Contrast Dye And Kidney Disease Correlation

In order to gather crucial information about a condition or damage and to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the issue, your doctor may request an MRI, CT scan, or other diagnostic procedures. Your doctor can ask for the use of a contrast dye to improve the test findings depending on the specifics of your situation. Contrast dyes may exacerbate kidney issues in those who already have them, even though the exams and contrast dyes used are normally harmless.


What is the MRI and CT diagnostic test procedure?

The radiology team uses an intravenous (IV) needle to provide contrast dye during an MRI or CT with contrast. Iodine or gadolinium are frequently found in contrast dyes, which serve to improve the MRI or CT pictures. The kidneys finally get these colors after they have circulated through the circulation. Glomeruli, which are tiny filters found in the kidneys, function to remove toxins, medicines, and waste products from the circulation.

Contrast Dye And Kidney Disease Correlation

Contrast dye may be swiftly and readily removed from the body by healthy kidneys. The removal of contrast from the blood, however, may be slower and less effective in those with unhealthy kidneys. The medical profession does not yet know exactly how contrast dye affects kidney function, but they believe it is related to how slowly the dyes are removed from the body.

The effectiveness of patients' kidneys in removing toxins from the body is assessed by doctors using a variety of tests. These tests search for elevated concentrations of particular chemicals, such creatinine, which the kidneys should have eliminated. In the past, doctors have utilized serum creatinine tests to determine how well the kidneys are operating; a high serum creatinine level denotes poor kidney function. 

To determine how effectively the kidneys are functioning, doctors now employ an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which combines data about the patient's age, race, and gender with information about the serum creatinine level.


What are Kidney Problems Associated with Contrast Dyes?

Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) are two uncommon but severe diseases related to contrast dyes and the kidneys.


What exactly is Contrast Induced Nephropathy (CIN)? 

CIN is a rare condition that develops when the use of certain contrast agents leads to Kidney issues. Contrast dyes used in exams like CT (computerized tomography) and angiograms often have no known issues. About 2% of those who get dyes may acquire CIN. 

However, those who have diabetes, a family history of blood or heart disease, or chronic kidney disease  may be at higher risk for CIN. For instance, the incidence of CIN rises to 30 to 40% in persons with severe CKD (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73m2). People who have both CKD and diabetes are 20 to 50% more likely to get CIN.



A sudden decline in kidney function during a 48–72 hour period is linked to CIN. Similar signs to kidney disease include increased tiredness, an inability to eat, swelling in the feet and ankles, puffiness around the eyes, and dry, itchy skin. CIN is frequently reversible, and patients can recover. However, CIN can occasionally result in more severe kidney issues as well as potential heart and blood vessel issues.


What exactly is Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)?

After being exposed to gadolinium-containing contrast dyes used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), some individuals with severe CKD developed NSF, an uncommon but deadly condition that affects the skin and other organs. About 4% of individuals with advanced CKD seem to be affected by NSF. AKI patients are also more vulnerable. NSF has not been seen in individuals with normal renal function or minor kidney impairment.

NSF may cause discomfort, disability, or even death. Skin burning and itching, red or black spots, joint stiffness, and muscular weakness are some of the symptoms and indicators of NSF. Up to three months might pass before the sickness manifests itself.

In order to diagnose and monitor a wide range of disorders or injuries, MRIs are frequently used on patients to examine internal organs and limbs. In order to improve the pictures acquired during MRI, contrast dyes frequently contain a substance called gadolinium. 

The kidneys are unable to filter out wastes, medicines, and poisons as they should in persons with CKD. Gadolinium-containing contrast agents used in MRIs are excreted more slowly in advanced CKD patients than in those with normal renal function. One of the primary causes of NSF is assumed to be this delay in excretion.


Who is at risk of Kidney Problems Associated with Contrast Dyes?

Some people, such as those over 60, those with diabetes, and those with certain chronic conditions are more likely to develop kidney disease. Questionnaires assist physicians and radiologists in identifying patients who require extra laboratory evaluations, such as serum creatinine or eGFR, to assess kidney function and confirm the safety of contrast dye usage.

The majority of patients with normal kidney function do not typically experience any issues with the contrast dyes and do not thus require any specific preparations prior to receiving an MRI or CT with contrast, however not all patients with impaired kidney function are aware that they have a kidney issue. 


How Can I Lower My Chance of Kidney Issues Caused by Contrast Dyes?

  • Following any recommendations given before, during, or after the treatment, such as consuming fluids to prevent dehydration, is important.
  • Find out if you have CKD and your GFR. Ask your doctor or other healthcare provider if you are unsure of your GFR. The glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, is used to calculate the function of your kidneys.
  • Give your body adequate time to eliminate the contrast dyes before undergoing additional contrast-based testing.
  • avoiding using contrast dye in greater or recurrent dosages.
  • If it's possible, inquire about alternatives like an exam without contrast.