Radiologic contrast-induced nephropathy.

Contrast nephropathy is the third most common cause of hospital-acquired renal insufficiency. While its exact pathogenesis is unclear, patients with existing renal disease are now known to be at increased risk for developing this complication. Identification of these patients by determination of serum creatinine levels may enable avoidance of contrast exposure or initiation of suitable therapy to minimize this complication if exposure to contrast is unavoidable.