Gadavist

Gadavist is the brand name for gadobutrol, a gadolinium-based contrast agent used to enhance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In many regions it is sold as Gadovist and named Gadavist in others. Gadobutrol is a macrocyclic, nonionic chelate of gadolinium, noted for high thermodynamic and kinetic stability which helps minimize the release of free gadolinium.

Gadavist is indicated for contrast-enhanced MRI to improve the visualization of normal and abnormal tissues. It is commonly used to detect and delineate central nervous system lesions such as tumors, inflammatory or demyelinating diseases, and other pathology. It can also be employed for vascular imaging and whole-body oncologic assessments where lesion characterization or staging benefits from contrast enhancement.

The agent is administered intravenously, typically as a bolus injection, followed by a saline flush. The standard dose is 0.1 millimoles per kilogram of body weight (0.1 mmol/kg), which corresponds to 0.1 mL/kg of the 1.0 mmol/mL solution, with the exact protocol tailored to the indication and imaging sequence.

Safety considerations emphasize a relatively favorable profile among gadolinium-based contrast agents due to its macrocyclic structure. Common adverse events are usually mild and may include headache, nausea, or dizziness; severe hypersensitivity reactions are rare. The risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is low in patients with normal or near-normal renal function; renal function should be assessed before administration in patients with kidney impairment. Ongoing discussions exist about gadolinium deposition in the brain with repeated exposures, but macrocyclic agents such as gadobutrol are associated with lower deposition risk than many linear agents.

Gadavist/Gadovist is approved by major regulatory authorities for MRI contrast enhancement and is marketed worldwide under regional branding.