Gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
Contrast-enhanced MRIs are a relatively common medical procedure, but several of the contrast agents used with MRIs have been linked to a severe condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). Gadolinium is a highly toxic heavy metal that is contained in MRI contrast agents. The toxicity of gadolinium in these contrast agents is designed to be neutralized by binding it to a chemical called a chelator. However, if the chelator does not securely hold the gadolinium throughout the time it is in the body, the toxic gadolinium is released and causes NSF. Because renal failure patients take longer to excrete the drug, it is this population of patients who are most commonly affected with NSF.
Gadolinium MRI side effects - Do you or a family member have them?
If you have had a gadolinium MRI and have been diagnosed with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, you may be eligible for compensation. Information on how you can contact a gadolinium lawyer or file a gadolinium lawsuit is available at the end of this article.
Find out if you have a case Call 1-888-633-0360 for free consultation contact a gadolinium lawyer.
NSF: What is it?
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is also known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD). With this disorder, patients generally experience a painful hardening of the skin and underlying muscles, especially in the arms and legs. The skin will often take on a "woody" or "orange peel" appearance. In addition to the skin hardening, contracture of joints such as ankles, knees, hips, elbows, wrists, and fingers also can occur, which in turn severely limits range of motion and leads to disability. It is now known that the same fibrosis that NSF causes in the skin and underlying muscles also can be found in the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. NSF is diagnosed by the patient having a "punch" biopsy, which is typically performed by a dermatologist.
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Warning Signs of NSF / NFD Include:
- Burning
- Itching
- Swelling
- Hardening and tightening of the skin
- Red or dark patches on the skin
- Yellow spots on the whites of the eyes
- Stiffness in joints and trouble moving or straightening the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Pain deep in the hip bones or ribs
- Muscle weakness
What MRI contrast agents are associated with NSF?
There are five FDA approved gadolinium contrast agents; however, only three of these contrast agents have been credibly implicated in cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. These three gadolinium MRI contrast agents are Omniscan (GE Healthcare), Optimark (Covidien/Mallinckrodt), and Magnevist (Bayer Healthcare). All three of these contrast agents share a common linear design for their chelator that is intended to bind the gadolinium. Other contrast agents use a safer chelator design that builds a "cage" around the gadolinium. These "macrocyclic" contrast agents have not been linked to cases of NSF. In fact, the only proven cause of NSF is exposure to one of these three contrast agents with the linear design.
Five gadolinium-based contrast agents are approved by the FDA for use during an MRI. The trade names for these products are:
- Omniscan
- OptiMARK
- Magnevist
- ProHance
- MultiHance
None of these agents are approved by the FDA for MRA. The dose of gadolinium-based contrast agent given to patients undergoing an MRA is often higher (up to three times) than the approved dose for MRI.
Seeking compensation if you have NSF
If you have been diagnosed with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, you may be eligible to collect money damages. The gadolinium attorneys at Spangenberg, Shibley & Liber have been leaders in the court litigation against the pharmaceutical companies whose MRI contrast agents have been linked to NSF. Spangenberg, Shibley & Liber partners Peter J. Brodhead and William Hawal have been appointed to serve as Plaintiffs' Liaison Counsel for all of the Federal Court litigation, which is centered here in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Brodhead and Mr. Hawal also are actively participating in the taking of evidence in these cases.
To find out if you have a case Call 1-888-633-0360 or Contact one of these a gadolinium lawyers.
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