The Application, Safety, and Recent Developments of Commonly Used Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents in MRI: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) have played a pivotal role in enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of MRI for several decades. The application of gadolinium as a contrast agent opened new possibilities for early diagnosis with greater accuracy of a wide range of conditions, including neurologic and vascular disorders, tumours, cancers, inflammation, and more. Gadolinium is a lanthanide metal known for its strong paramagnetic properties, which produce stronger signals in MRI. The presence of GBCAs in the body alters the magnetic properties of nearby water molecules, which changes the appearance of the organs or blood vessels containing contrast when the MRI images are taken. The safety of GBCAs has been widely studied in recent years. Gadolinium is generally considered a safe and relatively non-toxic contrast agent, according to many of these studies. Many clinical studies have also shown toxic effects, allergic reactions, and gadolinium deposition in different body tissues and the brain. The rare condition of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in adult patients with renal dysfunction has been the most popular topic of research and the main concern amongst all other risks of post-GBCA use. This review explores various research papers regarding GBCAs and focuses on providing insight into how different types of GBCAs are commonly used today in MRI scans, their properties, clinical applications, safety concerns, and recent and possible future developments in this field of medical radiology.