Are you planning to undergo an MRI scan? If so, your doctor may be planning on using gadolinium as a contrasting agent in order to create a clearer image of the scan. Although the chemical helps to create a sharper image, which makes it possible for your doctor to more accurately diagnose your illness, there are also many potential gadolinium side effects that you may experience. Unfortunately, some of these gadolinium side effects can be quite serious and possibly even lethal.

The Less Serious Gadolinium Side Effects

There are several gadolinium side effects that can potentially affect anyone using this contrasting agent. These include:

-Lightheadedness

-Local Pain

-Low Blood Pressure

-Mild Headaches

-Nausea

Some people may also be allergic to gadolinium. For those that are allergic to the chemical, other side effects may occur. These include itchy eyes, hives and possibly even shortness of breath.

The More Serious Gadolinium Side Effects

People with a weakened kidney may experience some far more severe gadolinium side effects. This is because exposure to gadolinium can lead to a disease known as Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, which is also referred to as Nephrogenic fibrosing Dermopathy.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis can lead to the hardening of the skin, joints and internal organs. When the joints become hardened, the person suffering from the disease may lose mobility and can potentially become bound to a wheelchair. In some cases, the hardening of the joints, skin and internal organs can also lead to death.

Preventing Gadolinium Side Effects

In an effort to prevent severe gadolinium side effects from occurring in patients with kidney problems, the FDA has made recommendations for the safe usage of the chemical. These include:

-Contrasting agents containing gadolinium should not be used in patients that require dialysis or those with a Glomerular Filtration rate of 15 cc/min or less

-It is advised to provided patients with advanced kidney problems who receive a contrasting agent containing gadolinium with a prompt dialysis after the MRI is complete

There are currently five different contrasting agents on the market that contain gadolinium. These include Magnevist, MultiHance, Omniscan, OptimMARK and ProHance. Therefore, if you suffer from kidney problems and are scheduled to receive an MRI, be sure to find out whether or not one of these products will be used and to determine if it is in your best interest to risk using this contrasting agent.