What are the side effects of MRI contrast dye?

Side effects of gadolinium-based contrast agents are often mild….Symptoms include:

• Pain in the bones or joints.
• Burning or “pins and needle” sensations in the skin.
• Brain fog.
• Headache.
• Vision or hearing changes.
• Changes to the skin, such as thickening or discoloration.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Difficulty breathing.

How long does MRI contrast stay in your system?

With normal kidney function, most of the gadolinium is removed from your body in the urine within 24 hours. If you have acute renal failure or severe chronic kidney disease and receive a gadolinium-based contrast agent, there may be a very small risk of developing a rare condition.

Is an MRI with contrast safe?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serves as an important imaging technique necessary for disease diagnosis and treatment. Use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) for MRI enhancement is useful in some instances and has been considered safe in most cases.

Is MRI dye harmful?

While there’s a low risk of side effects and allergic reactions, gadolinium, the contrast agent used for MRIs, is considered safe for most people. However, for pregnant women and people with kidney disease, an MRI with contrast could cause serious problems.

Is MRI contrast harmful to kidneys?

Contrast agents for both CT and MRI are an extremely safe group of drugs and adverse side effects rarely develop. CT contrast materials do rarely cause kidney damage and a skin disorder called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) can be caused by the MRI contrast agents.

Is MRI contrast really necessary?

The results of an MRI procedure without contrast are just as valuable and relevant as those done with the use of a contrast agent. MRI contrast is required when a very detailed image is necessary to evaluate the problem area of the body.