Mri Question

[Cath4k]

This may be a dumb question, but we are pretty new to living gluten-free. My dd had to have an MRI today and they gave her a solution by injection for contrast. Do any of you know if it is gluten free?

The brand name is Multihance and it is gadobenate dimeglumine. I tried to search the internet for info about it, but wasn't coming up with anything to determine if it is gluten free. I have no idea how it is manufactured.

Thanks in advance for any help,

Cathy

[2kids4me]

I dont find any evidence that it has gluten - mos contrasts agents for MRI have to be fairly "pure" so that nothing interferes with uptake by plasma/cell proteins.

There were conflicting articles about its safety...but the most recent one discussed safety with pediatric and adult patients being similar.

Sandy

[tarnalberry]

I believe it is gluten free, but most contrast agents for MRI have a derivative from shellfish. If yours had one, the forms they made you sign would have included a statement with an allergy warning, so you would have read it (because you do read all those forms, right?).

[kevsmom]

I've had many MRI's and have never had a problem with the IV solution. When I Googled Multihance, I found out that it was made by Bracco Diagnostics. You can call their Customer Service Department at 800-257-5181.

I hope everything came out o.k. with dd on the scan.

Cindy

[confusedks]

Wait, some are derived from shellfish?! Are you serious!? i have had 2 and never have we seen anything about that! I am allergic to shellfish, so I guess there wasn't any in the contrast solutions they used on me.

Kassandra

[tarnalberry]

Wait, some are derived from shellfish?! Are you serious!? i have had 2 and never have we seen anything about that! I am allergic to shellfish, so I guess there wasn't any in the contrast solutions they used on me.

Kassandra

They will have you sign a release form that specifically talks about the shellfish allergy issue if they are using a contrast agent derived from shellfish. Not all of them have it, just some of them. Both times I've had contrast agent used, it was that kind and they were *very* clear about it and the allergy risk (and the folks there noted that not all kinds do have it).

If they already knew you had a shellfish allergy, they would have ordered one that was safe for you.

[Cath4k]

Thank you so much everyone!

Cathy