Chelates and Stability

Abstract

Extracellular gadolinium-based MRI contrast media are all chelates containing Gd ions (Gd3+). Free gadolinium is highly toxic and can cause splenic degeneration, central lobular necrosis of the liver, enzyme inhibition, calcium channel blocking and a variety of haematological abnormalities ( Dawson 1999; Desreux and Gilsoul 1999). Therefore, it is crucially important that Gd3+ should be strongly attached to a chelate to avoid its toxic effects.