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| Have You Been Injured By MRI Contrast Dye? |
 Gadolinium-Based MRI Contrast Agents Linked to NSFIn a crucial study in 2006 carried out by Dr. T. Grobner it was noted that 5 of their 9 patients diagnosed with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) had received a MRI involving use of OmniScan Contrast Dye, a gadolinium-based contrast agent manufactured by GE. This study was followed shortly by other studies and case reports showing a similar strong connection. Currently, little is known about Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). On the other hand, due to recent studies... Gadolinium based injections are often used as an MRI contrast agent so that physicians can better distinguish blood vessels from nearby tissue. For those with impaired kidney function, the gadolinium contrast dye could lead to a serious and potentially fatal disorder that results in formation of thick and hard skin on the limbs and could involve scarring to internal organs. GADOLINIUM MRI CONTRAST PROBLEMS FOR THOSE WITH KIDNEY DISEASE There are five Gadolinium contrast agents that have been approved by the FDA between 1988 and 2004. In 1997, the first cases of Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD) were identified, when individuals with impaired kidney function developed areas of thick and hard skin which severely restricted their movement. The condition was later renamed Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) as additional information was gathered and it was determined that fibrosis, or scarring, can form on other internal organs throughout the system. In 2006, researchers found that there is a direct connection between development of this rare disorder and the use of gadolinium contrast agents during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for those with kidney problems. NFS/NFD is a progressive disorder which is associated with the development of excessive scar tissue and thick, hardened and tight areas of skin which often cover the joints, resulting in severe limitations on movement. In many cases it renders the victim unable to walk or fully move the joints of their arms, hands, legs and/or feet, and they become dependent on a wheelchair within weeks of the onset. There is no known cure or effective treatment for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, and in some cases it can lead to death. Signs of Gadolinium MRI/MRA contrast agent problems include: Our firm is investigating lawsuits against the makers of these MRI contrast agents. The manufacturers failed to properly study and research their products or evaluate the impact the MRI contrast could have on those with impaired kidney function. They also failed to warn of the life-altering and potentially fatal gadolinium problems that could develop. The FDA has indicated that all five of the gadolinium MRI contrast agents that are available could cause the serious problems. The majority of all reported cases of involve use of OmniScan (gadodiamide). However, there have been reports of the disorder developing after at least three of the five gadolinium injections. Until further studies, experts are advisng that OmniScan (gadolinium) based MRI scans be avoided in patients with advanced kidney disease until more is known about the true causal link between gadolinium and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). |