Ohio Gadolimium Lawyer
Gadolimium (MRI/CT Contrast Dye)
Many patients who undergo common diagnostics procedures such as MRIs and CT scans are unknowingly exposed to a dangerous metal, gadolinium, which is present in the dye that is injected to improve the imagery.
For patients without compromised kidney function, the dye and metal are moved through the body within 24 hours and has no effect. However, for patients with kidneys which are compromised to any degree, the dye and metal can linger in the body and the metal can become lodged in the tissues and organs.
MRI Injuries and Side Effects
Exposure to gadolinium for high risk patients can lead to a potentially fatal disease known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). Patients with NSF develop a thickening of the skin, connective tissues, and organs, which restricts their ability to move and properly function. At this time, NSF is only caused by expose to gadolinium, and there is no current cure.
FDA Requests Boxed Warning for MRI/CT Contrast Agents
In May, 2007, the FDA updated its previous warning from December 2006, and requested manufacturers to include a new black box warning of all gadolinium based constrast agents.
The requested warning would state that patients with severe kidney insufficiency who receive gadolinium-based agents are at risk for developing a debilitating, and a potentially fatal disease known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). In addition, it would state that patients just before or just after liver transplantation, or those with chronic liver disease, are also at risk for developing NSF if they are experiencing kidney insufficiency of any severity.
Manufacturers Identified for MRI Injuries
The five manufactures in the United States are :
- Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine),
- Ominiscan (gadodiamide); OptiMARK (gadoversetamide);
- MultiHance;(gadobenate dimeglumine);and
- Prohance (gadoteridol).
Omniscan was the most commonly reported agent, when a specific agent was identified, followed by Magnevist and OptiMARK.
Diagnosing NSF
If you suspect that you have been exposed to gadolinium and have suffered the skin rash, thickening discussed above, please contact our office immediately. Our office is working diligently with other firms and reputable experts around the country to properly evaluate each case. In order to determine whether you have NSF, it is necessary to obtain a “punch biopsy”. Mr. Lyon will personally discuss these issues with you and work with you and your health care providers to have the biopsy reviewed by one of the country’s foremost experts on this disease. For more information see the attached documents.
Related Documents
- Letter To Doctor
- Healthcare Provider Letter
- FDA Information (link)
- Additional FDA Information (link)
