Abstract
Purpose To examine how concerns about gadolinium deposition have influenced the use of macrocyclic versus linear contrast agents in magnetic resonance (MR) practice.
Method A structured literature review was conducted using AI-assisted research tools and academic databases to identify recent peer-reviewed original research articles related to gadolinium deposition and contrast agent use patterns in MR. Only studies published between 2020 and 2026 were included.
Results Recent research confirmed that gadolinium can accumulate in human tissues following contrast-enhanced MR examinations. Multiple studies demonstrated that linear gadolinium-based contrast agents are associated with greater levels of tissue retention compared with macrocyclic agents due to differences in chemical stability.
Discussion The findings of this analysis suggested that increasing awareness of gadolinium retention influenced contrast agent selection and clinical decision-making in MR practice. Evidence from the literature indicated that linear gadolinium-based contrast agents were more frequently associated with signal intensity changes and higher levels of tissue deposition compared with macrocyclic agents. In addition, increased awareness of gadolinium retention encouraged clinicians to consider cumulative contrast exposure and evaluate whether contrast administration was necessary for specific MR examinations. These trends reflected a precautionary approach in MR imaging that balanced the diagnostic benefits of contrast-enhanced imaging with emerging evidence related to contrast safety.
Conclusion Although the clinical significance of gadolinium retention remains uncertain, current research has contributed to increased caution in MR contrast administration and a shift toward macrocyclic contrast agents in clinical practice.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.52519/00273
Graduation Date
Summer 8-7-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Radiologic Science
Program
The School of Health Professions
Faculty Advisor
Kevin R. Clark
Committee Member
Jessyca B. Wagner
Director, Graduate Program
William A. Undie
Dean
Kimberly Hoggatt Krumwiede
Recommended Citation
Tran, E. Gadolinium Deposition Concerns in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. [thesis]. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; 2026. https://doi.org/10.52519/00273
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