Toxic Heavy Metals And MRI’s — What Radiologists Don’t Tell You

May 17

May 17 Toxic Heavy Metals And MRI’s — What Radiologists Don’t Tell You

Gadolinium, a toxic heavy metal, is the contrast agent of choice in about one-third of high-contrast MRIs. A poll revealed 58% of radiologists avoid informing patients when deposits of toxic contrast agents are discovered to avoid provoking “unnecessary patient anxiety.”

This article was previously published Nov. 20, 2019, and has been updated with new information.

Story at a glance:

Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a contrast agent or dye to improve the clarity of the images produced. A poll revealed 58% of radiologists avoid informing patients when deposits of toxic contrast agents are discovered.
The most commonly cited justification for omitting any mention of gadolinium deposits in radiology reports was to avoid provoking “unnecessary patient anxiety” over toxicity.
Gadolinium, a toxic heavy metal, is the contrast agent of choice in about one-third of cases. To reduce its toxicity, gadolinium is administered with a chelating agent. Research suggests as much as 25% of the gadolinium injected is not excreted, and deposits are still found in some patients long afterward.
In a 2016 paper, researchers proposed gadolinium deposits in the body should be viewed as a new disease category, “gadolinium deposition disease.”
Patients at high risk for gadolinium deposits include those requiring multiple lifetime doses, pregnant women, children and patients with inflammatory conditions. Minimize repeated high-contrast MRIs when possible, particularly closely spaced MRI studies.