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GADOLINIUM MRI AGENT LINKED TO SERIOUS SKIN DISEASE NSF:
Gadolonium has been linked to a new disease, known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSF/NFD), which may occur in patients with moderate to end-stage kidney disease after they have had a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) scan with a gadolinium-based contrast agent.
The FDA has received more than 90 reports of patients who developed NSF/NFD after they had an MRI or MRA with a gadolinium-based contrast agent. Usually, the onset of the Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy began 2 days to 18 months after exposure to the contrast agent.
An MRI scan provides clear and detailed pictures of internal organs. An MRA test uses a gadolinium-based contrast agent to take detailed pictures of blood vessels. During some MRI scans and all MRA scans, a gadolinium-based contrast agent is injected into a patient’s vein so blood vessels can be distinguished from other nearby tissues.
In light of these reports, FDA is notifying health care providers and patients of the following:
- Patients with moderate to end-stage kidney disease who receive an MRI or MRA with a gadolinium-based contrast agent may get Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy which is debilitating and may cause death.
- Patients who believe they may have NSF/NFD should contact their doctor. Patients who develop NSF/NFD have areas of tight, rigid skin and may have scarring of their body organs. The signs of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy also include: burning, itching, swelling, hardening and tightening of the skin; red or dark patches on the skin; yellow spots on the whites of the eyes; stiffness in joints with trouble moving or straightening the arms, hands, legs, or feet; pain deep in the hip bones or ribs; and muscle weakness.
- When a patient with moderate to end-stage kidney disease needs an imaging study, select imaging methods other than MRI or MRA with a gadolinium-based contrast agent for the study whenever possible. If these patients must receive a gadolinium-based contrast agent, prompt dialysis following the MRI or MRA should be considered.
If you have developed tight, rigid skin and have scaring on your body or organs after an MRI, or have been diagnosed with NSF or NFD Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy you should contact an attorney immediately. For a free case evalution, fill out the form below. An attorney will review your form and may contact ou to discuss your claim.
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