MRI Gadolinium Contrast Agent - ALERT
Gadolinium is also called gadolinium-DPTA and gadodiamide, and it goes by various brand names. Gadolinium is non-radioactive and resembles plain water. Reports have identified a possible link between NSF/NFD and exposure to gadolinium containing contrast agents used at high doses for a procedure called Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). An MRA test uses magnetic resonance imaging to take pictures of blood vessels. The gadolinium contrast agent is injected into a patient's vein in order to distinguish blood vessels from other nearby tissues.
NSF/NFD is typically characterized by swelling and tightening of the skin, usually limited to the extremities. but sometimes involving the trunk. The condition may develop over a period of days to several weeks. In many cases, skin thickening inhibits the flexion and extension of joints, resulting in painful contractures. In the most severe of cases, affected patients may be unable to walk, or fully extend the joints of their arms, hands, legs, and feet. Complaints of muscle weakness are common.
The 25 cases of NSF/NFD were reported on May 29, 2006, by the Danish Medicines Agency. Among these, 20 cases occurred in Denmark and five cases occurred in Austria. The patients developed NSF/NFD within 3 months (range 2 weeks to 3 months) after receiving the gadolinium-containing contrast agent. As of April 3, 2007, the Food and Drug Administration has received another 65 cases of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis/Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSF/NFD).
Once a patient contracts NSF/NFD, the skin changes may start as reddened or darkened patches, papules, or plaques. In time, the skin surface may distort to resemble the texture of the peel of an orange. Some patients may experience burning, itching, or severe sharp pains in areas of involvement. Radiography may reveal calcifications of the soft tissue. NSF/NFD patients can report "bone ache" described in the hips and in the ribs.
Tipically, the skin lesions are commonly symmetrical, with zones between the ankles and thighs most commonly involved, followed by involvement between the wrist and upper arms. Hand and foot swelling with blister-like lesions has also been reported in patient with NSF/NFD. Some patients have reported yellow papules or plaques on or near the eyes.
Gadolinium Toxicity Lawsuit - Free Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one had a MRI or a MRA, and a contrast dye or agent was used to enhance the MRI image, and you or a loved developed NFS/NFD, kidney failure or renal failure, then you may be eligible to collect money damages for your injuries and damages. Please call us Toll Free at 1-800-862-1260.