Gadolinium contrast agents are used during MRIs and MRAs as a dye to help diagnose a variety of conditions. A North Carolina woman recently filed a lawsuit over complications associated with two of the major gadolinium contrast agents, Omniscan and Magnevist, alleging that the agents stayed in her body, rather than harmlessly exiting the body after use.

The plaintiff, Thelma K., says she received injections with the gadolinium contrast agents Omniscan in January 2008 and then Magnevist in May 2012 and 2013. Thelma alleges that the gadolinium contrast agents were represented as benign, and would leave the body shortly after their use.

However, Thelma claims that years later, the gadolinium contrast agents have remained in her body in a number of major organs, including her brain, heart, liver, and kidney. According to the gadolinium lawsuit, gadolinium causes fibrosis (thickening and scarring of connective tissue) in organs.

Thelma alleges that she was not warned that gadolinium contrast agents like Omniscan and Magnevist could be retained long after their purpose was finished.

Thelma filed her lawsuit on Aug. 1, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The lawsuit was filed on multiple counts, including failure to warn and negligence.

What are Gadolinium Contrast Agents?

Gadolinium is a metallic element used in contrast dye, commonly used during an MRI scan to help diagnose a variety of conditions. During an MRI, many patients are given gadolinium contrast agents to help enhance the imaging provided by the MRI scan, which can help to diagnose cancer, infections, and other serious conditions.

However, a growing number of patients are coming forward with allegations that they have suffered from serious or even permanent side effects caused by the gadolinium contrast agents remaining in their bodies and even their brain for months or years after use.

Risks of Gadolinium Contrast Agents

The FDA issued a warning in late 2017 about potential risks that had been associated with gadolinium contrast agents. While the drug safety communication notes that the FDA believes that the benefits of gadolinium contrast agents continue to outweigh the risks, the agency has also required an updated patient medication guide to provide more information about the dye and its risks. The FDA has also required that manufacturers of gadolinium contrast agents conduct further studies into the safety of these agents.

The FDA has noted that the condition nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) associated with the use of gadolinium contrast agents in patients with pre-existing kidney failure, but the agency has received reports of “adverse events involving multiple organ systems in patients with normal kidney function.”

Other side effects reported to the FDA after the use of a gadolinium contrast agents include pain and burning in the limbs and torso, cognitive difficulties, memory impairment, headaches, bone and joint pain, spongy or rubbery skin, and more.

In some cases, gadolinium can be retained in a patient’s body for months or even years after the MRI, which can cause serious and lasting side effects. While a method of gadolinium detoxification has yet to be discovered, patients may be able to seek compensation by filing a lawsuit.

Filing a Gadolinium Contrast Dye Lawsuit

If you have suffered from side effects of gadolinium contrast agents like Omniscan or Magnevist after undergoing an MRI with a gadolinium contrast, though a method of gadolinium detoxification has not been found, you may be able to file a lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit cannot undo the permanent harm that may have been incurred, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.

The Gadolinium Contrast Agents Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-11626-IT, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.