The Use of Gadolinium in Musculoskeletal MRI—Time to Rethink?

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging has continued to evolve over the recent decades, in part, due to the evolution of gadolinium-based contrast agents and their use. These were initially thought to have a relatively low-risk profile. However, there is mounting evidence that trace amounts of gadolinium are retained within the body. To ascertain the current use of gadolinium in medical practice, we performed a survey of musculoskeletal radiologists, within the United Kingdom, Europe and India. The survey demonstrated varied practices amongst all radiologists with relatively indiscriminate use of gadolinium. In this review, we discuss the current evidence for and against the use of gadolinium in musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging.

Keywords

• gadolinium
• contrast
• musculoskeletal
• magnetic resonance imaging
• brain deposition