Gadolinium Toxicity

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Iceberg ahead!

So why am I talking about an iceberg on the Gadolinium Toxicity website?  Let me explain.

Not long after I started researching NSF and Gadolinium in early 2010, I saw a reference to an editorial by Dr. Henrik Thomsen of Denmark that had been published in 2008.  The title was, Is NSF Only the Tip of the “Gadolinium Toxicity” Iceberg?  The title caught my attention and really made me think.  It took me a while, but I finally managed to find the editorial.  After reading it, I had more questions than answers.

It seems that in the early 1990s, there was already concern about the stability of the nonionic linear GBCAs, and the macrocyclic agents were found to be significantly more stable in serum.  It was known that transmetallation with other metal ions in the body was more apt to occur with the DTPA-based chelates, and when transmetallation occurs it results in the toxic Gadolinium ion remaining in the body.  Dr. Thomsen asked, “Why were nonionic linear chelates chosen instead of macrocyclic chelate?”  That is a very good question.

For those of us in the U.S., a better question might be, why did it take the FDA longer to react than the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and the Japanese authorities?  (more…)

Report your Gadolinium-related problems to the FDA.

Medwatch_thumb.gifIf you suspect that your unexplained symptoms were caused by the contrast agent you received for your MRI or MRA, you need to file a MedWatch Adverse Event report with the FDA.  You don’t have to be able to prove anything – you only need to suspect that your health problems were caused by the Gadolinium-based Contrast Agent that you received. (more…)

Difference between Linear and Macrocyclic GBCAs

GBCAs can be divided into two categories based on their molecular structure.  Linear and Macrocyclic GBCAs have different properties that may contribute to their propensity to dechelate at some time after administration. This very short video explains the difference between linear and macrocyclic GBCAs and it hits on transmetallation too. (more…)