The Incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Among Low-Risk Cancer Patients with Preserved Renal Function on Active Treatment Undergoing Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography - A Single-Site Experience

Sep 30, 2026

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common iatrogenic complication after intravenous iodinated contrast exposure, potentially causing renal insufficiency, higher care costs, and increased mortality risk. This prospective single-center study assessed CIN incidence and predictors of renal function in cancer patients undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) between December 2021 and December 2023. Among 80 participants, CIN incidence was 3.75% with no significant short-term Scr changes after contrast exposure; regression showed no meaningful predictors.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Pages11

Reading Time28 min

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Abstract

Background/Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

1. Introduction

Article The Incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Among Low-Risk Cancer Patients with Preserved Renal Function on Active Treatment Undergoing Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography: A Single-Site Experience Ahmad Subahi 1,2,3, Nada Alhazmi 1,2,3,*, Maryam Lardi 2,4, Fatimah Alkathiri 2,4, Layan Bokhari 2,4, Sultanah Alqahtani 2,4, Nesreen Abourokba 2,3,5 and Khalid Alshamrani 2,3,4 Academic Editor: Ioannis Ilias Received: 25 November 2025 Revised: 25 December 2025 Accepted: 29 December 2025 Published: 3 January 2026 Copyright: © 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. 1 Basic Sciences, College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah 21428, Saudi Arabia 2 King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah 12211, Saudi Arabia 3 Ministry of the National Guard—Health Affairs, Jeddah 22384, Saudi Arabia 4 College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia 5 College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah 22490, Saudi Arabia * Correspondence: [alhazmin@ksau-hs.edu.sa](alhazmin@ksau-hs.edu.sa) Abstract Background/Objectives: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common iatrogenic or medically induced condition among patients who receive intravenous infusion of iodinated contrast media that can cause renal insufficiency, raise the cost of care, and increase mortality risk. This study evaluated the incidence of CIN and predictors of renal function among cancer patients receiving contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) . Methods: A prospective, single-center longitudinal study was conducted at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City’s (Jeddah) medical imaging department from December 2021 to December 2023 . Convenience sampling was used to select patients who were exposed to CECT based on data filled in the electronic medical record during the study period. Results: The final sample constituted 80 patients (47.71% attrition, mean age = 55.5 years, 58.75% male) . The high attrition rate was associated with participants with incomplete records, those who were lost to follow-up, and those whose follow-up Scr was collected after 72 h from CECT administration. There was no statistically significant change in Scr following contrast exposure (mean increase 0.9 µmol/L; paired t = 1.41, p = 0.162; Wilcoxon p = 0.326) . The incidence of CIN was 3.75%(3 of 80 patients; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.28–10.39%) . Regression analysis showed no statistically significant associations between the percentage change in Scr and age, sex, baseline creatinine, or eGFR category (model R2 = 0.07) . No clinically meaningful predictors of CIN were identified. Conclusions: The incidence of CIN in this study’s cohort of low-risk cancer patients undergoing CECT was low, and contrast exposure did not produce significant short-term changes in renal function. These findings support the safety of modern contrast agents in oncology imaging, but multi-center studies with larger samples and more robust methods are warranted to refine CIN risk assessment in cancer patients undergoing CECT. Keywords: contrast-induced nephropathy; contrast-enhanced computed tomography; oncologic imaging; iodinated contrast media; cancer patients; serum creatinine; estimated glomerular filtrate rate; renal function; incidence; contrast safety 1. Introduction Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common iatrogenic or medically induced condition among residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that is associated with high costs of care, renal insufficiency, and mortality [1–3] . This condition results from intravenous infusion of iodinated contrast media [1] . CIN is clinically defined as at least a 0.5 mg/dL or 25% increase in seru

FAQs

What is contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in this study?

CIN is an iatrogenic condition linked to intravenous iodinated contrast media that can lead to renal insufficiency. It is commonly defined using increases in serum creatinine within 24–72 hours after contrast administration.

How was the incidence of CIN evaluated among low-risk cancer patients?

A prospective single-center longitudinal design was used, selecting patients exposed to CECT based on electronic medical record data from December 2021 to December 2023.

Did contrast-enhanced CT cause significant short-term changes in renal function?

No statistically significant change in serum creatinine was observed after contrast exposure, and regression analysis found no statistically significant associations between Scr change percentage and age, sex, baseline creatinine, or eGFR category.

Sep 30, 2026

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