GE Healthcare Inc. is facing a new gadolinium side effects lawsuit, alleging the claimant had developed severe chronic health problems from the heavy metal toxins in the contrast.

The gadolinium side effects lawsuit was filed by a man from Pennsylvania who had the heavy metal substance Omniscan administered for MRI scanning purposes.

Plaintiff Sean L. filed this gadolinium side effects lawsuit alleging that these heavy metals can cause serious kidney problems, and that other patients had suffered similar complications as him.

Gadolinium and MRI Use

Gadolinium is a rare heavy metal that is used in injectible dyes during MRI scans to enhance diagnostic images.

Due to the magnetic qualities of gadolinium-based dyes, images of blood vessels, organs, and tissues are well defined which makes it easier for medical professionals to diagnose medical conditions. However, gadolinium does not naturally occur in the human body; it is typically expelled after the MRI procedure is complete.

With these benefits in mind, Sean underwent an MRI scan on Oct. 8, 2015, which implemented a gadolinium based contrast. During this time, Sean and his physician were unaware that gadolinium-based metals were linked to severe kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.

This connection allegedly exists because gadolinium stays inside the body long after the MRI scans, longer than initially realized, which causes toxicity reactions. According to the gadolinium side effects lawsuit, Sean still suffers from the effects of gadolinium retention in multiple organs including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys.

The effects of gadolinium toxicity have been linked with fibrosis in organs, bone, and skin. Gadolinium even crosses the blood-brain barrier and deposits in the neurological nuclei of the brain.

The gadolinium side effects lawsuit alleges GE Healthcare had allegedly failed to warn Sean and others against the risks of gadolinium retention, which reportedly caused him to develop serious renal damage.

Sean opted to file legal action against the company, alleging GE Healthcare failed to disclose this information to the public.

Overview of Gadolinium Toxicity

It has recently been discovered that gadolinium based metals, like Omniscan, remain in the body for months to even years after being implemented. The FDA issued a public safety warning regarding gadolinium based toxicity in December 2017, stating that the metal could stay in the patient long after their MRI scan.

Gadolinium toxicity can cause a rare medical condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with pre-existing kidney problems, with the FDA also receiving reports from patients with normal kidneys function that allegedly developed multiorgan failure. The side effects indicated in gadolinium toxicity reports include:

• Pain and Burning Sensation in Arms, Legs, and Torso
• Cognitive Difficulties
• Headaches
• Memory Impairment
• Bone and Joint Pain
• Spongy or Rubbery Skin
• Thickened and Painful Ligaments
• Tightness in Hands and Feet

Even though gadolinium toxicity can reportedly be devastating to patients, Sean claims GE Healthcare allegedly failed to disclose this information the general public. Sean states he would not have agreed to have the gadolinium based contrast implemented, if he knew the risks of metal toxicity and long term retention.

This Gadolinium Side Effects Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-01641-RGA, in the U.S. District Court of Delaware.