Amanda Antell  |  June 29, 2019

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What is gadolinium contrast dye?

Gadolinium contrast dye uses a heavy metal that is used to help resonance imaging in MRI scans, according to Inside Radiology. The contrast dye is injected into the patient’s body and spreads through the veins and organs, and reacts to the magnetism of the MRI device.

This effect causes veins, organs, and muscles to be more visible in the diagnostic images, which makes it easier for physicians to accurately diagnose or evaluate patients. However, it has been alleged that gadolinium particles have remained inside patients months or even years after the procedure causing patients to suffer serious toxicity effects.

Chuck Norris filed a gadolinium MRI lawsuit in November 2017 on behalf of his wife Gena Norris. Norris alleges his wife suffered debilitating side effects from gadolinium toxicity soon after undergoing an MRI. Gena allegedly experienced cognitive impairment, burning bodily pain, kidney damage, loss of mobility, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

The gadolinium MRI lawsuit alleges pharmaceutical companies allegedly failed to warn the contrast agent could cause severe heavy metal poisoning.

What are the complications of gadolinium contrast dye?

According to Gadolinium Toxicity, the main complications associated with gadolinium are nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and gadolinium deposition disease (GDD).

Nephrogenic systematic fibrosis is a rare debilitating disease that causes a variety of serious complications in the body, which has become widely associated with gadolinium contrast dye in patients with pre-existing kidney problems. There are some forms of gadolinium contrast dye that are designed to lower the risk of NSF but these are typically reserved for patients with less severe renal disease.

The other complication is gadolinium deposition disease, which occurs when small amounts of the heavy metal are retained in the tissues and bones, and even the brain. GDD can start within a few minutes to one month after administration and is often associated with six symptoms:

  • Intense burning in the skin and skin substrate
  • Intense pain in bones or joints
  • Brain fog
  • Muscle vibrations and skin tingling
  • Head pain
  • Distal and leg
  • Skin or skin substrate thickening
  • Discoloration and pain

Have there been any FDA warnings against gadolinium contrast dye?

The FDA warned against gadolinium contrast agents on Dec. 19, 2017. The agency stated it would require all gadolinium-based contrast dyes to include additional safety information regarding the effects of long term toxicity. The FDA warning stated that gadolinium particles remain in patients’ bodies, including the brain, for months or even years after receiving the metal. The FDA also stated gadolinium retention could cause patients to develop GDD and NSF in patients with preexisting kidney conditions.

The FDA issued an update to this warning on May 16, 2018, providing information on prescribing the agent and approved new patient Medication Guides for all gadolinium dyes. The FDA further stated that all MRI centers should provide a Medication Guide to outpatient centers that provide gadolinium contrast dyes. In addition, the Medication Guide should be provided to any patient who asks for this information, noted the agency.

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