Laura A Sonoda studies the implications of using gadolinium, a contrast agent used in MRI scans, to enhance image quality. She investigates how gadolinium might accumulate in the body and brain over time, especially in certain patient populations. Her research emphasizes the need for careful selection of gadolinium types and dosage, particularly in high-risk patients like those with kidney issues or pregnant women. By surveying expert radiologists, she aims to establish best practices and guidelines for using gadolinium safely.
Key findings
Radiologists agreed that gadolinium is generally safe for patients with acute reactions and that serious kidney problems related to its use are rare.
Experts preferred macrocyclic gadolinium agents over other types due to their lower risk of accumulation in the body.
The study recommended using smaller doses of gadolinium to further reduce the potential for buildup in patients.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Sonoda study the safety of gadolinium in MRI scans?
Yes, Dr. Sonoda conducts research focused on the safe use of gadolinium contrast dye in MRI scans.
What are the recommendations regarding gadolinium for pregnant patients?
Dr. Sonoda's research indicates that most experts recommend not using gadolinium in pregnant patients to avoid potential risks.
What type of gadolinium does Dr. Sonoda prefer for safer imaging?
Dr. Sonoda's work highlights the preference for macrocyclic gadolinium agents as they are safer and pose less risk of accumulation in the body.
How does Dr. Sonoda's work affect patients with kidney issues?
Her research indicates that while serious kidney problems related to gadolinium use are rare, it is important to be cautious in patients with kidney issues, emphasizing better training for doctors.
Publications in plain English
The Biomechanical Effects of Augmentation With Flat Braided Suture on Dorsal Intercarpal Ligament Capsulodesis for Scapholunate Instability.
2021
The Journal of hand surgery
Zeiderman MR, Sonoda LA, McNary S, Asselin E, Boutin RD +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how different surgical methods impact the stability of a wrist joint affected by scapholunate instability, which can make the joint unreliable and painful. Researchers tested three techniques using imaging to measure the joint's alignment before and after applying weight. They found that using a flat braided suture with a specific ligament repair technique maintained better joint stability than using other methods, like a tendon transplant, which showed less effectiveness.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with wrist instability by providing new options for their surgical repair.
Practical recommendations for the safe use of gadolinium in magnetic resonance imaging: a Delphi expert panel study.
2020
Radiologia brasileira
Baroni RH, Bauab T, Bittencourt LK, D'Ippolito G, Goldman SM +5 more
Plain English Doctors who perform MRI scans use gadolinium contrast dye to get better images, but experts were concerned that this dye might accumulate in the brain and body over time. This study surveyed 10 experienced radiologists in Brazil about their practices with different types of gadolinium dyes to figure out the safest way to use them.
The experts agreed that gadolinium is safe for acute reactions and serious kidney problems are rare, but they preferred using certain types of gadolinium (macrocyclic agents) over others and recommended using smaller doses to reduce the buildup in the body. Most experts also agreed not to use it in pregnant patients.
The main takeaway is that doctors need better training to understand gadolinium risks so they use only the amount necessary and choose the safest types available.
Failed Suture Button Suspensionplasty of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Salvaged Using Pyrocarbon Arthroplasty.
2017
The Journal of hand surgery
Sonoda LA, Jones NF
Plain English This study looked at a specific thumb surgery for arthritis, where a device called a suture button is used to support the joint. The researchers reported a case where this device failed, leading to pain and dislocation of the thumb joint. This finding emphasizes the need for surgeons to be cautious about this potential problem when using this treatment method.
Who this helps: This helps surgeons and patients considering thumb joint surgery.
Novel application of a fecal management system for vaginal use in radiotherapy-associated rectovaginal fistula.
2013
Palliative medicine
Sonoda LA, Rosenheck RE, Tierney K, Muderspach LI, Palmer SL +2 more
Plain English This study explored a new way to help a 75-year-old woman with advanced cervical cancer who developed a condition called a rectovaginal fistula after her cancer treatment. The researchers used a special device designed to manage waste in the vagina to relieve her symptoms. This approach could significantly improve comfort and quality of life for patients experiencing similar issues after cancer treatments.
Who this helps: Patients dealing with complications from cancer treatments.
The endoplasmic reticulum stress marker, glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP78) in visceral adipocytes predicts endometrial cancer progression and patient survival.
2013
Gynecologic oncology
Matsuo K, Gray MJ, Yang DY, Srivastava SA, Tripathi PB +5 more
Plain English This study looked at a protein called GRP78 found in fat cells from patients with endometrial cancer to see if it could predict disease progression and survival. Researchers found that 95% of the 179 patients showed GRP78 in their adipocytes, and those with higher levels of this protein were more likely to have advanced cancer and a shorter disease-free survival time. Specifically, patients with high GRP78 expression had nearly three times the risk of cancer recurrence compared to those with lower levels, making it a valuable tool for identifying patients at higher risk.
Who this helps: This research benefits endometrial cancer patients by improving how doctors assess their risk and tailor treatment plans.
Yvonne G Lin Matthew R Zeiderman Sean McNary Ellen Asselin Robert D Boutin Christopher O Bayne Robert M Szabo Ronaldo Hueb Baroni Tufik Bauab Leonardo Kayat Bittencourt
Physician data sourced from the
NPPES NPI Registry
.
Publication data from
PubMed
.
Plain-English summaries generated by AI.
Not medical advice.