Gadodiamide


Gadodiamide is a gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent, used in MR imaging procedures to assist in the visualization of blood vessels. It is commonly marketed under the trade name Omniscan.

Uses

Gadodiamide is a drug i.e contrast medium used for cranial and spinal magnetic resonance imaging and for general MRI of the body after intravenous administration.
The product provides contrast enhancement and facilitates visualisation of abnormal structures or lesions in various parts of the body including the central nervous system. It does not cross an intact blood brain barrier but might give enhancement in pathological conditions.

Adverse effects

It has been associated with a toxic reaction known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in some people with severe kidney problems. No cases have been seen in people with normal kidney function.
A 2015 study found trace amounts of gadolinium deposited in the brain tissue of people that had received gadodiamide. This is of unknown significance.
In the United States there are recommendations that one does not need to stop or altering breastfeeding while in Europe it is recommended that a mother throw out 24 hours of breast milk.