What is gadolinium and what is its use in clinical medicine?
Gadolinium is a paramagnetic metal ion. Paramagnetic ions, such as gadolinium, tend to move into magnetic fields. This trait makes paramagnetic ions such as gadolinium useful for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). Gadolinium is approved for use with MRI as a contrast agent to provide a clearer picture of body organs and tissues. It is also used for MRA, another imaging procedure. Gadolinium-containing contrast agents are manufactured by a chelating process, a procedure in which large organic molecules form a stable complex around the gadolinium. The chelate reduces the chances of toxicity that could result from exposure to free gadolinium. This stable complex is eliminated via the kidneys in patients with normal functioning kidneys. 2. What is the difference between MRA and MRI? MRA is a special type of MRI used to study blood vessels. MRA is utilized to detect, diagnose and aid in the treatment of heart disorders, stroke, and vascular diseases.
Gadolinium is a paramagnetic metal ion. Paramagnetic ions, such as gadolinium, move differently within a magnetic field. This trait makes gadolinium useful for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). GBCAs are manufactured by a chelating process, a procedure in which large organic molecules form a stable complex around the gadolinium. The chelate reduces the chances of toxicity that could result from exposure to gadolinium. This stable complex is eliminated predominantly via the kidneys. GBCAs are approved by FDA for use with MRI as a contrast agent to provide an improved image of body organs and tissues. GBCAs are also used for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), an imaging procedure used to evaluate blood vessels. FDA has not approved GBCAs for use in MRA. 3. What is the difference between MRA and MRI? MRA is a special type of MRI used to study blood vessels. MRA aids the detection of heart disorders, stroke, and vascular diseases. 4. Can an MRI and MRA be performed without gadolinium-ba
Gadolinium is a paramagnetic metal ion. Paramagnetic ions, such as gadolinium, move differently within a magnetic field. This trait makes gadolinium useful for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). GBCAs are manufactured by a chelating process, a procedure in which large organic molecules form a stable complex around the gadolinium. The chelate reduces the chances of toxicity that could result from exposure to gadolinium. This stable complex is eliminated predominantly via the kidneys. GBCAs are approved by FDA for use with MRI as a contrast agent to provide an improved image of body organs and tissues. GBCAs are also used for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), an imaging procedure used to evaluate blood vessels. FDA has not approved GBCAs for use in MRA.
