Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow GBCDs WorkSide EffectsConcernsWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How GBCDs Work
Side Effects
Concerns
When to Seek Care
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard test for diagnosing and monitoring the progression ofmultiple sclerosis (MS).Some types of MRI require using gadolinium-based contrast dye (GBCD).The dye frequently causes side effects, such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and rash, but they tend to be mild.GBCD is administered through a vein during the MRI, causing active MS lesions to “light up.“After an MRI, most GBCD is removed from the body in urine, but trace amounts may stay in the body and accumulate over time in people who have MRI scans with GBCD frequently.This article discusses how GBCD works, its use, and the possible side effects and complications it may cause in some people.Verywell / Cindy ChungHow GBCDs WorkGadoliniumis a chemical compound. When injected into the bloodstream, it usually can’t get past theblood-brain barrier—a layer of membranes and cell processes that prevents substances in the blood from entering the brain or spinal cord.The blood-brain barrier is largely impenetrable.However, under certain circumstances, such as active inflammation within the brain or spinal cord that occurs during anMS relapse, the barrier is disrupted.When this happens, gadolinium can enter the brain or spinal cord and leak into an MS lesion, causing it to appear as a highlighted spot on an MRI.Side Effects of Gadolinium-Based Contrast DyesMost of the side effects of gadolinium-based contrasts (GBCDs) are mild, including:HeadacheNauseaDizzinessA cold sensation when injectedIn most cases, side effects occur within one hour after the contrast dye is administered, although there have been reports of side effects occurring one week after administration.Of more concern is the possibility that the contrast material won’t be completely eliminated from the body.In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that gadolinium-based contrast agents can remain in the body, including in the brain, for months to years. However, the FDA notes that this hasn’t been linked to any adverse health effects, and they say the benefits of use for imaging outweigh any potential risks.Research has suggested that any gadolinium build-up is dose-dependent—that is, the more times a person receives the dye, the more brain deposits they’re likely to have.The same study concluded that there is no link between the brain deposition of gadolinium-based contrast agents and a person’s kidney function, age, gender, or the period between their contrast exposure (their last MRI) and death.It’s also important to note that contrast material is even more likely to be deposited in bone than in brain tissue, although the implications of this aren’t yet clear.How Do You Flush Contrast Dye Out of Your Body?After your MRI, the best thing you can do to flush contrast dye out of your body is to drink lots of water.Drink eight glasses of water daily to help your kidneys remove the contrast dye from your urine.Understanding MRI for Multiple SclerosisComplications and ConcernsRarely, certain types of gadolinium contrast cause a severe disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in people with significant kidney dysfunction.This condition, which causes tightening of the skin and damage to internal organs, is most likely to occur in people with MS who also have kidney dysfunction.Although rare, some people have an allergic reaction to gadolinium contrast. The main symptom isitchy skin, but rashes have also been reported.A life-threatening allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is also possible but unlikely.MRI imaging uses magnets and radio waves.Therefore, pacemakers, artificial bones or joints, and even IUDs can cause problems, as the MRI uses strong magnets to create images.In addition, MRI machines may be problematic for people with claustrophobia. To minimize this risk, imaging centers increasingly use open MRI equipment.If you areundergoing an MRItell your healthcare provider and the MRI technologist if you have any metal implants, claustrophobia, allergies, or kidney problems.They can tell you what is and is not safe and how to proceed best.Is Contrast Dye Safe for People who are Pregnant or Breast Feeding?Gadolinium-based contrast dyes must be avoided in people who are pregnant due to a high risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, and severe congenital disabilities.People who receive GBCD should not breastfeed for 24 hours after exposure to the dye, and any milk that is secreted within these 24 hours should not be used.What to Expect From a Brain MRIWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderSerious allergic reactions to contrast dyes are very rare but can happen.Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction:Trouble breathingThroat tightnessShortness of breathWheezingChest painFacial swellingFast heart rateSummaryGadolinium-based contrast dye (GBCD) is sometimes administered to people having MRI scans to check for signs of multiple sclerosis.GBCD is linked to several side effects, including nausea, headaches, dizziness, and rash.Although these side effects are common, they tend to be mild. Most GBCD is eliminated from the body, but trace amounts can stay behind.Drinking lots of water after your MRI scan can help your body eliminate the contrast dye.Rarely, severe allergic reactions to contrast dyes can occur. If you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard test for diagnosing and monitoring the progression ofmultiple sclerosis (MS).
Some types of MRI require using gadolinium-based contrast dye (GBCD).
The dye frequently causes side effects, such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and rash, but they tend to be mild.
GBCD is administered through a vein during the MRI, causing active MS lesions to “light up.”
After an MRI, most GBCD is removed from the body in urine, but trace amounts may stay in the body and accumulate over time in people who have MRI scans with GBCD frequently.
This article discusses how GBCD works, its use, and the possible side effects and complications it may cause in some people.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Gadoliniumis a chemical compound. When injected into the bloodstream, it usually can’t get past theblood-brain barrier—a layer of membranes and cell processes that prevents substances in the blood from entering the brain or spinal cord.
The blood-brain barrier is largely impenetrable.
However, under certain circumstances, such as active inflammation within the brain or spinal cord that occurs during anMS relapse, the barrier is disrupted.
When this happens, gadolinium can enter the brain or spinal cord and leak into an MS lesion, causing it to appear as a highlighted spot on an MRI.
Side Effects of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Dyes
Most of the side effects of gadolinium-based contrasts (GBCDs) are mild, including:
In most cases, side effects occur within one hour after the contrast dye is administered, although there have been reports of side effects occurring one week after administration.
Of more concern is the possibility that the contrast material won’t be completely eliminated from the body.
In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that gadolinium-based contrast agents can remain in the body, including in the brain, for months to years. However, the FDA notes that this hasn’t been linked to any adverse health effects, and they say the benefits of use for imaging outweigh any potential risks.
Research has suggested that any gadolinium build-up is dose-dependent—that is, the more times a person receives the dye, the more brain deposits they’re likely to have.
The same study concluded that there is no link between the brain deposition of gadolinium-based contrast agents and a person’s kidney function, age, gender, or the period between their contrast exposure (their last MRI) and death.
It’s also important to note that contrast material is even more likely to be deposited in bone than in brain tissue, although the implications of this aren’t yet clear.
How Do You Flush Contrast Dye Out of Your Body?After your MRI, the best thing you can do to flush contrast dye out of your body is to drink lots of water.Drink eight glasses of water daily to help your kidneys remove the contrast dye from your urine.
How Do You Flush Contrast Dye Out of Your Body?
After your MRI, the best thing you can do to flush contrast dye out of your body is to drink lots of water.Drink eight glasses of water daily to help your kidneys remove the contrast dye from your urine.
After your MRI, the best thing you can do to flush contrast dye out of your body is to drink lots of water.
Drink eight glasses of water daily to help your kidneys remove the contrast dye from your urine.
Understanding MRI for Multiple Sclerosis
Complications and Concerns
Rarely, certain types of gadolinium contrast cause a severe disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in people with significant kidney dysfunction.
This condition, which causes tightening of the skin and damage to internal organs, is most likely to occur in people with MS who also have kidney dysfunction.
Although rare, some people have an allergic reaction to gadolinium contrast. The main symptom isitchy skin, but rashes have also been reported.
A life-threatening allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is also possible but unlikely.
MRI imaging uses magnets and radio waves.
Therefore, pacemakers, artificial bones or joints, and even IUDs can cause problems, as the MRI uses strong magnets to create images.
In addition, MRI machines may be problematic for people with claustrophobia. To minimize this risk, imaging centers increasingly use open MRI equipment.
If you areundergoing an MRItell your healthcare provider and the MRI technologist if you have any metal implants, claustrophobia, allergies, or kidney problems.
They can tell you what is and is not safe and how to proceed best.
Is Contrast Dye Safe for People who are Pregnant or Breast Feeding?Gadolinium-based contrast dyes must be avoided in people who are pregnant due to a high risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, and severe congenital disabilities.People who receive GBCD should not breastfeed for 24 hours after exposure to the dye, and any milk that is secreted within these 24 hours should not be used.
Is Contrast Dye Safe for People who are Pregnant or Breast Feeding?
Gadolinium-based contrast dyes must be avoided in people who are pregnant due to a high risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, and severe congenital disabilities.People who receive GBCD should not breastfeed for 24 hours after exposure to the dye, and any milk that is secreted within these 24 hours should not be used.
Gadolinium-based contrast dyes must be avoided in people who are pregnant due to a high risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, and severe congenital disabilities.
People who receive GBCD should not breastfeed for 24 hours after exposure to the dye, and any milk that is secreted within these 24 hours should not be used.
What to Expect From a Brain MRI
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Serious allergic reactions to contrast dyes are very rare but can happen.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction:
Summary
Gadolinium-based contrast dye (GBCD) is sometimes administered to people having MRI scans to check for signs of multiple sclerosis.
GBCD is linked to several side effects, including nausea, headaches, dizziness, and rash.
Although these side effects are common, they tend to be mild. Most GBCD is eliminated from the body, but trace amounts can stay behind.
Drinking lots of water after your MRI scan can help your body eliminate the contrast dye.
Rarely, severe allergic reactions to contrast dyes can occur. If you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Asadollahzade E, Ghadiri F, Zahra Ebadi Z, et al.The benefits and side effects of gadolinium-based contrast agents in multiple sclerosis patients.Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2022 Aug;68(8):979-981. doi:10.1590/1806-9282.20220643Radiological Society of America.Contrast reaction raises MRI contrast risk.Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings.Murata N, Gonzalez-Cuyar LF, Murata K, et al.Macrocyclic and other non-group 1 gadolinium contrast agents deposit low levels of gadolinium in brain and bone tissue: preliminary results from 9 patients with normal renal function.Invest Radiol. 2016 Jul;51(7):447-53. doi:10.1097/RLI.0000000000000252Mount Sinai.Frequently asked questions.UW Medicine.If you have had contrast allergy.UCSF Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging.CT and MR pregnancy guidelines.Additional ReadingMcDonald RJ et al.Intracranial gadolinium deposition after contrast-enhanced MR imaging.Radiology. 2015 Jun;275(3):772-82. doi:10.1148/radiol.15150025National Multiple Sclerosis Society.FDA issues safety communication and safety measures related to a commonly used MRI agent. Jan 2018.Ramalho et al.Gadolinium-based contrast agent accumulation and toxicity: An update.AJNR Am J Neuroradiol.2016 Jul;37(7):1192-1198. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A4615.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Asadollahzade E, Ghadiri F, Zahra Ebadi Z, et al.The benefits and side effects of gadolinium-based contrast agents in multiple sclerosis patients.Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2022 Aug;68(8):979-981. doi:10.1590/1806-9282.20220643Radiological Society of America.Contrast reaction raises MRI contrast risk.Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings.Murata N, Gonzalez-Cuyar LF, Murata K, et al.Macrocyclic and other non-group 1 gadolinium contrast agents deposit low levels of gadolinium in brain and bone tissue: preliminary results from 9 patients with normal renal function.Invest Radiol. 2016 Jul;51(7):447-53. doi:10.1097/RLI.0000000000000252Mount Sinai.Frequently asked questions.UW Medicine.If you have had contrast allergy.UCSF Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging.CT and MR pregnancy guidelines.Additional ReadingMcDonald RJ et al.Intracranial gadolinium deposition after contrast-enhanced MR imaging.Radiology. 2015 Jun;275(3):772-82. doi:10.1148/radiol.15150025National Multiple Sclerosis Society.FDA issues safety communication and safety measures related to a commonly used MRI agent. Jan 2018.Ramalho et al.Gadolinium-based contrast agent accumulation and toxicity: An update.AJNR Am J Neuroradiol.2016 Jul;37(7):1192-1198. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A4615.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Asadollahzade E, Ghadiri F, Zahra Ebadi Z, et al.The benefits and side effects of gadolinium-based contrast agents in multiple sclerosis patients.Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2022 Aug;68(8):979-981. doi:10.1590/1806-9282.20220643Radiological Society of America.Contrast reaction raises MRI contrast risk.Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings.Murata N, Gonzalez-Cuyar LF, Murata K, et al.Macrocyclic and other non-group 1 gadolinium contrast agents deposit low levels of gadolinium in brain and bone tissue: preliminary results from 9 patients with normal renal function.Invest Radiol. 2016 Jul;51(7):447-53. doi:10.1097/RLI.0000000000000252Mount Sinai.Frequently asked questions.UW Medicine.If you have had contrast allergy.UCSF Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging.CT and MR pregnancy guidelines.
Asadollahzade E, Ghadiri F, Zahra Ebadi Z, et al.The benefits and side effects of gadolinium-based contrast agents in multiple sclerosis patients.Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2022 Aug;68(8):979-981. doi:10.1590/1806-9282.20220643
Radiological Society of America.Contrast reaction raises MRI contrast risk.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings.
Murata N, Gonzalez-Cuyar LF, Murata K, et al.Macrocyclic and other non-group 1 gadolinium contrast agents deposit low levels of gadolinium in brain and bone tissue: preliminary results from 9 patients with normal renal function.Invest Radiol. 2016 Jul;51(7):447-53. doi:10.1097/RLI.0000000000000252
Mount Sinai.Frequently asked questions.
UW Medicine.If you have had contrast allergy.
UCSF Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging.CT and MR pregnancy guidelines.
McDonald RJ et al.Intracranial gadolinium deposition after contrast-enhanced MR imaging.Radiology. 2015 Jun;275(3):772-82. doi:10.1148/radiol.15150025National Multiple Sclerosis Society.FDA issues safety communication and safety measures related to a commonly used MRI agent. Jan 2018.Ramalho et al.Gadolinium-based contrast agent accumulation and toxicity: An update.AJNR Am J Neuroradiol.2016 Jul;37(7):1192-1198. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A4615.
McDonald RJ et al.Intracranial gadolinium deposition after contrast-enhanced MR imaging.Radiology. 2015 Jun;275(3):772-82. doi:10.1148/radiol.15150025
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.FDA issues safety communication and safety measures related to a commonly used MRI agent. Jan 2018.
Ramalho et al.Gadolinium-based contrast agent accumulation and toxicity: An update.AJNR Am J Neuroradiol.2016 Jul;37(7):1192-1198. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A4615.
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