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Gadolinium Toxicity

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Gadolinium toxicity allegedly associated with MRI contrast dyes may lead to cognitive impairment, burning body pain, loss of mobility, and other debilitating symptoms.

Learn More About Filing an MRI Contrast Agent Lawsuit for Gadolinium Toxicity

The nationwide law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP is investigating gadolinium toxicity and related side effects reported among patients who have received gadolinium-based contrast agents prior to undergoing an MRI.

To discuss a potential case with a member of our legal team today, please call (888) 994-5118 for a free, no-obligation case review.

Gadolinium-Based MRI Contrast Dyes

Gadolinium-based contrast agents are administered intravenously prior to an MRI to aid physicians in the diagnosis of cancer, internal bleeding, and other serious conditions. Gadolinium is a heavy metal and its magnetic properties improve the visualization of organs, blood vessels, and tissues on a scan.

There are currently 8 gadolinium-based contrast dyes approved for sale in the United States:

• Dotarem
• Eovist
• Gadavist
• Magnevist
• MultiHance
• Ominiscan
• OptiMARK
• ProHance

Gadolinium Retention: What is the Risk?

Gadolinium-based MRI contrast dyes are filtered through the kidneys. For patients with normal kidney function, it was thought that gadolinium would be eliminated from the body within hours of an MRI.

However, two studies published in 2015 suggested that gadolinium deposits could remain in the body for far longer:

• In March 2015, the journal Radiology published research involving cadaver brains which found such deposits in the brains of those that had received gadolinium injections. No such deposits were found in the brains of individuals who had not been exposed to gadolinium.
• The following June, European researchers writing in Investigative Radiology reported that they had found similar deposits in the brains of rats injected with Omniscan.

In December 2017, the FDA issued a class warning for gadolinium contrast dyes because of the risk that gadolinium could be retained in the brain or other parts of the body for weeks, months, and even years after a patient has undergone an MRI.

“To date, the only known adverse health effect related to gadolinium retention is a rare condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) that occurs in a small subgroup of patients with pre-existing kidney failure,” the agency said. “We have also received reports of adverse events involving multiple organ systems in patients with normal kidney function. A causal association between these adverse events and gadolinium retention could not be established.”

Among other things, the FDA ordered that the labels for all gadolinium-based MRI contrast dyes sold in the United States be updated with information regarding the possibility of gadolinium retention.

The agency also noted that certain gadolinium agents, including Eovist, Magnevist, Multihance, Omniscan, and OptimMARK, result in more retention and retention for a longer time compared to other agents. The FDA advised health care providers to consider the retention characteristics of each agent when choosing a gadolinium product for patients who may be at higher risk for retention, including:

• Patients requiring multiple lifetime doses
• Pregnant women
• Children
• Patients with inflammatory conditions

Gadolinium Toxicity Symptoms

A growing number of legal claims have been filed on behalf of individuals who are  suffering symptoms of gadolinium toxicity allegedly related to the retention of gadolinium-based contrast dyes following an MRI.

These symptoms and complications associated with gadolinium poisoning – known collectively as Gadolinium Deposition Disease – include:

• Pain and burning sensation in the arms, legs, and torso
• Cognitive impairment, “brain fog”, memory problems
• Headaches
• Bone and joint pain
• Spongy or rubbery skin
• Thickened and painful ligaments
• Tightness in the hands and feet

Additional gadolinium side effects may include gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, as well as abnormal heart rhythms and other cardiac problems.

Contact a Gadolinium Toxicity Lawyer Today

Bernstein Liebhard LLP is now offering free, confidential, and no obligation legal reviews to individuals who may be suffering symptoms and complications allegedly associated with gadolinium retention. To contact a gadolinium toxicity lawyer today, please call (888) 994-5118.