MRIs, ormagnetic resonance imaging, can be done with or without contrast.
An MRI with contrast is performed in a hospital or outpatient facility.
How Does an MRI With Contrast Work?
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Others still can target specific cells like tumors.
An MRI with contrast isn’t a good choice for every situation.
They are broadly outlined by the ACR in the following chart.
What Happens Before the Test?
Be sure to dress appropriately before heading to your procedure.
You’ll be given a gown to change into if your clothing interferes with the MRI readings.
Dentures and hearing aids should be removed prior to the procedure.
Medical staff will provide you with a secure place to store your belongings.
You may also have to make changes to your diet prior to the procedure.
Asedativecan also be administered through a portal in the catheter if needed.
For MRIs of the head, a cage-like head brace may be used.
The MRI itself can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
You may also need to hold your breath during some parts of the scan.
It is not uncommon to feel a little warmth during the scan.
Newer machines are far quieter, however.
It is not a problem to stop and rest until you are ready to proceed.
In some cases, a part of the scan may need to be repeated.
If a sedative was not used, you’re able to usually dress and leave immediately.
Once you are able to stand, someone will need to drive you home.
Ideally, that person will stay with you for 24 hours in the event of an unexpected side effect.
What Happens After the Test?
In most cases, there will be no immediate or lasting effects from an MRI with contrast.
Contrast dye is processed by the kidneys and removed from the body when you urinate.
A typical radiology report includes a copy of each individual scan along with notations of any abnormalities seen.
Risks and Contraindications
GBCAs are generally considered safe.
Side effects are rare and usually minor but they can occur.
The side effects, which usually occur immediately, depend on the way the dye is delivered.
Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to GBCAs have been noted, but are rare.
The long-term, cumulative effects of GBCAs are unknown.
People who are pregnant should not get an MRI with contrast because the dye poses risks to the fetus.
The few studies involving humans also demonstrated no ill effects.
It help with the diagnosis of certain conditions, such as cancer.
Getting an MRI with contrast is generally safe but rarely may cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
People who are pregnant or have severe kidney disease should not get an MRI with contrast.
Updated May 16, 2018.
American College of Radiology.ACR-SPR practice parameter for the use of intravascular contrast media.
Ibrahim MA, Gupta N, Dublin AB.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gadolinium.
Updated January 12, 2020. doi:10.2214/AJR.11.8144
Gracia Bara MT, Gallardo-Higueras A, Moreno EM, et al.Hypersensitivity to gadolinium-based contrast media.Front Allergy.
