Evidence of Gadolinium Deposits in Brain Tissue Following Contrast-enhanced MRIs Found

In a study recently published in the journal Radiology, researchers from Mayo Clinic found direct evidence of gadolinium deposits in neuronal tissues following intravenous administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents used in MRI exams. During the study, researchers identified patients who had donated their bodies to medical research and had undergone multiple gadolinium contrast-enhanced MRI exams during the lifetime. Brain tissue samples from these patients were then compared to donors who had never received a gadolinium contrast agent. The patients exposed to the gadolinium contrast had measurable quantities of gadolinium deposited in their brain tissue, whereas those never exposed to gadolinium had none. Researchers were able to directly measure gadolinium concentrations and visualize patterns of deposition in brain tissues. “Given that these agents are administered millions of times every year, this is an important discovery,” said study’s author. “Despite evidence that trace amounts of gadolinium are depositing in neural tissues, there is currently no data to suggest that its harmful to patients.” Although research demonstrates the deposits in brain tissue, no specific symptoms or diseases have been linked to this finding. To read more about this study, click here.