Contrast Nephropathy: A Paradigm for Cardiorenal Interactions in Clinical Practice

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is defined as acute deterioration of renal function after intravascular administration of iodinated contrast agents, in the absence of other causes. Laboratory diagnosis is expressed as an increase in serum creatinine levels of 0.5 mg/dL (or 44 μmol/L) or a 25% or greater relative increase from baseline 48-72 hours after a diagnostic or interventional procedure, even if the clinical significance of this definition in the absence of pre-existing renal failure is questionable (Thomsen & Morcos, 2006).