Investigations

Gadolinium Contrast Agents and MRIs

Gadolinium, also known as gadodiamide, is an element found in some contrast agents used by doctors when performing an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). A doctor performs an MRI to get a detailed picture of the patient’s internal organs and to identify defective tissue. Prior to conducting an MRI, a doctor typically injects a gadolinium based contrast agent into the patient’s circulatory system. The gadolinium compound circulates inside the body during an MRI and attaches to defective tissue. The gadolinium contrast agent brightens the defective tissue allowing a doctor to more clearly see the defective tissue in an MRI. 

Typically, after the MRI is done, gadolinium contrast agents leave the patient’s body through the kidneys. A patient with healthy kidneys will quickly expel the gadolinium based contrast agent following the MRI. A patient with kidney problems or renal failure, however, cannot swiftly expel the gadolinium based contrast agent after the MRI, causing the body prolonged exposure to the gadolinium. Recent studies have shown a connection between Gadolinium exposure during an MRI and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). NSF is a rare disease that creates an excessive formation of tissue in the skin and internal organs. This leads to a build-up of thick and hard skin that severely restricts joint movement and can significantly contribute to death. Many patients with kidney problems who are injected with a gadolinium based contrast agent during an MRI have developed NSF.   

Gadolinium Contrast Agents and MRAs

Gadolinium is also used by doctors when performing an MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) similar to its use in an MRI. An MRA takes detailed pictures of patient’s blood vessels. For the gadolinium contrast agent to be effective, an MRA requires three times the approved dosage used in an MRI. Therefore, the FDA does not approve the use of any gadolinium based contrast agent during an MRA. Despite the lack of approval, some radiologist still use a gadolinium based contrast agent during MRAs.

Gadolinium Contrast Agents & Side Effects

Patients injected with a Gadolinium contrast agents may experience the following side effects:

• Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)
• shortness of breath
• hives
• facial swelling
• superficial inflammation
• irritation of blood vessels
• blood clots
• headaches
• nausea
• lightheadedness
• low blood pressure

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured by Gadolinium based contrast agents administered during an MRI, or if you would like additional information about Gadolinium contrast agents or their side effects, please contact us today.