Immediate Adverse Reactions to Gadolinium-Based MR Contrast Media: A Retrospective Analysis on 10,608 Examinations

Biomed Res Int. 2016:2016:3918292. doi: 10.1155/2016/3918292. Epub 2016 Aug 29.

Abstract

Background and Purpose. Contrast media (CM) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may determine the development of acute adverse reactions. Objective was to retrospectively assess the frequency and severity of adverse reactions associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) injection in patients who underwent MRI. Material and Methods. At our center 10608 MRI examinations with CM were performed using five different GBCAs: Gd-BOPTA (MultiHance), Gd-DTPA (Magnevist), Gd-EOBDTPA (Primovist), Gd-DOTA (Dotarem), and Gd-BTDO3A (Gadovist). Results. 32 acute adverse reactions occurred, accounting for 0.3% of all administration. Twelve reactions were associated with Gd-DOTA injection (0.11%), 9 with Gd-BOPTA injection (0.08%), 6 with Gd-BTDO3A (0.056%), 3 with Gd-EOB-DTPA (0.028%), and 2 with Gd-DTPA (0.018%). Twenty-four reactions (75.0%) were mild, four (12.5%) moderate, and four (12.5%) severe. The most severe reactions were seen associated with use of Gd-BOPTA, with 3 severe reactions in 32 total reactions. Conclusion. Acute adverse reactions are generally rare with the overall adverse reaction rate of 0.3%. The most common adverse reactions were not severe, consisting in skin rash and hives.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Comorbidity
  • Contrast Media / adverse effects
  • Drug Eruptions / diagnosis
  • Drug Eruptions / epidemiology*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / diagnosis
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Gadolinium / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / adverse effects
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Respiration Disorders / diagnosis
  • Respiration Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium