What is the guideline regarding the use of gadolinium in pregnant patients?

The guideline regarding the use of gadolinium in pregnant patients is that it should not be routinely used. This is rooted in safety considerations due to the potential risks associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents during pregnancy. While these agents can enhance the quality of certain diagnostic imaging studies, their safety profile in pregnant individuals has not been established, and there are concerns about the possible effects on fetal development.

Current recommendations indicate that gadolinium should only be used when absolutely necessary, meaning that the benefits of using the contrast agent must clearly outweigh any potential risks. This is especially critical in the context of imaging during pregnancy, where alternative imaging modalities that do not utilize contrast agents, such as ultrasound or non-contrast MRI, may be preferred whenever possible. Thus, the cautious approach is to limit the use of gadolinium to situations where it is deemed essential for the diagnostic process.