MRI WITH
GADOLINIUM CONTRAST
The
FDA has asked manufacturers to include a now boxed warning on the product
labeling for all gadolinium-based contrast agents which are used to enhance the
quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or Magnetic Resonance Angrography (MRA). The FDA has learned that patients
with severe kidney insufficiency who receive gadolinium-based agents are at risk
for developing a debilitating, potentially fatal disease known as Nephrogenic
Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD). Patients with
NSF or NFD develop thickening of the skin and connective tissues that inhibits
their ability to move and may result in broken bones. Other organs are at risk
of thickening as well. Symptoms of NSF or NFD are skin which thickens and
becomes "woody" and "shiny," tightening of the skin around the joints
which impairs mobility, red or dark patches on the skin, yellow spots on the
whites of the eyes, swelling, deep hip pain, and muscle weakness.
Presently there are five (5) gadolinium-based contrast agents being used in
the United States. They are Magnevist, Omniscan, OptiMARK, Multiance and
Prohance. Patients should be screened for kidney problems prior to receiving one
of these imaging agents.
In 1997, the first cases of Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD) were
identified when individuals with impaired kidney function developed areas of
thick and hard skin which severely restricted their movement. The condition was
later renamed Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) as additional information was
gathered and it was determined that fibrosis, or scarring, can form on other
internal organs throughout the system.
In 2006, researchers found there was a direct connection between development
of this rare disorder and the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents during
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for
those with kidney problems.
CONTACT US
Mark Davis, P.C. is now handling claims for individuals who have been
diagnosed with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephronic Fibrosing
Dermopathy (NFD). Mark Davis, P.C. is experienced in pharmaceutical product
liability cases and settlements. If you or a loved one has suffered Nephrogenic
Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephronic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), please contact
us at 1-800-277-0300, or send us an email at
info@markdavispc.com.
