Hi all, (it's gadolinium not barium)

I have an MRI of spine in the morning and the rheum has requested I have gadolinium iv first for it. This I understand is an IV solution of gadolinium which goes round parts of your body to make the scan easier to read.
Does anyone know if there are issues with this for us with sfn /autonomic neuropathy? Kind of want this if it will show greater detail of the Spinal damage/inflammation I have.

I have never had any problems with IV contrast...and I have had several MRI's with the gadolinium. I think the most important factor in regards to reactions and/or problems with the contrast is the possible effect on the kidneys (if the patient has kidney disease). Otherwise, I don't think you'll experience any problems with your SFN or autonomic neuropathy.

Thank you En Bloc! Was very reassuring to read your reply this morning. They didn't use it on the end after all that. I didn't feel worried going in though thanks to your reply :-)

Sorry for the late reply.

I have had several scans with gadolinium. It is supposed to have a 90 minute half life and I have been peeing it out for almost two YEARS later.

I first became suspicious when my scalp was worse only a few hours after a brain MRI with gadolinium contrast and then started to pursue information further.

I know folks that think it is the cause of their SFN.

Not sure about myself.

Just a caution to others.

I have to ask...How do you know you are still peeing it out? Has your urine been tested for it?

Mine has been tested and was extremely high 2 years post MRI. Additionally the tech wasn't careful and pierced my vein, which was extremely painful.


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24 hour urine and sent to Mayo, so there was no dispute.

Did you have exposure to gadolinium prior to neuropathy?

That's really scary (both Madisongrrl and Baba)! Do either of you have kidney disease...that would inhibit the clearing of the contrast?

I'm sure there are others that have had bad reactions, but I can't imagine this is the normal response from most patients.

I'm also curious if this happened the first time (or subsequent times) you had the contrast (you said you have had it several times)?

Madisongirl,

Do they think the contrast got into your tissues from the pierced vein...and therefore taking a long time to get it out of your tissues vs blood stream?

Yes my first brain scan with contrast was in 2005, right after a deer tick bite. I had neurological symptoms a month or two after that bite. One negative Lyme test later, my PCP jumps to the conclusion that I might have MS. If I could go back in a time capsule to yell "Occam's Razor", tell her per the CDC that Lyme is a clinical diagnosis, and fire her, I would. Back then, I had too much faith in medicine and doctors.