Gadolinium-based contrast agent

Principle and interpretation

Enhancement can help investigate tumors, infection or selected postoperative situations. Spinal MRI does not always need an injection; the diagnostic question determines its use.

Indications, limitations and precautions

Kidney function, pregnancy and prior reactions are assessed according to agent and protocol. Gadolinium differs from iodinated contrast. Enhancement does not mean malignancy and requires correlation with other sequences.

Points to consider

Safety depends on the examination, implanted devices, relevant history and any administered agent. Tell the imaging service about previous reactions, possible pregnancy or implants. Contrast use or an alternative technique requires individual assessment.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Iodinated contrast agent — Iodine-containing agent that increases x-ray attenuation, used in selected CT, angiographic or myelographic examinations.
• Ionizing radiation — Radiation energetic enough to ionize matter, used in radiography, CT and nuclear medicine among other applications.
• Magnetic susceptibility artifact — MRI distortion or signal loss caused by local magnetic susceptibility differences, particularly near metal, air or blood products.

Medical references

1. American College of Radiology / RSNA, RadiologyInfo. Contrast Materials.
2. American College of Radiology / RSNA, RadiologyInfo. Spine MRI.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.