Are gadolinium contrast agents safe?

Here is My Question:
Recently there has been issues put forth by the FDA that patients receiving gadolinium may not be clearing it from the body. Is this something to be concerned about?

Answer:
Multiple studies indicate that certain gadolinium contrast agents are deposited in certain regions of the brain after multiple exposures during MRI scans. More importantly, this occurs even in people with normal kidney function and intact blood brain barriers. There is no evidence at present that these deposits of gadolinium have a detrimental effect. The FDA is actively investigating this issue. Until we have further information regarding the long term safety of gadolinium contrast agents, it is important to carefully consider the necessity of using this agent for specific imaging indications. For MS, it is my opinion that non-enhanced MRI is adequate for many follow-up scans as long as high resolution volumetric studies are obtained and computer assisted analytic technologies are used to compare scans over time for the presence of new or enlarging lesions.

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego