Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a type of MRI that is used to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body. Gadolinium based MRI contrast agents can be used to enhance these images. The use of gadolinium based MRI contrast agents for MRAs has never been approved by the U. S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Nevertheless, the use of gadolinium based MRI contrast agents in MRAs is a growing practic. In order for gadolinium based MRI contrast agents to be effective in an MRA, the chemical must be administered at three times the approved dose.

The FDA has stated that patients with severe kidney insufficiency who receive gadolinium-based agents are at risk for developing a debilitating, and a potentially fatal disease known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). In addition, it would state that patients just before or just after liver transplantation, or those with chronic liver disease, are also at risk for developing NSF if they are experiencing kidney insufficiency of any severity.