The varying states upon which you might make a visit to an imaging place can be vast. The medical conditions upon which you are trying to confirm can make the difference between needing contrast dye known as Gadolinium or no contrast.
What is Gadolinium? Gadolinium, or Gd3+ is a rare toxic metal which is gaining steam for its triggering effects of a rare, and dangerous blow to the nephrogenic system, and causing Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, and neurological side effects. Free gadolinium can interfere with calcium channels, nerve transmissions, muscle contraction, blood coagulation, and mitochondrial function. Published studies have also reported finding evidence of Gadolinium deposition in bone, skin and brain tissue of patients with and without kidney issues. It was thought Gadolinium passed through the body temporarily and since then has been proven to linger in the bone, muscle and even brain tissue for many years later.
Some of the symptoms that occur with NSF, and or Gadolinium include swelling and tightening of skin, joints, and skin changes described as reddened or darkened patches, papules, or plaques. Skin can also resemble the texture of an orange peel. Other symptoms often accompanied are burning, itching, or sharp pains. Muscle weakness also often occurs. Radiography may show calcification of the soft tissue. Deep “bone pain” has been described in the hips and ribs. Hand and foot swelling with blister-like lesions has been reported. Some patients have yellow papules or plaques on or near the eyes. Rapid, new onset fluctuating hypertension may occur along with skin lesions. In 2017 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration added warning labels to the dye about gadolinium retention, and The European Medicine Agency recommended stopping the use of linear Gadolinium agents, as linear GBCA's are more harmful compared to macrocyclic. According to the FDA, their new warning on the label of all nine approved GBCAs will raise awareness to all health-care professionals to the fact that the gadolinium in them can remain in the body, including the brain, for months or even years after an MRI.
There has been a growing number of mass torte personal injury law suits due to Gadolinium Toxicity/Retention. The most famous of them being Gena Norris, Chuck Norris's wife. According to the couples’ lawsuit, Gena Norris developed Gadolinium Deposition Disease following a routine MRI procedure. She’s was hospitalized numerous times for burning and pain throughout her body. She also had kidney damage, cognitive deficits, fatigue and trouble moving around and breathing. Gena had to use chelation therapy (which is not FDA approved) and travel outside the united states to do so.
Chelation therapy for Gadolinium is controversial. Many experts say the use of EDTA or DMPA are the best chelating agents. The Medical Medium claims celery juice can help, while others claim cilantro, and chlorella can help naturally chelate it. There are also some claims of TRS, a nano-sized zeolite spray being able to bind to Gadolinium, the verdict is still out.
I personally had 1 MRI in October of 2019, and one entire year later I am off the charts past the red zone (on a Genova heavy metals test) for Gadolinium retention. I will attempting to use TRS and possibly EDTA, and will report in six months if it brings my levels down.