Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: Risk Factors, Clinical Implication, Diagnostics Approach, Prevention

Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is an important and well‐known complication in pa‐ tients with chronic renal insufficiency undergoing both coronary angiography and coronary interventions. The estimated incidence of CN after coronary angiography was around 15%. In fact, CIN is the third leading cause of acute renal failure in hospitalized patients [1]. CIN is usually transient disorder, but in some cases may result in residual permanent renal dam‐ age, prolong hospital stay and increase medical cost [2]. Renal failure increases the risk of developing severe nonrenal complications that can lead to death. The mortality rate in sub‐ jects without renal failure was 7%, compared with 34% in patients with renal failure [3]. With the increasing number of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, it is expected that the burden of such iatrogenic complications will exponentially increase and effective preventive measures are necessary.