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Adverse Reactions From Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents Rarely Occur, Study Suggests RESTON, Va -- January 21, 2010 -- Acute adverse reactions from gadolinium-based contrast agents used during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) rarely occur, according to a study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. Since approval of the first gadolinium-based contrast agent the use of contrast agents for MRI has been evolving. “These agents are useful in the diagnosis of several diseases and conditions and are considered generally safe in clinical practice,” said lead author Hani H. Abujudeh, MD, Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “However the association between the use of gadolinium-based agents and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) has sparked controversy over the years.” NSF is a potentially lethal systemic disease that has raised the concern over the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents for imaging of patients with underlying renal impairment. “When prescribing gadolinium-based contrast agents, radiologists need to consider not only the risk of NSF but also the risk of acute adverse reactions,” he said. The study included a total of 32,659 gadolinium-based contrast injections for MRI examinations. “A total of 51 acute adverse reactions occurred in 50 patients, accounting for 0.16% of all administrations,” said Dr. Abujudeh. The majority of the reactions that did occur were mild including nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. However 6 moderate and 2 severe reactions did occur. “In our study, acute adverse reactions were rare,” he said. “However it is still important that radiologists and patients be aware of the risks associated with the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents, especially those associated with NSF.” SOURCE: American Roentgen Ray Society E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version