SAGE Publications, International Journal of Stroke, 7(10), p. 1014-1017, 2015
DOI: 10.1111/ijs.12605
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Background: Multi-modal CT (MMCT) to guide decision making for reperfusion treatment is increasingly used, but there remains a perceived risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). At our center, MMCT is used empirically without waiting for serum-creatinine (sCR) or renal profiling. Aims: To determine the incidence of CIN, examine the risk factors predisposing to its development, and investigate its effects on clinical outcome in the acute stroke population. Methods: An institution-wide protocol was implemented for acute stroke presentations to have MMCT (100-150ml nonionic tri-iodinated contrast, perfusion CT and CT angiography) without waiting for serum-creatinine to minimize delays. Intravenous saline is routinely infused (80-125ml/h) for at least 24-h after MMCT. Serial creatinine levels were measured at baseline, risk period, and follow-up. Renal profiles and clinical progress were reviewed up to 90 days. Results: We analyzed 735 consecutive patients who had MMCT for the evaluation of acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke during the last five-years. A total of 623 patients met the inclusion criteria for analysis: 16 cases (2·6%) biochemically qualified as CIN; however, the risk period serum-creatinine for 15 of these cases was confounded by dehydration, urinary tract infection, or medications. None of the group had progression to chronic kidney disease or required dialysis. Conclusions: The incidence of CIN is low when MMCT is used routinely to assess acute stroke patients. In this population, CIN was a biochemical phenomenon that did not have clinical manifestations, cause chronic kidney disease, require dialysis, or negatively impact on 90-day mRS outcomes. Renal profiling and waiting for a baseline serum-creatinine are an unnecessary delay to emergency reperfusion treatment.