Extracellular gadolinium-based contrast media: an overview.
Increasing use is made of extracellular MRI contrast agents that alter the image contrast following intravenous administration; they predominantly shorten the T1 relaxation time of tissues. The degree and location of these changes provide substantial diagnostic information. However gadolinium-based contrast agents (Gd-CA) are not inert drugs. They may cause acute non-renal adverse reactions (e.g. anaphylactoid reactions), acute renal adverse reactions (e.g. contrast induced nephropathy), delayed adverse reactions (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis) and problems at the site of injection (e.g. local necrosis). This review describes the current status of Gd-CA, their mechanism of action, chemical structure, pharmacokinetics, dosage, elimination, nephrotoxicity and adverse events.
Bellin
Marie-France
MF
Department of Radiology, University Paris-Sud 11, University Hospital Paul-Brousse, Villejuif Cedex, France. marie-france.bellin@pbr.aphp.fr
Van Der Molen
Aart J
AJ
D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D005682:Gadolinium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D013723:Teratogens / Q000737:chemistry; D014783:Viscosity
D003287:Contrast Media; D013723:Teratogens; D005682:Gadolinium