Gadopentetic acid
Gadopentetic acid (pronunciation: gad-o-pen-tet-ic acid) is a contrast agent used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enhance the quality of the images. It is also known as Gd-DTPA and sold under the brand name Magnevist.
Etymology
The term "Gadopentetic" is derived from the element Gadolinium (Gd), which is used in the compound, and "pentetic", which refers to the pentetic acid or DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) that is used to chelate the gadolinium.
Usage
Gadopentetic acid is used as a contrast agent in MRI scans. It works by altering the magnetic properties of water molecules that are nearby in the body. This results in a better contrast between normal and abnormal tissues, making it easier to distinguish between them in the MRI images.
Related Terms
Side Effects
Like all medicines, gadopentetic acid can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some of the common side effects include headache, nausea, and dizziness. In rare cases, it can cause a serious condition known as Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with severe kidney problems.
Precautions
Before using gadopentetic acid, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have any allergies, kidney problems, or a history of reaction to contrast agents. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it with caution.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gadopentetic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Gadopentetic acid
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