Researchers find nanoparticles of a rare earth metal used in MRI contrast agents can infiltrate kidney tissue (Gadolinium)

Medical Xpress / University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center / Scientific Reports ^ | Feb. 17, 2023 | Michael Haederle / Joshua DeAguero et al

[ConservativeMind]

Physicians routinely prescribe an infusion containing gadolinium to enhance MRI scans, but there is evidence that nanoparticles of the toxic rare earth metal infiltrate kidney cells, sometimes triggering severe side effects, researchers have found.

In the worst cases, gadolinium, an element that has no biologic function, can trigger nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, a painful disease that affects the skin and organs and is often fatal.

Gadolinium-based contrast agents align with an MRI scanner's powerful magnetic field, making for sharper images, but because of its toxicity, the metal must be tightly bound to chelating molecules so that it can be filtered through the kidneys and eliminated.

But the researchers have found that some gadolinium atoms can leach out of the contrast agents into the kidneys and other tissues, Wagner said.

Contrast agents containing gadolinium are used in about 50% of MRI scans, Wagner said.

The odds of developing disease appear to increase with greater exposure to the contrast agent and as gadolinium deposits build up in tissues, Wagner said. "There are people who get five doses, and then you can start detecting the gadolinium inside the brain when you do an MRI without any contrast."

It's unclear how some of the gadolinium detaches from the chelating molecules, he said.

Wagner voiced concerns about the widespread use of gadolinium-based contrast agents, suggesting that many physicians might not be aware of the risks. "Quite often, contrast is given where it's not needed—or maybe you don't even need an MRI."

An additional concern is that gadolinium seems to be finding its way into the environment. Because the MRI contrast agent is expelled through urine, it released into sewer systems, but wastewater treatment plants aren't equipped to remove it, he said.

[mabarker1]

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