Gadolinium deposition disease is a relatively new term which refers to a collection of symptomology allegedly caused by the body’s retention of magnetic resonance imaging solution—otherwise known as MRI contrast dye.

MRI contrast dye contains gadolinium—a heavy magnetic metal—that improves the physician’s ability to see certain areas of organs, blood vessels, and connective and other tissues.

MRI contrast dye has helped several doctors find tumors and diagnose serious diseases such as cancer. Despite this, many patients that have undergone MRIs have reported post-test physical problems that remained elusive to all physician diagnostic efforts. These symptoms are increasingly referred to as gadolinium deposition disease, or GDD.

When MRI contrast dye is administered, the patient is typically told that the material is flushed from the body within hours or a week at best. Many are now saying that this is simply not true.

While it is more likely that GDD would be found in a person that has either had to be subject to multiple MRI tests or has compromised kidneys, the collection of symptomology characteristic of the disease has been reported in individuals with normal renal function.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a notice in December 2017 which alerted the public and medical professionals about the possibility of MRI contrast dye retention.

Gadolinium was connected in this alert to a condition known as nephrogenic system fibrosis (NSF), which primarily affects those with chronic kidney disease or even failure. NSF has been the subject of a black box warning on the labeling for gadolinium contrast dyes. Symptoms of NSF include but are not limited to:

• A sensation of having ‘tight’ hands and feet
• Frequent headaches and problems processing information
• Painful tendons and ligaments
• Changes in the texture of the skin—spongy, rubbery, or thickened
• Problems with recall
• Pain in joints or bones in general
• Burning sensation in arms, legs, and torso

MRI Contrast Dye Retention Could be Wider Problem

A high-profile lawsuit filed in November 2017 by the actor Chuck Norris and his wife Gena allege that she experienced GDD as a consequence of being administered a gadolinium-based MRI contrast dye. The couple brought their lawsuit against three pharmaceutical companies which produce gadolinium contrast agents for use with MRI tests.

Gena purportedly experienced a wide variety of physical issues which included low energy, problems concentrating and processing information, compromised belabored breathing, the elusive sensation of burning in her body, and loss of mobility. She and her husband link these symptoms to gadolinium deposits that remained in her system from an MRI test five years previous.

Because of their celebrity status, the couple is drawing attention to what they believe to be a wider problem. They allege that the pharmaceutical companies which manufacture MRI contrast dyes minimize the effects that the injection of the material has on patients.

Chuck and Gena Norris reportedly claim through their lawsuit and public appearances that contrary to the picture painted by the makers of these dyes, the evidence indicates that gadolinium can stay in the body for weeks, months, and years after delivery. They are not alone in this assessment.