Gadolinium/MRI/MRA Dye
US, Canada and Puerto Rico
Most patients place their trust in pharmaceutical products. When you are undergoing an MRI or MRA exam, you are led to believe that the results will help you. However, if the intravenous dye used in your exam contained gadolinium, the test could actually harm you instead of helping to identify your internal problems. If you have had an exam conducted using gadolinium and you are experiencing health problems, please contact the defective product attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC.
Gadolinium does not harm everyone. However, it can be very damaging to anyone with pre-existing kidney problems. This substance can actually spark a potentially life-threatening condition: Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), also known as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD).
Why Gadolinium is Used
Gadolinium became popular among the medical community because of its ability to help doctors obtain better, more accurate results during MRI testing. The substance works as a contrasting agent within your body, creating a visible contrast between your blood vessels and surrounding tissues and organs. This helps doctors analyze your internal structures more clearly during an MRI, helping to eliminate any mistakes and catch otherwise-overlooked problems.
The Dangers of Gadolinium
Once gadolinium is injected, it is extracted by the body through the kidneys and does not cause problems in healthy patients. However, in patients who suffer from kidney problems or renal disease, gadolinium can cause serious health problems.
Those with kidney problems may be unable to expel the substance from their systems, which creates a prolonged exposure to the substance. This extended exposure can cause NSF.
NSF
NSF has been known to cause fibrosis, or scarring of your skin and internal organs. The effects include:
- Thickening of your skin
- Hardening of your skin
- Breathing difficulties
- Muscle weakness
The thickening and hardening of your skin can restrict the movement of your joints and lead to mobility problems.
To date, there is no known cure for this disorder, which can leave you confined to a wheelchair and even result in death. In some cases, a kidney transplant has been effective in reversing this condition. Symptoms of NSF may appear within two days or as long as 18 months from the date of exposure to gadolinium.
Some patients have developed this disorder after just one dose of gadolinium; other after receiving higher or multiple dosages.
NSF is a serious condition that may cause a lifetime of pain and suffering. If you or someone you love has been exposed to gadolinium and you have kidney problems, please contact the defective products attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC to discuss your claim. We serve clients in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, and are dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve.
