Gadolinium-based dyes, which are commonly used to enhance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test results, have been linked to an extremely rare and debilitating disease known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). If you have been diagnosed with NSF after receiving a gadolinium-based MRI dye, our attorneys can explain your legal rights to you free of charge. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

About Gadolinium and NSF
NSF was only first discovered in 1997 and its recent appearance suggested it might be caused by a new medication, toxin, or technology. When cases of NSF began to surface in kidney patients who had been injected with gadolinium-based MRI dyes, medical experts began looking at gadolinium as a potential cause.

Gadolinium is a heavy metal toxin that occurs naturally in the environment—but not in the human body. Its use in MRI dyes helps create sharper images, and in patients with normal kidney function, the gadolinium is quickly flushed from the body. However, patients with kidney insufficiencies have difficulty effectively flushing the toxin from their bodies and this can result in serious side effects.

FDA Warning
In June 2006, the Food and Drug Administration issued a Public Health Advisory reporting a possible link between the use of gadolinium-based dyes and NSF. Several months later in December, the FDA updated the advisory. According to the update, 90 kidney patients who were exposed to gadolinium-based MRI dyes developed NSF—some within days, others months later.

Less than a year after the initial warning—in May 2007—the FDA announced that the labeling for gadolinium-based MRI dyes would be updated to reflect the increased risk of NSF in patients with kidney deficiencies.

Symptoms of NSF
NSF is characterized by a hardening of various tissues and organs including the skin, heart, lungs, diaphragm, and muscles. Symptoms of the disease include joint contractures, limited mobility, red patches, and skin thickening, among other things.

Because NSF is so new, there is not yet a consistently effective approach to treatment. In some cases, patients have died as a result of complications of the disease.

Gadolinium-based MRI Dyes
Currently, there are five FDA approved gadolinium-based MRI dyes on the market. They include:

ProHance
MultiHance
OptiMARK
Optiscan
Magnevist

Contact Us Today
If you have been exposed to one of these MRI dyes and subsequently developed NSF, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Contact the attorneys of Rheingold, Valet, Rheingold, Shkolnik & McCartney today to learn more about your legal rights. We look forward to discussing your case with you.