[Adverse reactions induced by gadopentetate dimeglumine in magnetic resonance imaging].

Background and objectives: It is considered that the Gadolinium salts used as a contrast medium in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies present an index of adverse reactions below the iodine contrast mediums. The main objective of this study is to determine, in our medium, the frequency and intensity of the adverse reactions related to the administration of Gadopentotate Dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) and compare it with the rate of adverse reactions induced by the iodine contrast mediums.

Material and methods: During the period comprised between 1st of January 2005 and 30th of June 2006, the adverse affects were collected for all the studies by means of MRI in which the Gd-DTPA contrast was applied, programmed or urgent, performed in Eresa Diagnosis Centres by Image located ( 11 centre in total) in the provinces of Castellón and Valencia. The adverse effects induced by the iodine salts were also collected in this period.

Results: A total of 54,909 studies with magnetic resonance were performed in the referred study centres, and 12,791 studies with MCI. The total of adverse reactions observed was 62 (0.11%) and 47 (0.36%) respectively. The profile of adverse reactions with both contrast mediums was similar, except in the moderate reactions where we objectively observed a greater percentage of palpebral edema and dyspnea with the usage of MCI than with Gd-DTPA. No cases of anaphylaxia or exitus were observed.

Conclusions: The data contributed by this series support a safety profile of Gadolinium superior to that of the MCI in line with the results shown by extensive published series.