Gadolinium Side Effects

Magnetic resonance imaging, more commonly referred as MRI scan provides a clear view of different internal organs of the body. The MRI procedure makes use of powerful magnetic field to produce images that allows doctors to detect abnormalities like brain tumors and other medical conditions such as eye problems. Sometimes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fails to give a proper image of the organ under consideration. In such cases, the person is injected with contrasting agents (chemical liquid) like gadolinium at the site of examination. This procedure known as MRI with contrast improves the clarity of the images, thus helping doctors to diagnose the condition correctly. However, gadolinium has been recently in news for the wrong reasons. The introduction of gadolinium prior to MRI scan can cause some serious side effects like nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Some of the gadolinium side effects are discussed below:

Side Effects
As aforementioned, the contrast dye injected just before starting the MRI scan procedure is not free from side effects. Some of the bothersome but not worrisome gadolinium dye side effects are nausea, headache and lightheadedness and low blood pressure. These are minor issues that do not last long and usually go away after the scanning procedure is over. Some of the serious gadolinium contrast side effects are discussed below:

Skin Problems
Administration of gadolinium injections before or during MRI scan can cause skin problems. This is an indication of allergic reaction to gadolinium contrast dye. The skin rash can appear anywhere and not necessarily around the injected site. There have been reports of red rash appearing on the thighs hours after MRI scan with gadolinium contrast. In some cases, the itchy rash has not remained confined but progressed to other parts of the body. Skin disorders due to gadolinium injections can also appear in the form of hives. Trouble breathing and facial swelling are symptoms of severe allergic reaction to gadolinium and require urgent treatment.

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)
This is one of the serious side effects of using gadolinium and people with pre-existing kidney problems are more susceptible to this fatal condition. Healthy individuals can also suffer from NSF but the risk is more in people with kidney impairments. Patients with a history of kidney disorders take more time to get rid of injected gadolinium from the body. That is why, they have a higher risk of falling prey to NSF than those with healthy kidney function. Thus, people suffering from poor kidney function are advised to stay away from MRI scan with gadolinium dye.

What is Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)
NSF typically causes abnormally high growth of fibrous connective tissues within an organ. Usually NSF affects the skin and the joints. As a result, the skin is no longer elastic. The non elasticity of the skin is distinctly visible as it turns firm and hard. The affected area of the skin loses its natural color (brawny hyper pigmentation) and also becomes thick. The lower part of the arms and legs are the areas where NSF usually strikes. Dark or red patches may appear on the skin. NSF also has a negative impact on the joints. So, besides rigid skin, the joints located in the legs, arms, hands and feet become less flexible, thereby making day-to-day activities like walking extremely difficult. As NSF is a progressive disease, it may eventually interfere with the normal functioning of the heart and the lungs. NSF symptoms usually appear 2 -12 weeks after administration of gadolinium. Other symptoms of NSF that occur as a consequence of using gadolinium are given below:

• Swollen and stiff joints
• Muscle weakness
• Yellow spots distinctly visible on the white part of the eye
• Sharp pain in the ribs and hips
• Itchy, burning sensation on the skin
• Elevated blood pressure

Some of the MRI contrast agents containing chelates of gadolinium that have been responsible for causing NSF symptoms are Optimark, Omniscan and Magnevist. Other gadolinium based contrasting agents have not been yet associated with NSF cases. Considering the dangers of administering gadolinium, one should go for MRI scan with contrast only if it is necessary. Also, patients are advised to undergo kidney function tests before taking a session of MRI scan. The tests will give a clear idea about how correctly the kidneys are functioning. The results of kidney function tests will allow the doctor to decide whether the patient is fit to undergo MRI scan with contrast.