Many individuals do not know the symptoms of gadolinium toxicity, but having this knowledge may help patients advocate for themselves and recognize the signs of a serious medical condition.

Gadolinium contrast agents are commonly used during MRIs to enhance the imaging of organs, blood vessels, and tissues. These agents provide a more detailed image and enhance a doctor’s ability to diagnose serious conditions such as cancer, infections, and internal bleeding.

However, gadolinium contrast agents may cause serious health problems. Reports suggest that gadolinium, a heavy metal used in the contrast agents, may be retained in the body for months or years after initial injection. In some patients, this can lead to gadolinium toxicity. 

Symptoms of gadolinium toxicity may vary from person to person. However, symptoms that have been attributed to gadolinium toxicity include pain and burning sensation in the arms, legs, and torso; cognitive difficulties or “brain fog”; headaches; memory impairment; bone and joint pain; spongy or rubbery skin; thickened and painful ligaments; tightness in the hands and feet; and more.

More severe symptoms of gadolinium toxicity may affect certain patients. In a December 2017 safety alert, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that gadolinium toxicity may cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with pre-existing kidney issues. However, the agency noted that, even in patients with normal kidney failure, there had been reports of multi-organ system failure.

The FDA is now requiring new warning and safety measures for gadolinium contrast agents. A new patient guide is required which will provide patients with more information about gadolinium contrast agents and the symptoms of gadolinium toxicity. The agency is also requiring the manufacturers of gadolinium contrast agents to conduct further studies on the potential risks associated with the contrast agents.

“Health care professionals should consider the retention characteristics of each agent when choosing a GBCA for patients who may be at higher risk for gadolinium retention,” the FDA gadolinium toxicity warning states. “These patients include those requiring multiple lifetime doses, pregnant women, children, and patients with inflammatory conditions.”

“Minimize repeated GBCA imaging studies when possible, particularly closely spaced MRI studies. However, do not avoid or defer necessary GBCA MRI scans.”

Gadolinium toxicity may seem like a rare issue, but it has even affected celebrities. In November 2017, Chuck Norris announced that he and his wife, Gena Norris, were taking action against several gadolinium contrast agent manufacturers. Five years after receiving a gadolinium contrast agent during an MRI, Gena reportedly developed symptoms of gadolinium toxicity. Gena says her symptoms of gadolinium toxicity include cognitive impairment, burning body pain, kidney damage, loss of mobility, low energy, and difficulty breathing.

“Unfortunately, litigation is the only course of action we can take to hold the drug companies accountable for threatening the lives of so many innocent people who undergo MRIs,” Gena said in a statement. “These companies continue to say that there is no link between gadolinium and adverse events, even though the evidence is overwhelming that this heavy metal stays in the body for years, rather than hours.”