Abstract: Since the first successful case of femoral artery angiography using 50% sodium iodide in the United States in 1924,contrast agents have been constantly upgraded from ionic and nonionic contrast media to high,isotonic and hypotonic permeability media. Their applications range from enhanced CT to coronary angiography and coronary artery intervention therapy. Contrast agents are not limited to the field of diagnosis and are gradually applied to treatment. Along with their efficacy in diagnosis and treatment of diseases,side effects of contrast agent products can affect the prognosis and increase medical expenses.Contrast-induced nephropathy( CIN) has become the third major factor for iatrogenic renal damage,only after renal ischemia injury and drug-induced toxicity. The occurrence rate of CIN is obviously increased,especially in patients with chronic renal insufficiency,diabetes mellitus and other risk factors. This paper will discuss the clinical status and progress of contrast-induced nephropathy from the aspects of the occurrence mechanism of CIN and effective preventive measures of CIN so as to provide some reference for clinicians.