MRI Contrast Agents

What is gadolinium?

Gadolinium-based contrast agents are widely utilized in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enhance image clarity. However, for individuals with severe kidney insufficiency, these agents can lead to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD), a rare but life-threatening condition.

Many affected by NSF/NFD due to gadolinium exposure have sought the assistance of legal professionals to navigate their options for compensation through a gadolinium lawsuit.

How a Gadolinium case attorney helps

A knowledgeable attorney in this field understands the complex medical and legal issues surrounding gadolinium deposition disease, including the nuances of proving exposure and linking it to your symptoms and diagnoses. They can navigate the intricate legal process, handle negotiations with formidable pharmaceutical companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, suffering, and potential long-term health impacts.

Along with the above, choosing Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys as your law firm for a gadolinium claim can provide you with the following benefits:

Risks associated with gadolinium-based mri contrast agents

Gadolinium MRI contrast is a dye injected into patients before MRIs to contrast normal and abnormal tissue. It is injected into a patient’s vein, where it gathers in abnormal tissue. Then, when an MRI is conducted, the abnormal areas show up differentiated from normal tissue. After being injected, the kidneys quickly clear gadolinium from the body. Although iodine-based contrast agents have been used for many years, they have been linked to acute renal failure.

It’s crucial for patients, especially those with severe kidney problems, to be aware of the potential risks associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents:

• Development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD)
• Hardening and tightening of the skin
• Joint stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility
• Eye swelling and vision impairment
• Complications involving internal organs leading to life-threatening conditions

Gadolinium-based contrast agents approved in the U.S.

There are five gadolinium-based contrast agents currently approved for use in the United States:

• Magnevist (Gadopentetate Dimeglumine)
• Omniscan (Gadodiamide)
• OptiMARK (Gadoversetamide)
• MultiHance (Gadobenate Dimeglumine)
• ProHance (Gadoteridol)

Symptoms to Watch Out For after an MRI

NSF/NFD can take weeks or months to appear in patients, but once it begins the disease develops rapidly and can be fatal. If you have undergone a MRI or MRA and are experiencing any symptoms which related to NSF/NFD, you should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) and Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD) include:

• Burning, itching, or swelling
• Variations in skin texture, similar to an orange peel
• Red or dark patches on the skin
• Yellow spots in the whites of the eyes
• Muscle weakness
• Deep skeletal pain, especially in the hips and ribs
• Joint stiffness and difficulty straightening limbs and extremities
• Excrusiating, Intense pain in arms and legs
• Inability to use hands, legs, arms, feet and other joints
• Tendons, ligaments and soft-tissue thickening
• Tingling or numbness of skin
• Severe, persistent headaches
• Kidney damage
• Skin hardening or skin that appears spongy or rubbery
• Joint contraction
• Brain fog

Navigating Gadolinium Exposure Claims

Consulting with a lawyer can be crucial if you’re considering filing a lawsuit due to injury from gadolinium exposure.

With our expertise, Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can provide the guidance and support needed to ensure your case is compelling and effectively presented, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.