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What is gadolinium and how is it used?
Some MRI exams require the administration of an IV contrast agent called gadolinium to highlight certain parts of the body. Gadolinium is a paramagnetic substance, meaning it has a positive effect on the local magnetic field, making certain areas appear brighter than others.
We use small doses of gadolinium to perform the cardiac exam, and side effects are minimal when compared with the iodinated contrast agents used in other radiologic studies. Although most patients experience no side effects, such effects may include:
- Mild headache (nine percent)
- Nausea (four percent) or vomiting (two percent)
- Rash (less than one percent)