There are some cases during an MRI scan that requires a contrast agent injected into the patient. A contrast MRI agent (or dye) is a substance that is more susceptible to the magnetic fields of produced during the scan, hence, producing a better image. Of the different contrast dyes, gadolinium is the most well known.

Gadolinium is a metal with very strong paramagnetic properties. In other words, it aligns very easily with an external magnetic field, which allows for the MRI to scan your body much more efficiently. Gadolinium can be very deadly to humans as an ion, so to make it safe to use it must go through chelation – a process that will bind gadolinium to other molecular compounds. There are currently five FDA approved gadolinium contrast agents:

– Magnevist

– Omniscan

– OptiMARK

– MultiHance

– ProHance

Fortunately, under most circumstances, there is no potential danger of being injected with gadolinium. The concentrations are kept low to prevent any side effects and the kidneys will be able to flush out the dye in time.

The real problem is for people without properly functioning kidneys. There is evidence that links gadolinium contrast agents to the cause of NSF, or nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. NSF is a potentially fatal disease that causes excessive fibrous tissue to grow. Consequently, your skin can become very tight and painful and your joint mobility can become extremely limited. If your kidneys are not able to purge the dye from your body, you are at great risk of being stricken with NSF.