Sometimes small trace amounts retain in different body tissues including your brain, bones, or skin long after your scan. This is known as gadolinium retention. Retention is usually harmless in patients with normal kidney function, but may lead to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients that are already in failure of their kidneys.
NSF creates an abnormal thickening and hardness of skin and underlying soft tissues. NSF can advance to the involvement of other muscles and organs, such as: the heart, lungs, or other muscles – and could potentially become life-threatening. NSF accumulation often produces several symptoms, including:
- Skin Changes: some text
- Swelling, hypertension, and hardening skin
- Skin may feel woody and/or appear as if it has orange-peel like appearance
- Blisters/Ulcers/dormitories
- Difficulty moving muscles or joints
- Muscle weakness
- Yellowed eyes
Getting Ready for your MRI with Contrast
Discussing Your Medical History
Preparation with a full medical history is an excellent way to reduce the chance of an adverse effect. Have a conversation with your health care provider ahead of your procedure and make sure you do the full disclosure on all past adverse potential effects, allergies, kidney issues, and any other medical history that may be relevant, as they will direct you to the safest imaging choices available for your procedure based on your medical history. If you ever have concerns regarding an MRI contrast agent, do not hesitate to inquire with your health care provider regarding alternative choices (e.g., different contrast agent, MRI without contrast, or alternative imaging options such as CT imaging).
Hydration and Fasting Instructions
For most MRIs with contrast, you will likely be able to eat and drink without restrictions before the scan, but in some cases your healthcare provider may ask that you avoid eating and drinking for
four to six hours before having your MRI; again, this will be at the provider’s discretion
Before: You may have to have a blood draw to determine kidney function prior to MRI with contrast, especially if you have a history of kidney issues or diabetes. You may also have to be screened for allergies to rule out sensitivities to the contrast agent. Then the contrast will be administered either orally or intravenously.
During: Your MRI will take just 20 minutes to an hour depending on the body part being examined. While you are in the machine, the tech will be able to talk to you as needed through the intercom.
After:If you received contrast for your MRI, be sure to note any side effects you have and consult with a healthcare professional and report any concerns.
Conclusion
MRI scans with contrast generally have a good safety record, particularly in patients with normal kidney function, though there are serious rare risks such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and gadolinium retention that should be noted particularly in patients with renal issues. You can help ensure your imaging experience is safe, effective, and manageable by openly sharing your complete medical history, following the preparation directions, and reporting new symptoms or concerns, if any, after the exam as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the side effects of contrast dye after MRI?
The contrast agent used in MRI studies may lead to mild, transient side effects: discomfort at the injection site; nausea, headache, abnormal sensations, dizziness; it is very unusual to have a “severe” reaction (an allergic reaction (hives itchy eyes) or Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (in the case of having kidney disease)).
Q. What are the risks of MRI with contrast?
MRI with Contrast: All You Need To Know MRI contrast agents are generally safe, but the potential risks and side effects may include allergic reactions, possible kidney damage, metallic taste or sensation.
Q. How long do side effects of MRI last?
A majority of effects from an MRI are mild and temporary – they usually go away within a few hours or immediately following the MRI. When contrast dye is used, some people experience mild temperature elevation (that warm feeling), nausea, or itching.
Q. How to flush kidneys after MRI?
Following an MRI with gadolinium contrast, you will be advised to drink lots of liquids (preferably water) to assist your kidneys in naturally excreting the contrast agent. There are no specified volume.
Q. Why do I feel bad after MRI with contrast?
It is possible to feel unwell after receiving MRI with contrast, for a number of possible reasons; this could, most likely mean experiencing the mild side-effects of the contrast agent itself, but could also be due to the sudden and terse environment of being in an MRI machine, or psychological factors.
Q. What happens if you don’t drink enough water after contrast?
If you don’t consume enough water after receiving contrast during a medical imaging test (such as an MRI or CT scan), you won’t be able to effectively flush out the contrast from your body.
