During many MRI scan and all MRA scans, a Gadolinium based contrast agent is injected into the veins of a patient to help produce a clearer and more detailed MRI film of the patient's internal organs, tissues and bones. The gadolinium contrast agent allows blood vessels to be distinguished from other nearby tissues.
Gadolinium based contrast agents Omniscan, OptiMark, Magneviset. Prohance and Multihance are all being investigated by the FDA after a recent analysis of the chemical called gadolinium has raised serious concerns. On May 29, 2006, the Danish Medicines Agency reported a link in 25 patients with Gadolinium and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), a serious skin disorder.
Gadolinium Renal Failure
The FDA has so far received over 100 reports of patients contracting NSF/NFD. Some patients had been given a high dose of the contrast agent while others had received the recommended amount. In many of these MRI patients, early symptoms of a serious adverse reaction or side effect called NSF/NFD can began. NSF and NFD has been found to occur within the first 2 days and up to 18-24 months after the gadolinium contrast dyes were injected.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)
MRI Gadolinium side effects include Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). Patients with NSF often develop large areas of hardened skin with fibrotic nodules and plaques, reddened skin, muscle tightening, muscle weakness, joint pain and burning in joints along with itchy, thick areas of skin, usually on one's limbs. The thickened areas of skin often have a orange peel texture. Flexion contractures can also occur with an accompanying limitation of range of motion.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) can resemble resembles scleromyxedema, because it shows has a proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and dendritic cells, thickened collagen bundles and an increase of elastic fibers. Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) by definition occurs with some renal failure, however many have never undergone dialysis and others have received only peritoneal dialysis. For many with NSF and NFD they do not have any renal failure or kidney, liver failure, but their NSF / NFD disease is confined to their skin, muscle and joints.
MRI Contrast Dye Lawsuits
If you had a MRI/MRA and a Gadolinium-based contrast dye was used to enhance the MRI image, then your health may be at risk. If you developed Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) , Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), skin problems, skin tightening, severe joint problems, kidney failure, or renal failure, then you may be eligible to file a MRI Gadolinium Lawsuit for your injuries. It is important that you get tested for NSF and NFD. Call us to discuss your symptoms and conditions. Call and talk to a law firm that understand the symptoms and side effects of Gadolinium contrast dyes. Do Not Wait.
