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Gadolinium‐based contrast agents: A comprehensive risk assessment
Author(s) -
Fraum Tyler J.,
Ludwig Daniel R.,
Bashir Mustafa R.,
Fowler Kathryn J.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of magnetic resonance imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.563
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1522-2586
pISSN - 1053-1807
DOI - 10.1002/jmri.25625
Subject(s) - nephrogenic systemic fibrosis , medicine , gadolinium , magnetic resonance imaging , risk assessment , intensive care medicine , medical physics , radiology , computer science , materials science , computer security , metallurgy
Gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) since the 1980s and are now administered in up to 35% of all MRI examinations. While GBCAs were initially felt to carry minimal risk, the subsequent identification of GBCAs as the key etiologic factor in the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) has raised concerns about the broader health impacts of gadolinium exposure. Clinicians, radiologists, and patients should be aware of the most up‐to‐date data pertaining to the risks of GBCA administration. Specific issues covered in this review article include immediate adverse reactions; pregnancy and lactation; and gadolinium deposition and toxicity, with a special focus on NSF. Practice recommendations based on the presented data, as well as current professional society guidelines, are provided for each section. Level of Evidence: 1 Technical Efficacy : Stage 5 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:338–353