Gadolinium Contrast

Gadolinium is a chemical element with the periodic table symbol of Gd. Its most common use is as a MRI contrast agent. In that respect, gadolinium is a dye but is a chemical substance used principally for patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. When gadolinium is injected into the body, the contrast medium enhances and improves the quality of MRI images or pictures.

However, gadolinium use can lead to toxicity. There are many different symptoms of gadolinium toxicity. It varies from individual to individual.

In most instances, gadolinium-based contrast agents are generally safe to be used with MRIs. There is risk that retention of gadolinium has serious consequences including the incurable and potentially life-threatening disease known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. This is a kidney damaging process.

The use of gadolinium in radiology has for several years become controversial. Radiology patients began to question the safety of gadolinium when a study came out in late 2014. The study showed that the gadolinium agent may be deposited and retained in various parts of the body, including the brain. In fact, the MRI contrast dyes containing gadolinium have been linked to gadolinium toxicity with severe complications.

The numerous side effects of gadolinium toxicity include high levels of metallic substance remaining in the body which can cause severe damage to the nervous system, memory loss, difficulty walking or even moving and persistent headaches. Other symptoms include fibrosis of the skin, joint pain, eyes and internal organs issues. In one case that Kreisman Law Offices reviewed, the gadolinium toxicity caused a death.

Other side effects to gadolinium toxicity include muscle pain, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting.

The principle issue with the use of gadolinium in MRIs is that there is risk of serious health side effects. In some reported instances, gadolinium toxicity results in high levels of metallic substances that remain in the body after use in an MRI.

Not long ago the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning informing doctors and the public that gadolinium-based contrast agents are retained by the body. Doctors have been warned that they should take into account the tendency of gadolinium to remain in the body after being used. Doctors have also been warned that gadolinium use puts a patient at a much higher risk of serious health complications. It has been said that one out of every three MRIs utilizes a gadolinium-based contrast agent. Therefore, it is important for patients to inquire with doctors to learn what kind of contrast dye might be used in an upcoming MRI. The following are a list of gadolinium-based contrast agents that should be avoided:

  • Omniscan (gadodiamide)
  • OptiMARK (gadoversetamide)
  • Eovist (gadoxetate disodium)
  • PrHance (gadoteridol)
  • Gadavist (gadobutrol)
  • Dotarem (gadoterate meglumine)
  • Multihance

If you or a family member has been injured or died from the use of gadolinium contrast dyes or one of its similar products, Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices is prepared to handle your case. Robert Kreisman has more than 42 years of experience handling pharmaceutical product liability lawsuits and defective medical device cases such as gadolinium.

With our years of experience in trying and settling pharmaceutical defect lawsuits around the country, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our clients and have achieved unsurpassed results. Our service is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free at 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation or complete a contact form online on our website: www.robertkreisman.com.

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