Gadolinium Lawyers

Gadolinium Help

What is gadolinium?
Gadolinium is a paramagnetic metal ion. Paramagnetic ions, such as gadolinium, move differently within a magnetic field, making them useful for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This enables doctors and medical professionals to more easily see a patient's internal organs, blood vessels, and tissue.

How is gadolinium administered?
Gadolinium is typically administered via injection to the circulatory system. Because gadolinium is a toxic substance, in healthy patients it is filtered out of the body through the kidneys. However, in patients with serious kidney diseases or renal failure, this does not happen, causing prolonged exposure to the chemical, which can cause serious illness such as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, and other serious side effects.

How has gadolinium caused problems?
Serious illnesses, including Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) and Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD) have been linked to the use of Gadolinium in MRI patients with pre-existing kidney problems. Because their bodies cannot rid itself of the gadolinium, the extended exposure may cause long term and irreversible health consequences. NSF and NFD lead to severely restricted joint movement, possible confinement to a wheelchair and even death. There is no known cure for NSF.

What should I do if I've been injured by gadolinium?
If you have been injured because of a gadolinium injection, you should speak with a gadolinium lawyer as soon as possible. While every case differs, qualified gadolinium lawyers can help protect your rights against the manufacturers of the MRI contrast dye which lead to your injury, and possibly recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. A number of gadolinium exposure lawsuits have already been filed against the manufacturers of the drug.

Can an MRI or MRA be performed without gadolinium-based contrast agent?
Yes, both MRIs and MRAs can be performed without contrast agents that involve exposure to gadolinium.

What is Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)?
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) was first described in the medical literature in 2000, though the first case was identified in 1997. The cause of NSF is not known, though it is believed to only occur in patients with severe kidney disease and is linked to the MRI contrast dye, gadolinium. NSF causes fibrosis of the skin and connective tissues throughout the body, causing a thickening of the skin which leads to severely decreased mobility of joints. NSF usually starts in the lower extremities and can also develop in the diaphragm, muscles in the thigh and lower abdomen, and lung vessels. Over time, NSF becomes worse and can cause death. There is no known cure.

How many gadolinium-based contrast agents has the FDA approved?
There are five FDA approved GBCAs (Magnevist, MultiHance, Omniscan, OptiMARK, and ProHance).

Has Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) been reported with all of the U.S.-approved gadolinium-based contrast agents?
Yes, NSF has been reported following administration of all five FDA approved gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents (Magnevist, MultiHance, Omniscan, OptiMARK, and ProHance).

Do the gadolinium-based contrast agents cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)?
The reports the FDA has received, the published report of gadolinium deposits in the skin of patients with NSF/NFD, and other published reports suggest that gadolinium based contrast agents play a role in the development of NSF in patients with acute or chronic severe kidney insufficiency or kidney dysfunction due to the hepato-renal syndrome or in the perioperative liver transplantation period, though there is no definitive diagnosis.

If you are suffering from NSF due to Gadolinium exposure, contact Morgan and Morgan's Gadolinium Lawyers today to find out if you are eligible to participate in a gadolinium lawsuit.

Morgan & Morgan is one of the largest Personal Injury law firms in the country with offices nationwide. The firm handles cases against drug and medical device manufacturers, as well as food poisoning and consumer fraud cases. Visit ForThePeople.com for a free case evaluation and information about your legal rights.