Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agents, media, and dye, also known as Gadolinium contrast media, are chemical substances that are combined together to be used in MRI scans. When these chemical dyes are indexed in the body, they generally improve the overall quality of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pictures.
It simply aids the radiologists in accurately identifying how the body is functioning and helps them to report whether or not there is any abnormality or disease present in the body.
Many people wonder whether MRI (the diagnostic process) has any side effects or not. The answer to this question is a clear NO! However, the dyes and contrast used during the process can have acute to chronic effects.
What Are MRI Agents & Contrast?
Gadolinium contrast agents are known to enhance the overall clarity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of the body’s internal organs. Furthermore, it also increases the accuracy of diagnosis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. For instance, these contrast mediums enhance the visibility of any tumor, inflammation, blood vessels, as well as blood supply for certain body organs.
As per the reports given by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) United States, there is a link between Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agent (GBCA) and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (a medical condition that results in the tightening of the skin).
In serious conditions, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis also leads to the scarring or thickening of various internal organs, which might eventually result in death.
Usually, this side effect only appears in patients who are already suffering or have suffered from any kidney conditions. In this article, we will shed some light on some of the major side effects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrasts.
Side Effects Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Contrast Mediums
Many people who undergo a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan with a Gadolinium-based Contrast Agent (GBCA) have reported experiencing altered taste, coldness at the site of injection, pins, and needle sensations, and much more.
Moreover, the patients with gadolinium toxicity also reported headaches, pain in nerves and bones, and skin thickening. Mild nausea and vomiting are also one of these contrast agents’ most common side effects. Below we have discussed in detail some of the major side effects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast medium.
Allergy Like Reactions
People have reported anaphylactic or severe allergic reactions as a response to the gadolinium contrast agent. These reactions are generally extremely rare and might occur in about 1 out of every 1000 patients. These anaphylactic reactions may involve swelling of the mouth and lips and difficulty in breathing.
In case of mild allergy, an itchy rash appears on the skin at the site of injection. The rash will go away on its own in an hour or so. However, it must not be ignored, as it might be an indication of a serious anaphylactic reaction developing.
These allergic reactions react well to the drug treatment, similar to those provided for other allergies. Most radiology facilities that work with gadolinium keep a stock of such medications to treat such reactions if necessary.
Gadolinium Deposition Disease (GDD)
Gadolinium Deposition Disease (GDD) is a new medical condition similar to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). It occurs in patients with normal kidney functions.
Many scientists and researchers concluded that people exposed to Gadolinium Deposition Disease (GDD) might suffer from a genetic abnormality due to which it becomes difficult for their bodies to excrete such heavy metals. However, luckily, not everyone who has normal kidney function gets exposed to this disease.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)
As the name implies, Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) is a medical condition that results in the thickening and hardening of the internal organs and the skin, which might eventually lead to death.
The epidermal conditions caused as result of MRI contrast and dye is very much similar to that of scleroderma (A protracted hardening and contraction of the skin throughout the body).
It is an advanced kidney failure that can be fatal as well. According to several scientists and through research, the ones suffering from Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) are exposed to Gadolinium Based Contrast agent (GBCA) whether in an MRI or any other way, such as an injury, another test, any infection, or surgery.
However, it is not yet known how these chemical substances cause this condition, but a lot of researchers and scientists believe that it is a serious but rare side effect of Gadolinium or Gadolinium Based Contrast Agent (GBCA).
Toxicity
One of the most common side effects of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agent (GCBA) that might start to show within a couple of hours after the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is toxicity. This side effect may appear within a few hours of an MRI scan or even manifest years after the MRI scan in people having gadolinium build-up in their bodies.
Usually, people who undergo numerous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans have higher risks to get exposure to toxicity. Besides, the people who are also at great risk of toxicity include people suffering from kidney diseases, children, people with health conditions that result in inflammation, and pregnant women. Symptoms of toxicity might vary from person to person. People suffering from toxicity may exhibit the following symptoms.
- Metallic taste.
- Pain in bones and joints.
- Flu like symptoms.
- Burning sensations on the skin.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Brain fog (can be fatal)
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Changes in vision or hearing.
- Changes in skin i.e. hardening, discoloration, or thickening.
Transient Reactions
The most commonly occurring side effects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrasts include dizziness, feeling sick, headache, and nausea for a brief period after being injected with the contrast agent. Many people have also reported feeling cold at the injection site.
Different Types Of MRI Contrast & Dyes
There are various types of contrast and dyes to use during the MRI. These dyes help in contrasting the specific organs during the MRI. Some of the types of contrasting agents are:
- Gadolinium-based contrast agents
These agents can be further divided into ECF (extracellular fluids) and organ-specific dyes. These dyes can be fatal if not washed out from the body immediately.
- Manganese-based contrast agents
In this type of MRI contrast dye, magnesium is used in the form of nanoparticles. Mostly, it is used to detect hepatic lesions and other hepatic conditions.
- Iron oxide contrast agents
This type of contrast dye is made by nanoparticles of iron oxide. They are further divided into two other subtypes of iron oxide contrast agents.
- Intravenous contrast agents
These agents are both ionic and non-ionic. As the name implies, they work just same as the intravenous injections. These agents are injected into the bloodstream of the human body during the diagnostic process.
- Ionic intravenous contrast agents
These types of contrast agents are unstable and are approved for human use. The side effects of the contrast agents depend on their concentration. The higher the concentration, the more toxicity.
- Non-intravenous contrast agent
These contrasting agents are not directly released into the bloodstream. Instead, these agents have entered the body through oral means.
Final Thoughts
It is generally safe for people to have Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans with a contrast medium. Usual reactions or side effects are quite rare but they might occur. People having normal kidney functions are able to excrete out the contrast medium within 24 hours in their urine.
Most the radiologists recommend the patient consume a lot of water once the test is done. It helps in diluting the contrast and lets it excrete out of the body within 24 to 30 hours. It is important because these dyes can cause serious damage to the excretory system.
However, as per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the gadolinium contrast medium is able to stay in the body of the patients for a few months to several years. These contrast mediums can build up in kidney tissues, bones, as well as the brain. This build-up is called gadolinium retention and it is definitely not a good sign.