Concern over Gadiolinum dye in MRIs

Posted by virginiasenior @virginiasenior, Jul 7, 2018

After having a breast MRI with the dye added, I was very jaundice. 3 weeks later I had blood work done for an unrelated matter which showed kidney and liver slightly off. Two months later it was normal readings. My mother had kidney and liver issues so I am sensitive to this. Does anyone know of a connection with the dye used in this and liver. I know people with failing kidneys should be alert of complications. They want me to have an MRI yearly and I am concerned about my last reaction.

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parrotqueen | @parrotqueen | Nov 28, 2019

I spoke to my infectious doctor yesterday about not wanting to get the dye again - she is the smartest doctor I have ever been to and she has pulled me back from the very real edge of death at least twice. She said the dye is safe if you aren't allergic to it. She told me to drink a lot of water before and after the MRI. She said my kidneys will expel it. She wouldn't let me have it if it weren't safe. She is used to working with extremely ill people - people who are vulnerable because they are on their way out. Happy thanksgiving all!

parrotqueen | @parrotqueen | Nov 28, 2019

In reply to @rarelybees2889 "I am allergic to both dyes, so I have to have a steriod protocol. LCIS here..." + (show)

I'm seriously dragging again today!!
I wanna stay home and watch old movies alone. I'll say one thing - no make
up and no dress today - they'll be lucky I don't wear pajamas.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Dec 4, 2019

FYI, Mayo is studying how long gadiolinum dye stays in a system after MRI. I have had no side effects from the dye, but before last MRI recheck for breast cancer I got call from Mayo research to participate in study to determine the serum and urine gadolinium reference ranges in patients with normal renal function being administered gadobutrol for an enhanced MRI exam.

Just thought I would share this information.

Laurie

parrotqueen | @parrotqueen | Dec 5, 2019

Oh Laurie! They probably won't let you discuss the outcomes, but if they do, will you promise to post here? I have to get an MRI sometimes annually - sometimes biannually - and twice now I have had to get three in a short span of time, because of a pituitary tumor and the surgery they do. My head is just starting to clear from years of not being clear at all, and I'm starting to wonder about this dye. ALL of my doctors tell me it is safe, but I'm plenty worried. I'm going on Saturday for another one! I had brain surgery again early in 2018 - so this is followup. Whatever happens, I hope you will be well and nothing else will happen to you unless it is good.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Dec 5, 2019

Study is just starting, Mayo shows status on there clinic trial site. Not sure if actually publish results
See: https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20456571

Laurie

elsie37 | @elsie37 | Dec 26, 2019

At my last MRI at Mayo, I received a "Medication Guide." Included in the info is: "There are different Gadolinium-based contrast agents that can be used for your MRI exam. The amount of gadolinium that stays in the body is different for different gadolinium medicines. Gadolinium stays in the body more after Ominiscan or Optimark than after Eovist, Magnevist, or MultiHance. Godolinium stays in the body least after Dotarem, Gadavist, or ProHance."

I asked what I was given for my breast MRI and was told Gadavist.

The "Medication Guide" also stated, "Small amounts of gadolinium can stay in your body including the brain, bones, skin and other parts of your body for a long time (several months to years). It is not known how gadolinium may affect you, but so far, studies have not found harmful effects in patients with normal kidneys. People who get many doses of gadolinium medicines...may be at increased risk from gadolinium staying in the body."

My next question when I return to Mayo for another MRI will be to define "many doses." Is once a year for a lifetime considered "many"?

princessoftexas | @princessoftexas | Dec 26, 2019

In reply to @colleenyoung "@elsie37, I moved your message to an earlier discussion about concerns of Gadolinium dye in MRIs...." + (show)

I have been getting annual MRI because of IPMN Pancreatic Cysts. I also am followed for FMD in Renal, Vertebral and Cervical Arteries and have had two Dissections without Stroke. I have concerns as the reading on Gadolinium is over 100 times the expected amount. At this time. Every other time I am seen fro IMPM Cysts I am scheduled for contrast scans. I have not had an appointment to discus the current concerns and considerations as I go forward with being followed for two potentially problematic conditions, particularly the fact that I already have renal issues. I will be following this discussion and will repost after speaking with my treating physicians.