What Causes Red And Swollen Arm After Magnavist Injection?

Posted on Thu, 15 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 15 May 2014 Answered on

Wed, 11 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a reaction to the MRI contrast, Magnavist. I have looked at the side effects but my reaction was not listed. After receiving the Magnavist injection, the next day my arm turned red and swollen. Then It began to develop bumps on my veins with pain. I went to the ER and they gave me a shot of some kind. The ER doctor said it was phlebitis and to follow up with my primary care physician who sent me to a surgeon for examination. He told me it was phlebitis. He said he had seen this before in some patients even with an IV anesthetic. This lasted over a year making my veins feel hard or "ropey" feeling. Should I have this contrast again? What if it is necessary?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If needed,use non ionic contrast(Omniscan).

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM

You developed adverse reactions due to MRI contrast Magnavist.
There are two types of MRI contrast agents: Ionic and Non Ionic.
Magnavist contains(Gadopentetate dimeglumine) and it belongs to ionic group.
Ionic MRI contrast agents are associated with more side effects due to its hyperosmolar nature.
Non ionic MRI contrast agents have two-fifths of the osmolality as compared to ionic ones and so these are associated with very less side effects.
So,in future you should avoid ionic contrast like Magnavist and go for non ionic ones like Gadodiamide (marketed as Omniscan).

You can further reduce the chances of side effects by taking antihistaminics 3-4 days prior to scheduled MRI injection.This prepare our body to combat side effects.

MRI contrast side effects were not related to your disease.

Hope i have answered your query
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (1 hour later)

Thank you so much for helping me with the answer AND giving me an alternative in case I ever need to have another MRI. Also for knowing it was not my blood disorder which is very difficult to deal with as it.
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks for your comments.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX XXXXX
Thanks for writing back

Thanks for your comments.

Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar