Gadolinium MRI contrast dye is used to better visualize the organs, blood vessels, and tissues, and helps to diagnose a variety of conditions, including cancer, infections, bleeding, and more.

The use of gadolinium MRI contrast dye during an MRI scan helps to enhance imaging and diagnose conditions. Like other medications, its usage is temporary. It is generally expected that, after use, the dye will be cycled out of the body. But according to the FDA, gadolinium may linger in the body longer than previously thought.

More and more patients claim that they have suffered from serious side effects after their gadolinium MRI contrast dye actually stayed in their bodies long after it was used—in some cases, remaining for years. Those who have been impacted may be eligible to pursue litigation, which could provide compensation for injuries.

Basics of Gadolinium MRI Contrast Dye

Gadolinium is a contrast dye used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Initially thought to be safe and short-lived, gadolinium is the subject of a safety alert issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 about gadolinium MRI contrast side effects.

A significant side effect of gadolinium dye is known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). NSF is a condition that affects both the patient’s skin and their internal organs, and poses a risk for patients exposed to contrast dye who already have pre-existing kidney failure. There is no cure for NSF as of yet, and no treatment has been found that can consistently halt or reverse the disease’s development. Patients are generally left with these symptoms on a permanent basis.

Besides NSF, the FDA has also received reports of pain and a burning feeling in the limbs and torso, cognitive difficulties, memory problems, headaches, pain in the bones and joints, and more.

The FDA notes that it still considers contrast dye and its use to be more beneficial than not, outweighing its risks. However, the agency has required that the dye’s patient medication guide now include more information about the potential complications associated with the dye. Manufacturers of contrast agents are also being required to conduct more studies to expand on their knowledge of these dyes.

Filing a Gadolinium MRI Contrast Lawsuit

After an MRI with the use of a gadolinium MRI contrast dye, the contrast agent may be retailed for months or years, though patients generally expect the dye to leave their system quickly. So far, a method of detoxification has not been discovered.

Lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of gadolinium MRI contrast dye have known about the risks associated with the dye—such as dye retention, NSF, and more—for quite some time, yet chose not to warn patients or the medical community about these risks.

If you or a loved one has experienced side effects of exposure to gadolinium MRI contrast dye, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, litigation cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by such side effects or reverse permanent harm, but it can help to financially compensate for problems incurred by medical expenses and lost wages.