All gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) must carry a warning about their retention in the body, which has been linked to adverse renal effects, mandates FDA. The currently used contrast agents contain the chemical element gadolinium, which is toxic in its free form. It is chelated with a chelating agent to make it safe for use in humans and to prevent the metal from depositing in the body.
However, some recent studies have raised concerns that not all the gadolinium injected for the scan is eliminated from the body, and that traces of gadolinium left in tissues may cause harm in the long term. Thus, the FDA reviewed all the available data on the clinical safety and effectivity of this agent and recommended that the health-care professionals should consider the retention characteristics of each agent when choosing a GBCA for patients who may…
