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Kinds of Gadolinium

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to view otherwise invisible portions of the body to the naked eye. During an MRI, tints or contrast agents are given to the patient for better viewing of the internal organs, cavities and veins to help further differentiate one organ from the next. Most MRI contrast agents contain gadolinium.

  1. Magnevist

    • Magnevist or gadopentetate dimeglumine is a variety of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent used to help identify issues in spinal tissues, blood vessels and in organs such as the heart and the brain. Magnevist is not advisable for people with advanced kidney disease. Some people can be allergic to Magnevist so you should also be aware of signs of an impending allergic reaction such as difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face and the sudden appearance of a skin rash.

    Omniscan

    • Omniscan is an injectable MRI contrast agent that is otherwise known as gadodiamide. It is an odorless, slightly yellow solution available in 1 ml. doses. Each dose has 12 mg. of caldiamide sodium mixed with sterile water and 287 mg. of gadodiamide. Omniscan does not have any type of antimicrobial preservative added to it. Careful intake and dosage of Omniscan should be observed. Those with acute kidney diseases should talk to their physician before undergoing an MRI procedure, especially if Omniscan is the contrast agent to be used.

    OptiMark

    • OptiMark, a gadoversetamide injection, is an MRI contrast agent that was FDA-approved in 1999 with relatively low numbers of cases of anaphylaxis (potentially deadly allergic reactions), according to FDA reports. It is a non-ionic agent, meaning it is less likely that the patient will experience adverse reactions or unwanted side effects after its administration to the system. It is a very fluid injectable solution, making it faster to administer and is compatible with smaller needles for more comfortable administration.

    MultiHance and ProHance

    • MultiHance is an injection containing 529 mg. of gadobenate dimeglumine and water. MultiHance does not have any form of preservative added to it, although there have been rare reports of cardiac arrhythmias and chest discomfort in patients. ProHance, on the other hand, is a non-ionic injection otherwise known as gadoteridol. It is used for adults and patients over 2 years of age. ProHance is mostly used as the contrast agent for patients with head and neck issues.

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