An introduction to a supplement on MRI Contrast Agents derived from a focus group meeting held in March 2001.
Much has been written in the scientific literature regarding the
gadolinium chelate contrast agents, particularly about their
overall safety profiles and their relative rates of adverse
events.
To further explore these issues,
Applied Radiology
convened an esteemed panel of physicians with the educational
support of Bracco Diagnostics Inc. The group met in Miami, Florida,
on March 29, 2001 to discuss the role of the gadolinium-based
contrast agents in the practice of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
The results of that meeting are published here.
Dr. Lawrence Muroff moderated the meeting and began the
presentations with an overview of the approved gadolinium chelates.
Dr. Val Runge then presented a review of the literature focusing on
the adverse events associated with these agents. Dr. Emanuel Kanal
reviewed the safety of the gadolinium chelates, highlighting his
institution's experience with all four approved agents. Dr.
Lawrence Tanenbaum spoke about the newer, high-resolution
applications and the use of power injection. Finally, Dr. Gerald
Pohost discussed the role of contrast-enhanced MR imaging in
cardiology.
It is hoped that this publication will lead physicians to a
better understanding of the similarities and differences that exist
among the four FDA-approved gadolinium-based contrast agents and
help the reader separate the myth from the reality.