MRI Contrast Lawyers No Longer Reviewing New Cases

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis / Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy could be caused by MRI contrast agents for those with kidney problems.

MRI contrast side effects could lead to a painful and disfiguring disorder for those with kidney problems or impaired renal function.  Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, also known as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFS/NFD), is a progressive disease which has been observed in kidney patients after receiving a gadolinium based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent.

MRI contrast lawsuits were previously reviewed for individuals who experienced symptoms of NSF/NFD or were diagnosed with this serious and potentially fatal disorder after receiving a gadolinium MRI contrast agent. New claims are no longer being accepted or investigated by our law firm. This page is provided for informational purposes about cases previously pursued.

MRI CONTRAST DYE PROBLEMS

Gadolinium is a paramagnetic metal ion which is useful as an MRI contrast “dye” since it tends to move into magnetic fields.  It is injected into the vein prior to the test to help the radiologist who interprets the image differentiate blood vessels from nearby tissue.

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is done to obtain detailed and clear pictures of internal organs.  Enhanced MRI with contrast helps identify abnormal tissue in the body.

Gadolinium MRI contrast side effects have been directly linked to the development of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis for those with moderate to end-stage kidney disease.  The disorder is associated with the formation of areas of tight, rigid and coarse skin which could lead to significant restrictions on movement of the joints.  It is not uncommon for those with the disorder to become dependent on a wheelchair within a few weeks.  The disorder can also lead to fibrosis, or scarring, of other internal organs and in some cases it can be fatal.

>>INFORMATION: Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Lawsuits

Early symptoms of MRI side effects for those with kidney problems could include:

  • Areas of thick skin which are “shiny or “woody” and hard to the touch
  • Burning, itching or swelling
  • Contraction or tight skin around joints which causes difficulty straightening or moving the limbs
  • Hip pain or rib pain
  • Generalized muscle weakness

ALTERNATIVES FOR THOSE WITH KIDNEY DISEASE

The FDA and CDC have indicated that the use of gadolinium MRI contrast should be avoided for those with advanced renal failure.  Those with kidney problems who may require a magnetic resonance image (MRI) with contrast should carefully weigh the risks of suffering the side effects against the benefits which could be provided by the exam.

Research indicates that about 3% of those with kidney failure or impaired renal function who are given the gadolinium MRI contrast will develop Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis / Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSF/NFD) as a side effect.

There are alternatives to an enhanced MRI  with contrast, but they do have limitations.  Feridex, I.V. is an iron-containing injectable solutation and Teslascan is a maganese-containing injectable solution.  However, these non-gadolinium MRI contrast dyes are only approved for evaluation of liver lesions.  There are other imaging contrast agents, however, they require an xray, as opposed to an MRI.

MRI CONTRAST LAWSUIT

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are no longer reviewing additional MRI lawsuits for those with kidney problems who developed the disorder as a side effect of the MRI contrast.