MRI Claims Attorneys
Summary
MRI contrast side effects could lead to a painful and disfiguring disorder for those with kidney problems or impaired renal function. Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, also known as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFS/NFD), is a progressive disease which has been observed in kidney patients after receiving a gadolinium based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. Contact an MRI attorney or medical malpractice attorney if you have been injured.
MRI contrast lawsuits are being reviewed nationwide for individuals who have experienced symptoms of NSF/NFD or been diagnosed with this serious and potentially fatal disorder after receiving a gadolinium MRI contrast agent. If you have experienced side effects from an MRI talk to a personal injury or MRI Attorney about filing a legal claim.
MRI Contrast Dye Problems
Gadolinium is a paramagnetic metal ion which is useful as an MRI contrast dye since it tends to move into magnetic fields. It is injected into the vein prior to the test to help the radiologist who interprets the image differentiate blood vessels from nearby tissue.
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is done to obtain detailed and clear pictures of internal organs. Enhanced MRI with contrast helps identify abnormal tissue in the body.
Gadolinium MRI contrast side effects have been directly linked to the development of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis for those with moderate to end-stage kidney disease. The disorder is associated with the formation of areas of tight, rigid and coarse skin which could lead to significant restrictions on movement of the joints. It is not uncommon for those with the disorder to become dependent on a wheelchair within a few weeks. The disorder can also lead to fibrosis, or scarring, of other internal organs and in some cases it can be fatal.
Who Can Sue
If you or a loved one was a kidney patient who had an MRI using a contrast agent and subsequently suffered nephrogenic systemic fibrosis you may want to contact an MRI attorney.
Interesting Facts
The FDA and CDC have indicated that the use of gadolinium MRI contrast should be avoided for those with advanced renal failure. Those with kidney problems who may require a magnetic resonance image (MRI) with contrast should carefully weigh the risks of suffering the side effects against the benefits which could be provided by the exam.
Research indicates that about 3% of those with kidney failure or impaired renal function who are given the gadolinium MRI contrast will develop Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis/Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSF/NFD) as a side effect.
There are alternatives to an enhanced MRI with contrast, but they do have limitations. Feridex, I.V. is an iron-containing injectable solution and Teslascan is a maganese-containing injectable solution. However, these non-gadolinium MRI contrast dyes are only approved for evaluation of liver lesions. There are other imaging contrast agents, however, they require an x-ray, as opposed to an MRI.