MRI with contrast dilemma

[Dana66CKD]

I have an order for MRI. Contrast medium used is Gadolynium. Reading on NIH states low risk of adverse effects in patients (1%), vs iodinated contrast used with CT scans. The parameters indicate patient's with ckd and egfr above 60 are okay to use. Went in last week for test & I declined contrast for breast MRI. Tech. spoke with radiologist & came back to advise that the contrast per this radiologist, was necessary to visualize any hidden tumor or other issue that might be causing the pain & sensitivity I've felt since Sept. I contacted Nephrologist & she okay'd contrast, probably bc my egfr has been consistently above 60. Was initially told that contrast for this type study wasn't absolutely necessary, but now, the radiologist is saying otherwise. I've been very careful with EVERYTHING I consume or take, and my egfr has remained at Stage 2 for past 2-1/2 years. I am scared about having. I have never had before & I want to continue having stable egfr's.

Anyone ever had breast MRI with or without contrast?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

The thing is weighing the band to the worse. Not using the contrast, will they see what the need to? If not, at 60 GFR, I would not worry too much. drink LOTS of fluids afterwards and for a couple of days after to flush it out.

[Dana66CKD in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks again Bassetmommer. I've received many good words of advice & info. I appreciate everyone's input. It helps me tremendously. I hope you're having good days as I have had the past couple weeks.Waiting for mammogram results last month was excruciating, but now an MRI. I will stay strong.🙏😊

[CatOnACloud]

Hi there. Ive had many MRIs and CTs and truth is you need the contrast at times. I had complete blockage to left lung, and 40% of right lung from blood clots. They ordered CT without contrast and nothing showed. Dr said ok we need contrast and I lit up!

If it means a tumor or life threatening abnormality goes undiagnosed, then it’s likely to be worth the risk. I do know I ask for them to do an extra saline flush of the IV where contrast goes after the test, and certainly I drink water to flush it out faster.

Sometimes you just have to chance any possible damage, but id be more worried about high blood pressure, uncontrolled. Start from the beginning with information from Davita, and you can systematically learn all you need to know about this CKD thing. Best!

[Dana66CKD in reply to CatOnACloud]

Thanks CatOnACloud. It'd be great if they did without, then if nothing shows, administer the gado. I realize this could be more serious & needing further investigating, but I am scared as I'm certain many have been, of losing any of my egfr function. My bp is well controlled for the present and I've had many good days since Jan. 2022. Also have had bizarre events with heart rate, bp, anxiety & I also have primary Sjogren's Syndrome which can contribute more to the anemia & low wbc count that ckd can cause. There's increased risk for lymphoma and multiple myeloma, which both are worrisome and with age, even riskier. What's a person to do?😒 My family & spouse are my support & strength.❤️

[Ballspinner]

Yes, I've had breast MRI s with contrast. My nephrologist assured me that drinking more water before and after will flush out the kidneys. Just tell the technician before the procedure and they can flush through extra saline after the MRI as well as regulate when they use the contrast. I've had a transplant and my kidney function is about the same as yours. Good luck!

[Dana66CKD in reply to Ballspinner]

Thank you Ballspinner. I appreciate your information. I will make sure to request the extra saline after the procedure. My ex told me a very small amount of gadolynium is used for contrast. He was an MRI tech for many years before retiring. I will also hydrate extra before test.😊

[userotc]

Its approved because your egfr is much more than the normal 30 cut-off. If it helps you, Ive got links to that and also indications that any negative effect on egfr should recover within 14 days. As with all in life, there's no guarantees (also got link indicating that) so a risk-benefit assessment is needed.

My mum is due her bi-annual CT in a couple of weeks' time with latest egfr 45 (to retest first) so we keep 🤞🤞

[nonna70]

You've got to find out if there's a breast problem; good for you that you're above 60!

[6V53]

I have not had a breast MRI, but I have had MRIs with Gadolinium. I am also allergic to iodine and at the time eGFR was less than 20. It got the images needed and I did not see any affect on eGFR. I felt a lot safer with Gadolinium. There are some risks, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the iodine.

[Dana66CKD in reply to 6V53]

Thanks. According to NIH PubMed, the risk is 1% for most above 60 egfr. If the contrast isn't absolute, why have it... that is my quandry.Did they advise you to adequately hydrate before, during & after MRI?

[PecanSandie]

I had a breast MRI with contrast (Gadolinium) about eight months ago. I told them that I had State 3 kidney disease. The technician did a blood test - my eGFR was 40 going in and at my next blood test a couple of weeks later, it was still 40.

[Dana66CKD]

Thanks for your response. I'm glad you didn't experience any ill effects to your egfr status. Were you advised to hydrate before, during & after procedure? I'm just trying to protect & maintain my current egfr function for as long as possible 🙏

[Hawk12]

I also had an MRI with gadolinium (for my adrenals). EGFR in the low 30’s and no problems.

[Dana66CKD in reply to Hawk12]

Thanks. I appreciate your words. They help alleviate my worry about causing further decline in my kidney disease.My Neph did okay the Gado, but sometimes I don't feel like I'm being heard when I experience an issue .

[Hawk12 in reply to Dana66CKD]

I hear you! You have to research for yourself!