Lanthanum Carbonate Opacities-A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Radiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Lanthanum carbonate is a phosphate binder for advanced kidney disease.
• Radiopaque findings from lanthanum carbonate are frequently misidentified.
• This misinterpretation can lead to unnecessary diagnostic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review literature on lanthanum carbonate opacities.
• To provide a visual overview of these radiological findings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science.
• Inclusion of all study types reporting radiological findings of lanthanum carbonate opacities in chronic kidney disease patients.
• No time filter applied to the search.

Main Results:

• 36 articles were eligible, with 33 included in the synthesis.
• Opacities most commonly found in intestines (73%), stomach (21%), and aerodigestive tract (6%).
• Intestinal opacities appeared as multiple densities; aerodigestive tract opacities as single foreign bodies, often leading to misdiagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Chronic kidney disease patients on lanthanum carbonate may exhibit varied digestive tract opacities.
• Discontinuing or changing phosphate binders before imaging can prevent diagnostic confusion.
• Awareness of lanthanum carbonate opacity presentation is crucial for accurate diagnosis.