When patients undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, they are often given what is known as a gadolinium contrast agent, which is a kind of dye used to help enhance the scan’s imaging.

The gadolinium contrast is meant to leave the body shortly after the scan itself, but research suggests that there may be residual gadolinium contrast left in patients’ brains that could remain for years. More and more patients are coming forward with allegations of major complications caused by their gadolinium contrast agent remaining in their brain for months or even years after use.

Basics of Gadolinium Contrast

Gadolinium, on its own, can be toxic. When used as a gadolinium contrast agent, it is bonded with a chelating agent molecule, which controls gadolinium distribution in the body.

The use of gadolinium contrast has been widespread. In the last 25 years, more than 100 million patients have been given a gadolinium contrast to go along with their MRI scan. Unfortunately, gadolinium contrast dye has been linked with a number of complications.

For patients with pre-existing kidney conditions, this may result in a rare condition known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a serious disease that can affect the skin and internal organs.

While the risk of gadolinium contrast side effects for patients with pre-existing kidney problems is more well-known, side effects have also been reported for those who have no history of kidney disease.

The FDA has received reports of gadolinium contrast side effects, including multi-organ system failure. Other side effects reported to the FDA include pain and burning in the limbs and torso, cognitive difficulties, memory impairment, headaches, bone and joint pain, spongy or rubbery skin and more.

FDA Gadolinium Contrast Warning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a safety alert in December 2017, noting that gadolinium-based contrast use during an MRI can cause retention of the gadolinium dyes, causing serious side effects.

Though the FDA still finds the benefits of gadolinium contrast agents to outweigh the risks, the agency required an update to the warnings provided about the contrast agents. Research is still being done into potential long-term effects of gadolinium that is retained in the brain.

Filing a Gadolinium Contrast Lawsuit

According to lawsuits, manufacturers of gadolinium contrast agents have actually been aware of the risk of gadolinium contrast retention in patients, yet failed to warn the public and the medical community about these risks or in the product’s labeling.

One high-profile plaintiff recently filed a gadolinium contrast lawsuit. Chuck Norris filed a joint lawsuit with his wife, Gena Norris, alleging that Gena was poisoned by the MRI contrast dye, developing serious and lasting side effects including cognitive impairment, pain, mobility loss and difficulty breathing.

If you have suffered from gadolinium contrast side effects after undergoing an MRI, you may be able to file a lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit cannot undo permanent harm that may have been incurred, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.