Gadolinium contrast describes an agent used by medical providers to look at the blood vessels in a the body. This may be helpful in seeing the vascularization of a cancer tumor or other problems. There are several FDA-approved agents on the market, including OptiMARK, Omniscan and ProHance, that are often used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
Warning
Although agents like Omniscan are used for MRAs, they are not currently (2009) approved for such use by the FDA.
Side Effects
There are several side effects related to gadolinium-contrasting agents. These include inflammation at the injection site, rash, hives, facial swelling, itching and sweating.
Side Effects for Kidney Patients
In patients with impaired kidney function, these agents may create even more problems such as the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) or nephrogenic fibrosing dermapathy. Symptoms of NSF include raised, yellow spots on the whites of the eyes, tightening of the skin, dark marks on the skin and itching, among other conditions.
Treatment
Allergic side effects are generally mild. Since those with kidney problems may have even more health problems from gadolinium-contrasting agents, dialysis may be needed in order to help rid their bodies of the material.
Alternatives
Possible alternatives to using this agent include ferumoxytol (see Resources).
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