Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA): toxicity
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA): toxicity. Gadolinium deposition is visible on T1-weighted MRI. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Imaging features
- Gadolinium deposition is visible on T1-weighted MRI
- It shows as high signal intensity index
- It is particularly seen in the dentate nucleus
- It is also seen in the globus pallidus and pulvinar
Extracranial deposition
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Reported clinical manifestations of brain deposition
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Precautions to reduce toxicity
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Emerging techniques of avoiding toxicity
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References
- Ramalho J, Semelka RC, Ramalho M, Nunes RH, AlObaidy M, Castillo M. Gadolinium-based contrast agent accumulation and toxicity: an update. Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:1192-1198.
- Quattrocchi CC, Parillo M, Spani F, et al. Skin thickening of the scalp and high signal intensity of dentate nucleus in multiple sclerosis: association with linear versus macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agents administration. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:223-230.
- Kanda T, Nakai Y, Oba H, Toyoda K, Kitajima K, Furui S. Gadolinium deposition in the brain. Magn Reson Imaging 2016; 34:1346-1350.
- Murata N, Murata K, Gonzalez-Cuyar LF, Maravilla KR. Gadolinium tissue deposition in brain and bone. Magn Reson Imaging 2016; 34:1359-1365.
- Lord ML, Chettle DR, Gräfe JL, Noseworthy MD, McNeill FE. Observed deposition of gadolinium in bone using a new noninvasive in vivo biomedical device: results of a small pilot feasibility study. Radiology 2018; 287:96-103.
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