How dangerous is an MRI with contrast?

MRI sometimes uses contrast agent based on Gadolinium. Gadolinium-based contrast agents bring a very small risk of developing Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrisis (NSF), an extremely rare but serious and potentially life-threatening condition. read more

An article published in the Springer journal BioMetals raises serious questions about the safety of the gadolinium-based contrast agents that are used in about 30 percent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. read more

In some cases, however, a gadolinium contrast medium is used to make the images clearer (this is typically called an enhanced MRI). There are risks involved when contrast agents are used, including potential brain abnormalities revealed by a new study, so it’s important to use extreme caution and only get an enhanced MRI if it is absolutely necessary. read more