An Arizona woman has filed a new lawsuit, alleging that the gadolinium contrast dye used during her MRI scan stayed in her body long after the scan was over and caused permanent complications.

The plaintiff, Candice D., says she was injected with the gadolinium dye Optimark for MRIs in January 2013. Then in August 2015 and November 2016, Candice says she was injected with the gadolinium dye Multihance before other MRIs.

Though Candice expected the gadolinium dye to leave her body quickly after use, she alleges it was “retained permanently or indefinitely in multiple organs and soft tissues.” Now, years later, she says the dye remains. This has led, the gadolinium lawsuit claims, to fibrosis in her organs, bone, and skin.

Candice’s gadolinium lawsuit was filed on Feb. 25, 2019, in federal court in Arizona. The lawsuit was filed on multiple counts, including inadequate warning, defective design, negligence, breach of express warranty, and more.

What is Gadolinium Contrast Dye?

During an MRI scan, a gadolinium contrast dye is often injected intravenously to enhance the imaging of the scan. This makes it easier to visualize the organs, blood vessels, and tissues, which helps diagnose conditions like cancer, infections, and more.

About one in three MRI scans are done with the use of gadolinium contrast dye, depending on whether or not the radiologist believes the injection will be helpful in this particular instance. If you have certain conditions, like pregnancy, previous allergic reaction, or severe kidney disease, gadolinium would not be used.

For patients with pre-existing kidney failure, gadolinium dye may cause a condition known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), which affects the skin and internal organs.

Unfortunately, the use of gadolinium dye has also been linked with other serious side effects as well. Patients claim that, instead of leaving the body quickly after use, the gadolinium dye has stayed in their bodies for months or even years afterward, leading to further problems. Patients have reported a number of complications, including a burning feeling in the limbs and torso, cognitive difficulties (like brain fog), memory problems, headaches, pain in the joints and bones, and more.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a safety alert in 2017 about gadolinium-based contrast agents, noting that it is continuing to assess the safety of GBCAs.

Filing a Gadolinium Lawsuit

Lawsuits like Candice’s allege that the manufacturers of gadolinium dye have been aware of the risks associated with the dye, yet failed to adequately warn patients and the medical community about these dangers.

If you or someone you love has suffered from side effects after the use of gadolinium during an MRI, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot undo the pain and suffering caused by such complications, but it can at least help to alleviate any financial burden that may have been incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Candice’s Gadolinium Lawsuit is Case No. 4:19-cv-00096-LCK, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.