Use of gadolinium contrast agents in paediatric population: Donald rumsfeld meets Hippocrates!

Abstract

Gadolinium is a contrast agent that is used in MRI. There is new evidence that gadolinium accumulates in a patient’s body and the effects of this accumulation is unknown. This has resulted in different advice being given by European Medicine Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The European Medicine Agency recommended stopping the use of linear Gadolinium agents (requiring more proof of safety) while the Food and Drug Administration continues to permit its use (requiring more proof of harm). Gadolinium should be used if deemed clinically necessary. Children and parents should be informed of the benefits and potential harm of using gadolinium-based contrast. It is up for debate whether those imaged before with gadolinium will benefit from being informed of new evidence.