About MRI IV Contrast Information
Certain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams may require the use of a contrast medium, or “dye,” to enhance visualization of some structures on the scan. Contrast media is usually given by an intravenous injection; unlike the iodine-based contrast used with X-ray exams.

Gadolinium is a non-radioactive contrast agent that is a naturally occurring substance. It is slightly magnetic and used with MRIs. Gadolinium is rapidly cleared from your body through the kidneys. Since it is colorless and odorless, you will not notice anything different in your urine.

Gadolinium can be useful for several types of scans and situations:

• to make blood vessels stand out from the other tissue
• to differentiate scar tissue from surrounding tissue
• to make tumors more visible

Some abdominal scans also are enhanced by the use of oral contrast. You may be given a cup of a thin barium solution to drink before you are positioned on the MRI scan table. Barium is an inert, natural substance that lines your intestine and makes it appear distinct from the surrounding tissue and organs in your abdomen.

The decision to give contrast media will be made by your radiologist, based on your history and symptoms.

What to expect
For intravenous contrast, you will have an injection that will feel like a blood test. Most people feel no other sensation from the contrast. Since Gadolinium is cleared quickly through your kidneys, the scanning will begin during the injection or shortly afterward.

For oral contrast, you will be given a glass of a thin barium mixture to drink.

Patient preparation
No special preparation is required for contrast media.

Side effects and complications
Side effects resulting from the Gadolinium injection are rare, but could include mild headache, lightheadedness or nausea. Fewer than one in 1,000 patients have an allergic reaction to Gadolinium. The most common effects are hives or shortness of breath. These symptoms can be treated immediately with medication. Please report any unusual feelings to the technologist right away.

The barium used for oral contrast sometimes causes constipation, which can be alleviated or prevented by drinking plenty of water after your exam.

If you think you might be pregnant or are currently breastfeeding an infant, please let the technologist know before your exam begins. Your exam may be modified, or you may be instructed to express and discard breast milk for a period of time.

Follow-up care
No follow-up care is necessary following contrast media injection or oral ingestion.