Illustration of lungs and contrast agent during MRI.

Breathing Easy: How a Common Medical Dye Can Briefly Affect Your Lungs, and What You Should Know

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"A recent study sheds light on how a contrast agent used in MRIs can cause temporary breathing changes, and why it matters for your health."

Navigating the world of medical imaging can be a journey of both curiosity and concern. For many, the process involves lying still while advanced technology, like MRIs, creates detailed images of our insides. During these procedures, contrast agents are often used to enhance the visibility of certain tissues and organs, helping doctors make more accurate diagnoses. However, a recent study has uncovered a fascinating, yet temporary, side effect of a widely used contrast agent that you should know about.

This research focuses on gadoxetate disodium, a contrast agent frequently employed in liver MRIs. The study's findings reveal that this agent can cause a brief increase in respiratory rate, meaning you might breathe a little faster for a short time after the injection. While this effect is temporary and generally harmless, understanding it is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers. The more we know, the better equipped we are to approach medical procedures with confidence and informed awareness.

This article delves into the details of this study, providing clear explanations and actionable insights. We'll break down the science behind the breathing changes, explore why this happens, and discuss what it means for you. Whether you're a patient preparing for an MRI or simply curious about medical advancements, this information will help you stay informed and empowered on your health journey.

Decoding Gadoxetate Disodium: What It Is and Why It's Used

Illustration of lungs and contrast agent during MRI.

To understand the study's findings, it's helpful to first know what gadoxetate disodium is and why it's used. This contrast agent is a type of gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA), and it's specifically designed to improve the visibility of the liver in MRI scans. By enhancing the contrast between different tissues, it helps doctors spot potential problems like tumors, cysts, and other abnormalities.

Gadoxetate disodium works by altering the magnetic properties of tissues, making them stand out more clearly in the MRI images. This is particularly useful for assessing the liver's function and identifying specific types of liver lesions. It's a valuable tool for diagnosis, enabling doctors to make informed decisions about patient care. The agent is administered intravenously before the MRI scan takes place, allowing the radiologist to observe the liver in great detail.

Enhances MRI images for better visibility of the liver.
Helps in the diagnosis of liver conditions, including tumors and cysts.
Administered intravenously before the MRI scan.
A type of gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA).

The study investigated the respiratory effects of gadoxetate disodium in mice. The researchers monitored the animals' respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) after injecting the contrast agent. They found that the mice experienced a significant increase in their respiratory rate shortly after receiving the injection. This temporary increase in breathing frequency is what the study aimed to investigate, looking closely at its effects.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for You

The study's findings offer valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers. While the temporary respiratory effects of gadoxetate disodium are generally harmless, understanding them can help patients feel more informed and less anxious about their procedures. It also empowers healthcare professionals to explain what patients may experience and reassure them about the temporary nature of these effects. As medical research continues to advance, studies like this improve our understanding of medical procedures and contribute to a more transparent and patient-centered approach to healthcare.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s00330-017-5037-z, Alternate LINK

Title: Gadoxetate Disodium-Induced Tachypnoea And The Effect Of Dilution Method: A Proof-Of-Concept Study In Mice

Subject: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Journal: European Radiology

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Hiroyuki Akai, Koichiro Yasaka, Masanori Nojima, Akira Kunimatsu, Yusuke Inoue, Osamu Abe, Kuni Ohtomo, Shigeru Kiryu

Published: 2017-09-11

Everything You Need To Know

Why is gadoxetate disodium used in MRI scans?

Gadoxetate disodium is used in MRI scans, specifically liver MRIs, as a contrast agent. It enhances the visibility of the liver, allowing doctors to better visualize and differentiate between various tissues. This improved contrast helps in diagnosing liver conditions such as tumors, cysts, and other abnormalities. Gadoxetate disodium works by altering the magnetic properties of tissues, causing them to stand out more clearly on the MRI images, ultimately aiding in more accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.

What side effects are associated with gadoxetate disodium?

The studies have shown that the administration of gadoxetate disodium can lead to a temporary increase in respiratory rate shortly after injection. While generally harmless, it's important for both patients and healthcare providers to be aware of this effect. Other potential side effects, although not specifically mentioned, are common among gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and can include allergic reactions or, in rare cases, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with severe kidney disease. Further discussion with a healthcare professional is encouraged to ensure an informed and safe medical procedure.

How does gadoxetate disodium enhance MRI images of the liver?

Gadoxetate disodium enhances MRI images of the liver by altering the magnetic properties of the liver tissues. As a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA), it is administered intravenously and absorbed by the liver cells. This absorption changes the way these tissues interact with the MRI's magnetic field, causing them to appear brighter and more distinct on the scan. This improved contrast allows radiologists to better differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues, identify lesions, and assess liver function with greater accuracy, thus aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.

What can patients do to prepare for an MRI with gadoxetate disodium and minimize anxiety?

To prepare for an MRI with gadoxetate disodium and minimize anxiety, patients can educate themselves about the procedure, including the purpose of the contrast agent and its potential temporary effects. Patients are encouraged to ask their healthcare provider about any concerns they may have. Being informed about the temporary increase in respiratory rate associated with gadoxetate disodium can help alleviate potential anxiety during the scan. Open communication with medical staff and understanding the steps involved in the MRI process are key to ensuring a comfortable and informed experience.

What is the significance of understanding the respiratory effects of gadoxetate disodium?

Understanding the respiratory effects of gadoxetate disodium is significant for promoting a more transparent and patient-centered approach to healthcare. By knowing that this contrast agent can cause a temporary increase in respiratory rate, patients can feel more informed and less anxious about their MRI procedures. Healthcare providers can use this knowledge to better explain what patients may experience, reassuring them about the harmless and temporary nature of these effects. Additionally, such understanding can contribute to ongoing medical research, leading to further refinements in medical procedures and improved patient care overall.