I have an appointment for an MRI shortly. Should I allow the injection of gadolinium?
My doctor says it is ok, but I have read that it can 'incite' myeloma cells to multiply (which wouldn't be good).
If I refuse the gadolinium, are the MRI results good enough without it?
Is there an alternative substance that can be used instead?
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Re: Gadolinium - okay to use in MRIs?
This was one of the topics that my onc told me to remember during my very first appointment with him (i.e., be concerned about contrast agents down the road).
I also remember looking into this before when I was futilely trying to find a place that did whole-body MRIs in my state.
My understanding is that you definitely want to avoid it if you have any kidney issues, so your radiologist should therefore be reviewing your creatinine levels before ever suggesting the use of gadolinium. I also remember there being conflicting policy statements from various bodies like the IMWG regarding whether or not one really needed gadolinium for a good MRI session when looking for multiple myeloma lesions.
I also remember looking into this before when I was futilely trying to find a place that did whole-body MRIs in my state.
My understanding is that you definitely want to avoid it if you have any kidney issues, so your radiologist should therefore be reviewing your creatinine levels before ever suggesting the use of gadolinium. I also remember there being conflicting policy statements from various bodies like the IMWG regarding whether or not one really needed gadolinium for a good MRI session when looking for multiple myeloma lesions.
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: Gadolinium - okay to use in MRIs?
As a general statement, the MRI without gadolinium is probably acceptable. There are times when gadolinium is important (looking at the spinal cord itself), but if looking for bone disease is the primary reason, no gadolinium is generally acceptable.
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Dr. Jason Valent - Name: Jason Valent, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Gadolinium - okay to use in MRIs?
As Dr. Valent stated, the first question to ask is: Is contrast necessary for proper diagnosis?
The second question is: Do you have good kidney function?
In the past month, I have had two MRIs with contrast dye in an effort to diagnose a neurological problem, and the contrast was necessary for proper imaging. Prior to having my MRI, I contacted my myeloma specialist, and he suggested I have blood work done to determine kidney function, and follow the MRI with a liter of IV saline.
My local oncologist was able to arrange the IV saline immediately after my MRI, and I kept myself well hydrated. I had no problems or side effects from my MRI with contrast.
Wishing you the best.
The second question is: Do you have good kidney function?
In the past month, I have had two MRIs with contrast dye in an effort to diagnose a neurological problem, and the contrast was necessary for proper imaging. Prior to having my MRI, I contacted my myeloma specialist, and he suggested I have blood work done to determine kidney function, and follow the MRI with a liter of IV saline.
My local oncologist was able to arrange the IV saline immediately after my MRI, and I kept myself well hydrated. I had no problems or side effects from my MRI with contrast.
Wishing you the best.
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Dano - Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 65
Re: Gadolinium - okay to use in MRIs?
I've been told to avoid it by two different specialists. Is your doctor a specialist? I could easily imagine a non-specialist being unaware of this issue. I have the same problem with non-specialists who want to light me up with CT scans every time I turn around. Brought my specialist in when I was in the hospital last to get the other doctors to stop trying to send me for CT scans.
5 posts
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