Gadolinium is a contrast dye that is sometimes used during a MRI. Gadolinium is a heavy metal that is metabolized by the kidneys. If a person has pre-existing kidney damage or renal insufficiency, Gadolinium can cause a rare and usually fatal illness called NSF.

NSF Symptoms

NSF is a debilitating and usually fatal disease with no known treatment. The symptoms can include high blood pressure, burning, itching, swelling and hardening of the skin. Other symptoms include red or dark patches on the skin; pain deep in the hip bones or ribs and muscle weakness. NSF can progress to the point of causing severe stiffness in joints, and it can lead to death. NSF generally progresses very slowly. There is no known treatment or cure for NSF. For many patients with NSF, due to their underlying kidney disease, the only way to improve their kidney function is with a transplant. Carey, Danis & Lowe can help victims of NSF obtain compensation for their Gadolinium MRI contrast dye injuries to help them recover lost wages, the costs of medical care, pain and suffering and damages from the makers of Gadolinium Contrast Dye used in MRIs.

FDA Warnings Regarding Gadolinium Contrast Dyes and MRIs

The FDA has issued several warnings regarding the Galodinium Contrast Dyes used in MRI causing NSF. In 2006, the FDA issued an alert to healthcare providers that Gadolinium has been linked to multiple cases of NSF. Gadolinium is made by three different manufacturers: (1) Ominiscan made by GE Healthcare, (2) Magnevist marketed by Bayer Shering Pharma, and (3) OptiMark manufactured by Mallinckrodt, Inc. In 2006, the FDA warned physicians to screen patients for kidney problems prior to using a Gadolinium based contrast agents during MRIs.

The FDA, in May 2007, requested Gadolinium based contrast dyes used in MRIs include a black box warning, the FDA's strongest possible safety warning, on product labels highlighting the risks Gadolinium caused for patients with kidney problems.