Review Article
Biochemical safety profiles of gadolinium-based extracellular contrast agents and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis
Hale Ersoy MD,
Frank J. Rybicki MD, PhD,
Corresponding Author
Hale Ersoy MD
Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Cardiovascular Imaging Section, Department of Radiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, ASB II, L1, Boston, MA 02115Search for more papers by this authorFrank J. Rybicki MD, PhD
Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Search for more papers by this authorHale Ersoy MD,
Frank J. Rybicki MD, PhD,
Corresponding Author
Hale Ersoy MD
Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Cardiovascular Imaging Section, Department of Radiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, ASB II, L1, Boston, MA 02115Search for more papers by this authorFrank J. Rybicki MD, PhD
Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Gadolinium (Gd)-based paramagnetic contrast agents are relatively safe when used in clinically recommended doses. However, with the rapidly expanding body of literature linking Gd-based paramagnetic contrast agents and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), awareness of the potential side effects and adverse reactions from Gd is now an important requirement for practicing radiologists. In addition to the ongoing accumulation and analyses of clinical NSF data, it is also essential for the practicing radiologist to understand the biochemical characteristics of the extracellular Gd-chelates. The purpose of this review is to consolidate and update the available information on known side effects, adverse reactions, and toxicity of the Gd chelates, with particular emphasis on the potential mechanisms of NSF. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;26:1190–1197. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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