MRI Drugs May Be Dangerous
The MRI has become one of the greatest tools for diagnostic medicine in the modern era. It enables doctors to see the human body in ways not previously possible, allowing them to better diagnose tumors earlier in their growth process and see tears in muscle tissue and ligaments that would have gone unnoticed before. The process depends on gadolinium, a contrast material injected into the bloodstream. Recent data suggests that their may be some adverse effects of this drug.
Designed Effects of Contrast Material
Gadolinium is injected into the blood stream to act as a contrast material. Its effect on the body is to make blood vessels standout to the magnetic resonance imaging machine in order to create a picture of the inside of the body. This is how an MRI is able to detect tumors and other abnormalities because it can detect differences in the soft tissue of the body thanks to the gadolinium.
Skin Conditions
In May 2007, the FDA ordered an investigation of the highest order (black box) into the effects of gadolinium on other systems of the body. The investigation determined that patients with kidney problems after undergoing an MRI were at an increased risk of developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, a skin disease that is potentially fatal afflicting the patient with flulike symptoms, muscle weakness, burning and itching of the effected areas. The FDA has recommended that patients suffering from kidney disease or failure should avoid MRI procedures and gadolinium injections. MRI contrast material can also cause minor skin irritations like rashes and hives.
Impaired Kidney Function
MRI contrast material may cause diminished kidney function in those injected with it during the diagnostic procedure. This poses a greater risk for those with kidney disease or are experiencing renal failure as this could prove potentially fatal. Since there are five approved brands of gadolinium on the market currently, it is unclear which is these poses the greatest risk in terms of kidney damage.
Blood Vessel Interactions
Because gadolinium is a denser material injected into the blood stream, it has been known to cause irritation of the blood vessels. This can result in swelling, discomfort in the chest or a feeling of being light-headed. MRI contract material can also cause swelling of the face (due to irritated blood vessels) as that region of the body has the largest amount of blood vessels flowing to it.
Tags: blood vessels, contrast material, injected into, also cause, blood stream, injected into blood, into blood
