Patients who to go the hospital for screening and testing expect that their health will be the top priority and that they will be told about all possible risks before getting a procedure or test done, especially since there are indications of problems that make gadolinium dangerous.

Gadolinium refers to a contrast dye that can be used in an MRI scan. This helps the doctor reviewing the scans to evaluate individual patients since gadolinium enhances the quality of MRI images.

Not every person who gets an MRI will have one done with gadolinium contrast dye. In fact, according to Inside Radiology, about one out of every three MRI scans uses gadolinium contrast medium. The radiologist assigned to the individual case will often be the one making the call about whether or not contrast dye should be used.

According to the Radiological Society of North America, more than 100 million patients have been injected with contrast dye over the past 25 years. That same organization found that there are risks that the gadolinium used could stay in the patient’s brain for a long time, but that the long-term impacts of this for the patient are unknown.

Are There Risks with Gadolinium Contrast Injections?

Most people consider contrast injections relatively safe. Side effects and negative reactions typically don’t affect most people, but new research shows that some of the gadolinium used in these scans can stay in the body for a long time, ultimately causing other health issues.

Gadolinium is supposed to be passed out of the body shortly after the injection occurs. For those patients who have normal kidney function, the majority of the contrast dye should be passed out in the patient’s urine no more than one day later.

However, in some patients gadolinium has been found long after they underwent their MRI, a tendency that could make gadolinium dangerous for some patients. Risks with this kind of contrast include gadolinium retention, system fibrosis, and allergic reactions to the dye.

The FDA recently supported the claims that gadolinium could be retained in a patient’s brain, exposing that person to risks. Following this statement, however, the FDA also said that this was not a great cause for concern and that there were no indications that contrast use should be restricted due to these findings according to Self magazine.

What Are the Signs of Problems with Gadolinium?

If a person retains gadolinium in their system, this can lead to serious health problems. Some patients might not even know to watch out for these issues since they might be under the impression the gadolinium leaves their system.

Some of the symptoms associated with gadolinium still in the body can be linked to other medical conditions, making it hard to tell when the symptoms are related to a past MRI. The symptoms of gadolinium retention include itchy skin, hair loss, ocular problems, muscle issues, pains, changes in the skin, balance issues, and extremity swelling.

Some patients might be able to watch these symptoms subside, but if gadolinium remains in the brain long term, it could cause serious medical problems. This is why more patients want to know what makes gadolinium dangerous.

Are There Alternatives to Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents?

In 2018, researchers at Rice University in Houston, Texas, came up with a method of using iron in MRI contrast agents. This involves inserting iron molecules into nanoparticles called “nano matryoshka” particles.

Named after the traditional Russian nesting dolls, these particles are microscopic spheres, surrounded by shells. Once iron molecules are inserted into these spheres, their shape can be modified, allowing the resonance frequency to be adjusted to better absorb and respond to magnetic fields.

The best part is that this method is far less toxic than gadolinium.

There is also a different type of gadolinium-based contrast agent available, known as “macrocytic.” This form is “caged,” or inserted into a molecule that is more easily passed from the body. In contrast, “linear” contrast agents contain “free” gadolinium that is prone to accumulate in brain tissues

What if My Body Did Retain Gadolinium?

In January 2019, Scientific Reports published research on an experimental method under development by biomedical engineers at the Oregon Health and Science University that appears to be highly effective in removing gadolinium.

This method involves the use of porous silica beads combined with hydroxypyridinone, a common chelating agent used for patients suffering from iron toxicity. As of this writing however, human clinical tests have yet to be carried out.

In addition to getting treatment for your symptoms, you might also wish to speak with a dedicated product liability lawyer or personal injury lawyer about your situation.

Have Gadolinium Lawsuits Been Filed?

Several lawsuits claim that drugmakers were aware, or should have known of the dangers of gadolinium. The issue was brought to public attention with a $10 million lawsuit filed by actor Chuck Norris and his wife, Gena, who claims to be suffering from Gadolinium Deposition Disease after undergoing three MRI scans in one week.