GBCA
Medical abbreviation · Medical Imaging
| Stands for | Gadolinium-based contrast agent |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
GBCA stands for Gadolinium-based contrast agent, a medical imaging abbreviation.
Intravenous MRI contrast drugs containing gadolinium, a paramagnetic metal held inside a chelate molecule that changes the MRI signal of nearby water. They highlight tumors, inflammation, infection, blood vessels and scar tissue, typically at doses of about 0.1 mmol/kg or less.
Example: GBCA given: 7.5 mL gadobutrol IV, no reaction.
Usage notes
Older linear agents were linked to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with severe kidney disease, and studies since 2014 have found trace gadolinium retained in the brain, without proven harm so far. More stable macrocyclic agents now dominate. Allergic-like reactions occur but are much rarer than with iodinated CT contrast.
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.