Gadolinium Fear

Hello Dedalus

I had different scans for my own cancer. The first CT was done with contrast. I know it was the usual one but I do not know what the name was. I had quite a bad reaction to it, developing over the 24 hours post scan. I felt generally unwell, severe itching, redness and finally a rash, pretty much head to toe. I also did feel a bit wheezy- although I am asthmatic. I do have other allergies and the wheezy feeling felt the same. I took Piriton and used a mild steroid cream to get it under control. 

When I saw my consultant nearly 3 weeks later- the rash was still present, although had faded. He said it was an allergic reaction. When I had my next scan to plan radiotherapy the next consultant said that any further scans had to be done without any contrast agent and put it on my notes. She said although they like to use it if they can as it is easier to interpret- that they can still read the scans. 

I can understand your concerns and think the best thing is to contact your doctor/hospital before the scan is due so you can discuss your worries and see if there is an alternative.

Jane

Thanks Jane.

Your second last paragraph helps.

I intend to contact the hospital tomorrow, and hopefully, I will get reassurance that if I opt out of having the contrast it will not be much of an issue, and I won't receive any disapproval.

D

Hello Dedalus 

I am not too sure about my MRI however I was admitted to hospital with and eGFR of 8 (yes 8!) on 24/12/2021 and had a full MRI at the department of nuclear medicine with a contrast on 27/12/2021 - now I have no idea what the contrast was however it was given as an injection and then I had a wait of about an hour and a half before the full MRI to allow it to circulate around my body. I was told it was a radioactive solution but not the name.

I regret I was a little "out of it" at the time with the low kidney function - but I had no side effects.

I am sorry that I can't be more specific but - well I wasn't with it! - 21 months on my eGFR is almost back to normal at 58!

I agree with jane2511 check with the department of nuclear medicine and the consultant ordering the MRI to ensure there are no issues.

I hope this helps - Brian.

Thanks Brian.

I remembered your GFR of 8 and hoped you would reply if you had an MRI close to that result.

I suspect from your description of it being a radioactive tracer and having to wait 1 hour 30 mins, that you possibly had a gamma scan or renogram to gauge the health of your kidneys.

I don't think they can/will give Gadolinium with a GFR below 30.

I assume you would have had an MRI probably with Gadolinium prior to your diagnosis and staging.  You probably wouldn't know what your GFR would have been at that point.

I am going to phone tomorrow and hopefully discuss things with a radiologist, rather than a radiographer.

BW

D

Yes - I think you are correct there. The following April 2022 I had a CT scan with contrast - again - I have no idea what the contrast was for that one, however I remember having to wait for my eGFR to be tested before the scan and it was 38. The scan went ahead.

I hope this helps - Brian.

Thanks again Brian

With CT scans they usually give iodine-based contrast.  Again your EGFR is required to be above 30.  Two or three years ago it had to be above 42 or 45 IIRC, but they lowered the threshold.  They also used to give an all-day kidney protection drip of sodium bicarbonate or saline in order to flush out the iodine contrast from your kidneys.  That was stopped.

Incidentally, an EGFR of 38 is my baseline.  I fluctuate between 38 and 42.

I am really torn, because I am very protective of my single underperforming kidney, and wanting to have the best MRI images.  There is a small risk, but nevertheless a risk.

D