Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Clinical Presentation

Updated: Nov 19, 2021
  • Author: Anita Basu, MD, FACP; Chief Editor: Vecihi Batuman, MD, FASN  more...
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Presentation

History and Physical Examination

Patients with contrast-induced nephropathy usually present 24-48 hours after receiving intravenous contrast during a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure (eg, percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]). The acute kidney injury is usually nonoliguric.

A physical examination is useful for ruling out other causes of acute nephropathy, such as cholesterol emboli (characteristic findings of which include blue toe and livedo reticularis) or drug-induced interstitial nephritis (which typically involves a rash). Patients may have evidence of volume depletion or may be in decompensated heart failure. See DDx/Diagnostic Considerations.