Gadolinium Contrast

Gadolinium contrast is a substance used in MRIs. It enhances the quality of your MRI images by highlighting internal body structures and organs. A radiologist uses MRI with contrast to get a clearer picture of what’s going on inside your body. This helps them better detect diseases. Gadolinium contrast is sometimes called a contrast dye or contrast agent.

Healthcare providers recommend an MRI with contrast when they need more detailed images that a regular MRI can’t show. The contrast makes certain structures stand out more. It’s better at showing blood vessels and blood supply, inflammation, abnormal tissues and tumors.

Gadolinium contrast is made up of gadolinium and a carrier molecule called a chelating agent. Gadolinium is a metal that helps make MRI images crisper. The chelating agent binds to gadolinium. This prevents it from being harmful inside your body. Different brands use different kinds of chelating agents.

You get gadolinium contrast through an injection into your vein right before your MRI. As it moves through your bloodstream, it highlights or brightens those areas. Then, your kidneys get rid of the contrast through your pee.

How does gadolinium contrast work?

Your provider will let you know ahead of time if contrast is necessary for your MRI. They’ll explain why they’re using it and what you can expect during and after the injection. Ask them any questions you have about your MRI and the contrast before your test. Be sure to tell your provider your medical history, including any medications you take.

The steps to getting contrast are typically:

1. You get comfortable on the MRI table. Your technician will slide you into the scanner.
2. A healthcare provider injects gadolinium contrast through a small needle in your vein (typically in your inner arm). This takes less than 20 seconds.
3. The MRI scanner takes pictures as the contrast circulates through your blood. The contrast highlights abnormal tissues, structures and organs.
4. Once all the pictures are taken, you can get out of the scanner and off the table.
5. A radiologist reads the images and gives your healthcare provider a report on their findings.

What are the risks and side effects of gadolinium contrast?

Gadolinium agents are generally safe, but there are risks and side effects.

Risks include:

• Kidney problems: People with kidney disease may have trouble clearing the contrast. This can cause it to build up in your brain, bones and skin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease before your test.
• Allergic reactions: There’s a risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast material, but this is rare.
• Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF): A condition that causes your muscles, bones and organs to become tough, thick and stiff. It can only happen if you have severe kidney disease.

Common side effects of contrast dye include:

• Metallic taste in your mouth
• Feeling warm or tired
• Pain or mild bruising at the injection site
• Headache or nausea

Some side effects of gadolinium contrast can be serious. Call your provider right away if you have:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rash, itching or other serious skin reactions

What can I expect after an MRI with gadolinium contrast?

You can go about your day as you typically would after your MRI. You may have side effects that linger for the first few hours. Your body will remove the contrast from your body within 24 hours if your kidneys are healthy. The contrast comes out in your pee. Your pee may be brighter, but this is temporary. You can speed up the process by drinking lots of water after your MRI. This helps flush the contrast quicker.

Your healthcare provider will follow up with you after your MRI to let you know what the test shows. The results you get depend on what the MRI was for. You can usually expect to hear from your provider within three to four days, but the exact time varies.

Call your healthcare provider if you have signs of an allergic reaction or difficulty breathing. It’s rare to have complications, but they can happen.