Gadodiamide is a contrast medium used for cranial and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and for general MRI of the body after intravenous administration. It provides contrast enhancement and facilitates visualisation of abnormal structures or lesions in various parts of the body including the central nervous system (CNS). It crosses intact the blood brain barrier.[5]
Adverse effects
Gadodiamide is one of the main GBCA associated with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a toxic reaction occurring in some people with kidney problems.[6] No cases have been seen in people with normal kidney function.[7]
A 2015 study found gadolinium deposited in the brain tissue of people who had received gadodiamide.[8] Other studies using post-mortemmass spectrometry found most of the deposit remained at least 2 years after an injection and deposit also in individuals with no kidney issues.
An Italian task force recommended that breastfeeding mothers precautionally avoid any contrast agent, such as gadodiamide, that has been associated with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.[10]
^Canavese C, Mereu MC, Aime S, Lazzarich E, Fenoglio R, Quaglia M, Stratta P (2008). "Gadolinium-associated nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: the need for nephrologists' awareness". Journal of Nephrology. 21 (3): 324–36. PMID18587720.
^Cova MA, Stacul F, Quaranta R, Guastalla P, Salvatori G, Banderali G, et al. (August 2014). "Radiological contrast media in the breastfeeding woman: a position paper of the Italian Society of Radiology (SIRM), the Italian Society of Paediatrics (SIP), the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN) and the Task Force on Breastfeeding, Ministry of Health, Italy". European Radiology. 24 (8): 2012–22. doi:10.1007/s00330-014-3198-6. PMID24838733. S2CID24502257.