News | Contrast Media | July 05, 2016

Patients who did not undergo gadolinium-enhanced MRI had same rate of disorder development as those who did

MRI, gadolinium contrast, Parkinsonism, nervous system disorder, Blayne Welk, Western University

July 5, 2016 — A study appearing in the July 5 issue of JAMA assessed the association between gadolinium exposure and parkinsonism, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by tremor and impaired muscular coordination. The study was conducted by Blayne Welk, M.D., M.Sc., of Western University, London, Canada, and colleagues.

Gadolinium-based contrast agents are used for enhancement during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Safety concerns have emerged over retained gadolinium in the globus pallidi (an area of the brain). Neurotoxic effects have been seen in animals and when gadolinium is given intrathecally (a type of method for administering a drug) in humans. Consequences of damage to the globus pallidi may include parkinsonian symptoms. For this study, multiple linked administrative databases from Ontario, Canada were used. All patients older than 66 years who underwent an initial MRI between April 2003 and March 2013 were identified. Patients who were exposed to gadolinium-enhanced MRIs were compared with patients who received non-gadolinium-enhanced MRIs.

Of the 246,557 patients undergoing at least one MRI (not of the brain or spine) during the study period, 99,739 (40.5 percent) received at least one dose of gadolinium. Among patients who underwent gadolinium-enhanced MRIs, 81.5 percent underwent a single study, and 2.5 percent underwent 4 or more gadolinium-enhanced studies. Incident parkinsonism developed in 1.2 percent of unexposed patients and 1.2 percent of those exposed to gadolinium. No significant association between gadolinium exposure and parkinsonism was found.

“This result does not support the hypothesis that gadolinium deposits in the globus pallidi lead to neuronal damage manifesting as parkinsonism. However, reports of other nonspecific symptoms (pain, cognitive changes) after gadolinium exposure require further study,” the authors wrote.

 

Related Gadolinium Safety Concern Articles

Gadolinium May Remain in Brain after Contrast MRI

MRIs During Pregnancy Are Safe, But Gadolinium Scans May Increase Risk to Fetus

ACR Manual on Contrast Media Addresses FDA Gadolinium Safety Concerns

Even High Doses of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents Doesn't Cause NSF

 

For more information: www.jama.jamanetwork.com


Related Content

News | Prostate Cancer

September 22, 2023 — According to an accepted manuscript published in the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR) ...

Time September 22, 2023
arrow
News | Contrast Media

September 21, 2023 — Imaging Biometrics, LLC announced the results of a study that validates IB Neuro’s processing of ...

Time September 21, 2023
arrow
News | Artificial Intelligence

September 20, 2023 — Medical imaging artificial intelligence (AI) company Annalise.ai has announced that the results ...

Time September 20, 2023
arrow
Sponsored Content | Case Study | Radiology Imaging | By Tim Hodson

In June, the Philips Radiology Experience Tour hit the road to provide healthcare professionals with an opportunity to ...

Time September 19, 2023
arrow
Feature | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | By Christine Book

The world of medical imaging is marking a significant milestone in 2023: the 50th anniversary of magnetic resonance ...

Time September 19, 2023
arrow
News | Ultrasound Imaging

September 15, 2023 — Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is underutilized in the United States, and reduced access to ...

Time September 15, 2023
arrow
News | Artificial Intelligence

September 11, 2023 — Lunit, a leading provider of AI-powered solutions for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, is ...

Time September 11, 2023
arrow
News | Lung Imaging

September 11, 2023 — Polarean Imaging plc (AIM: POLX), a commercial-stage medical device leader in advanced magnetic ...

Time September 11, 2023
arrow
News | PET-CT

September 8, 2023 — Positron Corporation, a leading molecular imaging medical device company, is pleased to announce ...

Time September 08, 2023
arrow
Feature | PET Imaging

According to a new report from Transparency Market Research (TMR), PET radiotracers are expected to rise at a CAGR of 8 ...

Time September 05, 2023
arrow
Subscribe Now