http://www.appliedradiology.com RSS Feed on Applied Radiologyhttp://www.appliedradiology.com//Issues/2003/06/Supplements/Use-of-gadolinium-as-a-contrast-agent-for-digital-subtraction-angiography.aspxGadolinium contrast media is typically used for its paramagnetic properties in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, it can also be used in a completely different context for its X-ray attenuation properties. Gadolinium contrast may be substituted for iodinated contrast media in a wide range of arterial and venous interventional procedures when combined with digital subtraction angiography. This may be useful for patients with a contraindication to the use of iodinated contrast, but it should be stressed that this represents an off-label use of gadolinium. A relatively small volume of contrast media may be used if conventional MRI dosing is used as a guideline. Another disadvantage is that vascular opacification is somewhat inferior to that achieved with iodinated contrast.Wednesday, 11 Jun 2003 15:37:06 GMT