MRI Dye Gadolinium

Additional Information:

Gadolinium Side Effects
MRI Dye Lawsuit

Recent research has shown an association between Gadolinium and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a debilitating disease that affects patients with kidney disease. Approximately 400 cases of NSF have been reported around the world. Gadolinium based agents have been received by as many as 90 percent of NSF patients.

Gadolinium MRI
Gadolinium-based contrast agents are used to improve the visibility of abnormalities such as clots, tumors, bleeds and related medical problems in patients undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA).
Five gadolinium based contrast agents have been approved for use in the United States:

• Magnevist ((Bayer Schering Pharma)
• Omniscan (Chalfont St. Giles)
• OptiMARK (Mallinckrodt, Inc.)
• MultiHance (Bracco Diagnostics Inc.)
• Prohance (Bracco Diagnostics Inc.)

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)
Nephroginic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), also known as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), is a debilitating systemic disorder characterized by widespread tissue fibrosis. NSF can develop rapidly in patients resulting in an increase in collagen in the tissues, causing thickening and hardening of the skin in the extremities. It often results in immobility and tightening or deformity of the joints.

Recent research associates NSF with the use of gadolinium dyes for MRI scans in patients with advanced or end stage kidney disease. Gadolinium was approved in 1988 and has been used in millions of MRI and CT scans to help distinguish between normal and abnormal tissue in the body. Studies are currently underway to examine the association between Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and gadolinium MRI in patients with advanced kidney disease.

Gadolinium Warning
On May 23, 2007, the FDA asked gadolinium manufacturers to include a new warning on the labeling of all gadolinium-based contrast agents which are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Patients should be screened for kidney problems before receiving gadolinium agents. There have not been any reports of NSF among patients with normal functioning kidneys.

Gadolinium Lawyers
If you or a loved one has developed a skin problem or limb immobility after receiving an MRI or MRA you should seek immediate medical attention. If you have developed NSF after receiving an MRI with a gadolinium based contrast agent you may have a gadolinium lawsuit. Please contact a MRI dye lawyer at Fields Law Firm for a free consultation.