Do you have a mri done with contrast?

MRI exams can be done:

1. Without contrast (dye) 2. With contrast (dye) 3. With and without contrast (dye)

The majority of MRI exams are done without contrast. Most common reasons for contrast administration include infection, cancer, and after surgery.

FDA approved contrast agents are gadolinium based and are safe to use in patients. However, they can have very harmful side effects if the patient develops an allergic reaction or has kidney disease or kidney failure. Without functional kidneys, the body cannot get rid of the gadolinium from the contrast agent, which can cause a deadly and incurable disease known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.