Live Lunch & Learn Session | ARRS 2018
A Review of the Safety of Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents in Pediatric Imaging
When: Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Eastern Time
Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel | Washington, D.C.
Presented by:
Shannon G. Farmakis, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Radiology and Pediatrics
Medical Director of Pediatric Radiology
St. Louis University School of Medicine
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital
Contrast-enhanced MRI has become an increasingly utilized imaging modality in the pediatric population. Familiarity with the safety profiles of the various gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and approved indications is important in managing this group of patients. The unique pharmacologic and imaging characteristics of certain GBCAs may have a role in agent selection.
A number of recent studies in the adult and pediatric literature have described areas of high signal intensity in the globus pallidus and dentate nucleus in patients with a history of multiple prior exposures to GBCAs, and some studies have found gadolinium in tissue specimens of these areas. There is a growing concern about the implications of these findings of gadolinium deposition by various governing bodies, regulatory authorities, physicians, and patient groups.
While currently there is no direct evidence that links gadolinium deposition with specific symptoms or syndromes, further research into the safety of the various types of agents (linear versus macrocyclic) is warranted and is supported by the American College of Radiology. There are also implications for changes in practice, such as reporting cumulative gadolinium dosages in reports.
A maximum of One (1) AMA/PRA Category 1 CME Credit™ will be offered to attendees.