Test ID: GDS    
Gadolinium, Serum

Aiding in documenting past exposure to gadolinium-based contrast agents in serum specimens

Gadolinium is a member of the lanthanide series of the periodic table of elements and is considered a nonessential element. Due to its paramagnetic properties, chelated gadolinium is commonly employed as contrast media (gadolinium-based contrast agents: GBCA) for magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography scanning.

Gadolinium is primarily eliminated via the kidneys, so exposure can be prolonged in patients with renal insufficiency. Patients with reduced renal function and some patients with normal renal function may exhibit a prolonged gadolinium elimination half-life.

To date the only known adverse health effect related to gadolinium retention is a rare condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). NSF is a relatively uncommon condition in which fibrous plaques develop in the dermis and often in deeper connective tissues. Reported cases have occurred almost exclusively in patients with severe renal disease, and almost all have been associated with prior use of GBCAs. NSF is a painful skin disease characterized by thickening of the skin, which can involve the joints and cause significant limitation of motion within weeks to months. Over the past decade, changes in clinical practice guidelines have almost completely eliminated the incidence of NSF. However, the association of NSF and observed elevated gadolinium concentrations is still not fully understood.

<0.5 ng/mL

Elevated gadolinium observed in serum specimens drawn more than 96 hours after administration of gadolinium-containing contrast media is not typical of most patients with normal renal function, and may indicate prolonged elimination of gadolinium and exposure to anthropogenic sources.

Serum gadolinium concentration may be elevated if the specimen is drawn less than 96 hours after administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA). This elevation is due to residual gadolinium present from contrast media infusion. An elevated serum gadolinium in a specimen collected more than 96 hours after contrast media infusion does not definitively indicate risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) or significant gadolinium toxicity. Ultimately, patients should consult with their healthcare providers to interpret any test results.

A small number of patients studied at Mayo Clinic have demonstrated measureable (0.6-2.1 ng/mL) gadolinium in serum collected 30 days after gadolinium infusion, so some prolonged elimination is possible.

Serum gadolinium concentrations above the stated reference range may indicate prolonged elimination, residual gadolinium retention, or continuing environmental exposure. However, elevated serum gadolinium concentrations do not necessarily indicate toxicity.

1. Othersen JB, Maize JC, Woolson RF, Budisavljevic MN: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis after exposure to gadolinium in patients with renal failure. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2007;22:3179-3185

2. Perazella MA: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, kidney disease, and gadolinium: is there a link? Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2007;2:200-202

4. Christensen KN, Lee CU, Hanley MM, et al: Quantification of gadolinium in fresh skin and serum samples from patients with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011;64(1):91-96

5. Girardi M, Kay J, Elston DM, et al: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: Clinicopathological definition and workup recommendations. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011;65:1095-1106

6. Telgmann L, Sperling M, Karst U: Determination of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents in biological and environmental samples: A review. Analytica Chimica Acta 2013;764:1-16

7. Daftari Besheli L, Aran S, Shaqdan K, et al: Current status of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Clin Radiol. 2014 Jul;69(7):661-668

8. Aime S, Caravan P: Biodistribution of gadolinium-based contrast agents, including gadolinium deposition. J Magn Reson Imaging 2009;30(6):1259-1267

9. McDonald RJ, McDonald JS, Kallmes DF, et al: Intracranial gadolinium deposition after contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Radiology 2015;275:772-782

• Trace Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport