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  • The onset of rare earth metallosis begins with renal gadolinium-rich nanoparticles from magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent exposure
Title: The onset of rare earth metallosis begins with renal gadolinium-rich nanoparticles from magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent exposure
Abstract The leitmotifs of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent-induced complications range from acute kidney injury, symptoms associated with gadolinium exposure (SAGE)/gadolinium deposition disease, potentially fatal gadolinium encephalopathy, and irreversible systemic fibrosis. Gadolinium is the active ingredient of these contrast agents, a non-physiologic lanthanide metal. The mechanisms of MRI contrast agent-induced diseases are unknown. Mice were treated with a MRI contrast agent. Human kidney tissues from contrast-naïve and MRI contrast agent-treated patients were obtained and analyzed. Kidneys (human and mouse) were assessed with transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy with X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy. MRI contrast agent treatment resulted in unilamellar vesicles and mitochondriopathy in renal epithelium. Electron-dense intracellular precipitates and the outer rim of lipid droplets were rich in gadolinium and phosphorus. We conclude that MRI contrast agents are not physiologically inert. The long-term safety of these synthetic metal–ligand complexes, especially with repeated use, should be studied further.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1828731
PAR ID:
10487359
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
AAAS
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Scientific Reports
Volume:
13
Issue:
1
ISSN:
2045-2322
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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