Some patients have reported unusual and unexpected side effects after getting MRI scans.

Despite the fact that MRI scans have been in use in the medical community for over four decades for determining whether or not cancer exists and how far the cancer cells have spread, the intravenous injection of contrast MRI dye, which improves the potential accuracy of the diagnosis, could come with side effects.

What Causes These Troubling Side Effects?

The main concern with MRI dye is a rare earth metal known as gadolinium. Gadolinium is used in many of the most effective dyes for MRI machines and can trigger a dangerous and rare condition for those people who have already been diagnosed with kidney disease.

This medical condition is known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. In addition, the use of gadolinium in a contrast dye can also trigger an allergic reaction. Many new patients, however, are reporting additional concerns such as muscle fatigue, cognitive impairment, and joint pain that follows them for years after their MRI scan.

Does Gadolinium Stay in the Body?

Currently, the gadolinium used in MRI dye is connected to a molecule in order to generate a non-toxic compound. One radiologist in 2013 found differences in the brain scans for those people who had had multiple MRIs indicating that the gadolinium might not have left the body.

Additionally, autopsy and tissue reports have triggered concerns that gadolinium can accumulate in the brain of patients as well as other organs. For this reason, in 2017 the Food and Drug Administration in the United States required warning labels to be added to the dye about the possibility of gadolinium retention.

Why Is Gadolinium Based Dye Used Despite These Dangers?

Radiologists are more likely to be able to spot abnormalities that could otherwise be missed when gadolinium based dyes are used. Currently this is one of the major arguments for the benefits of gadolinium dye.

Some in the medical community believe that the potential benefits of being able to spot other problems outweighs the harm in not using gadolinium at all. However, a growing number of patients are beginning to report concerns associated with gadolinium retention and its possible long term side effects.

Many studies looking into the impact of dye accumulation in the body are currently underway for this reason. In general, although MRI contrast dye is viewed as relatively safe, the growing concerns from patients highlight the potential for other issues.

What Can I Do Prior to Getting an MRI?

If you are concerned about the use of gadolinium based dye in your upcoming MRI, do not hesitate to bring this up with your doctor or the radiologist. These physicians should be prepared to address these kinds of issues to guide you through the process of determining what is in your best interests. If you have already been diagnosed with a gadolinium retention issue after getting an MRI, schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney. Top Class Actions can help connect you with a lawyer you can trust.