Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website
Publication Briefs

Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury (CIAKI) Following Computed Tomography


The intravascular (IV) administration of iodinated contrast media is a well-recognized cause of acute kidney injury, which is associated with in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Most studies of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) have focused on patients undergoing angiographic procedures. This study sought to assess the incidence and outcomes of CIAKI in veterans undergoing non-emergent, contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the inpatient and outpatient setting. Investigators identified 421 veterans (70% outpatient, 30% inpatient) who underwent non-emergent computed tomography with IV contrast at one VA Medical Center between 2/05 and 7/06, and whose primary risk factor for acute kidney injury was the administration of IV contrast. Serum creatinine levels (used in diagnosing kidney injury) were assessed 48-96 hours post-procedure to evaluate the incidence of CIAKI. Overall, findings show that the incidence of CIAKI varied from 0% to 6.5% based on relative increases in serum creatinine. CIAKI was not associated with need for post-procedure dialysis, hospital admission, or 30-day mortality. Clinically significant CIAKI following non-emergent computed tomography is very uncommon among outpatients with mild kidney disease. These findings have important implications for providers ordering and performing computed tomography, and for future clinical trials of CIAKI.

PubMed Logo Weisbord S, Mor M, Resnick A, Hartwig K, Palevsky P, and Fine M. Incidence and Outcomes of Contrast-Induced AKI Following Computed Tomography. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology September 2008;3(5):1274-81.

This study was partly supported through Dr. Weisbord’s HSR&D Research Career Development award. Except for Dr. Palevsky, all authors are part of HSR&D’s Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Pittsburgh, PA.

Related Briefs

» next 12 Kidney Disease Briefs...


What are HSR Publication Briefs?

HSR requires notification by HSR-funded investigators about all articles accepted for publication. These journal articles are reviewed by HSR and publication briefs or summaries are written for a select number of articles that are then forwarded to VHA Central Office leadership to keep them informed about important findings or information. Articles to be summarized are selected by HSR based on timeliness of the findings, interest of leadership, or potential impact on the organization. Publication briefs are written for only a small number of HSR published articles. Visit the HSR citations database for a complete listing of HSR articles and presentations.


Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.