Gadolinium and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Send to Friend | Bookmark | Live Chat

Gadolinium is considered a paramagnetic metal ion, a substance that is known to move into magnetic fields. It is this property that makes Gadolinium so useful in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and was approved for this use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988. The substance is used as a contrast agent, meaning that the substance creates a clearer picture when used in conjunction with an MRI. In some cases, Gadolinium is used with Magnetic Resonance Angiography, another imaging procedure, even though it has not been approved by the FDA for this use. An MRA is an upgraded type of MRI used to study images of blood vessels. This procedure can detect heart defects, heart disease, and strokes using highly specialized imaging techniques.

An MRI or MRA can be performed without the use of a contrast agent containing Gadolinium, but many believe that MRI images that are taken using Gadolinium based contrast agent are highly superior to images taken without them. Measures are taken to ensure that the toxicity of the Gadolinium is greatly reduced and the contrast agent is eliminated from the body by the kidneys in a short period of time. Although it has been reported that the use of a Gadolinium based contrast agent can enhance the images collected from a MRA, the FDA has not yet approved any Gadolinium based contrast agent for this use. The MRA does have the ability to obtain detailed images without the use of any contrast agent.

There are no MRI contrast agents approved by the FDA that are free of Gadolinium. Any other contrast agent requires the use of an X-ray to provide detailed images of the body. These contrast agents are commonly used in CT scans, X-rays, and X-ray angiography, but are of no use when used with an MRI. There are five Gadolinium based contrast agents that are approved for use during MRI by the FDA. These approved contrast agents include Magnevist (manufactured by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals), Omniscan (manufactured by GE Healthcare), OptiMARK (manufactured by Mallinckrodt Inc.), MultiHance (manufactured by Bracco Diagnostics), and ProHance (also manufactured by Bracco Diagnostics).

Contrast agents containing Gadolinium have been linked to a rare, potentially life threatening illness that occurs in patients with kidney disease or kidney failure. The condition is called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) also known as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD). NSF/NFD causes thickening and tightening of the skin on the body resulting in limited physical abilities and causing a great amount of pain and discomfort. The condition will also affect the connective tissues of the body, causing them to calcify and stiffen, and may spread to the individual’s internal organs, causing the failure of these organs. There is no cure available for NSF/NFD and many treatments are not effective every time with every patient. NSF/NFD is a progressive condition which can ultimately result in the death of the patient. NSF/NFD is considered a rare condition, with less than 300 confirmed cases occurring worldwide.

Main Gadolinium Content Sections

Gadolinium

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)

Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD)

Related Contents - Gadolinium, Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis / Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy

What Is Gadolinium?

>> Gadolinium and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Gadolinium and MRI Safety Guidelines

Gadolinium Side Effects and Complications

Issues with MRI Contrast Agents

Gadolinium Based Contrast Agents Used With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Gadolinium and NSF/NFD

What Is Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis / Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy?

Does Gadolinium Based Contrast Agents Cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis?

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Associated With Agents Containing Gadolinium

Devastating Condition Called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Subject Of Alert By The FDA

The Theory Behind How Gadolinium Based Contrast Agents Cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis and MRI Contrast Agents

Symptoms and Signs of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis / Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy

Treatment Options For Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis / Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy

Dialysis May Prevent Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

Risk For Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis in Patients With Advanced Kidney Disease

Gadolinium Based MRI Contrast Agent Section

Magnevist MRI NSF

Gadolinium Based Contrast Agent - Magnevist

Magnevist and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

MultiHance MRI NSF

Gadolinium Based Contrast Agent – MultiHance

Gadolinium Based Contrast Agent - Omniscan

Gadolinium Based Contrast Agent - OptiMARK

Gadolinium Based Contrast Agent - ProHance

Omniscan Lawsuit

Omniscan MRI NSF

OptiMARK MRI NSF

Prohance MRI NSF

Related Websites & Recent Gadolinium Studies

5/23/07 - FDA Press Release

2/07/07 - Study Links Gadolinium treatment to NSF

1/25/07 - MRI Contrast Agent Linked to Rare Disease

1/15/07 - Dialysis to Prevent NSF After Gadolinium Treatment

Do I have a Gadolinium Lawsuit?

The Products Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus exclusively on the representation of plaintiffs in Gadolinium lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Gadolinium side effect cases in all 50 states.

Attention Attorneys: We do not publish prior verdict/settlements. If you are an attorney and would like to refer us a case or for us to send you a profile of prior award judgments or average referral fees, please visit the attorney referral section of our website.

= Required Field