Gadolinium-based contrast agents in angiography and interventional radiology.

Gadolinium is useful as an alternative contrast agent for diagnostic angiographic and interventional procedures in patients with renal insufficiency or a history of a severe reaction to iodinated contrast material. Gadolinium usually is used as a "problem solver" to answer specific diagnostic questions or guide interventional procedures that cannot adequately be defined with CO2 angiography. Because of dose limitations with Gd, careful planning is required prior to its use with angiography or interventional procedures.