for renal replacement therapy, or longitudinal creatinine changes.
• The findings suggest that withholding contrast solely for nephrotoxicity concerns may be unnecessary; renal risk should be weighed against diagnostic value.

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