ACR Manual on Contrast Media Addresses FDA Gadolinium Safety Concerns

Reston, VA — The updated ACR Manual on Contrast Media contains a statement addressing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety communication on use of gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Gadolinium-based contrast agents are administered to approximately 30 million patients every year to improve the diagnostic accuracy of MR examinations. Researchers have found that gadolinium-based contrast agents may leave deposits in the brain, bone and other organs. “If the decision is made to use a gadolinium-based contrast agent for an MRI study for an individual patient, multiple factors need to be considered … including diagnostic efficacy, relaxivity, rate of adverse reactions, dosing/concentration and propensity to deposit in more sensitive organs, such as the brain,” notes a joint statement from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Society of Neuroradiology (ASNR). “This vital guide for radiologists enhances the safe and effective use of contrast media in daily practice to ensure optimal patient care,” said Jacqueline Bello, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR Commission on Quality and Safety. “The timely inclusion of the ACR and ASNR joint statement addresses questions posed by many radiology professionals about gadolinium-based contrast agents in the previous months,” she added. “Reviews from radiologists show that this reference on contrast media is a practical and v...
Source: American College of Radiology - Category: Radiology Source Type: news