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

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In 2006, reports began to emerging linking the usage of Gadolinium based contrast agents to the development of a rare condition called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis. The condition was first noted in patients undergoing dialysis who had recently received an injection of a contrast agent containing Gadolinium prior to an MRI or MRA procedure. While the cause of this association is not yet understood, researchers believe that in some way, the injection of a Gadolinium based contrast agent into a patient with impaired renal function or renal failure can cause the development of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis.

One theory behind the reason for the development of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis following an injection with a Gadolinium based contrast agent is that the Gadolinium ion may become separated from the contrast agent, allowing it to move freely throughout the body. This freed Gadolinium is a toxic agent that causes Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis as it travels throughout the body. Biopsies of the tissue affected by the condition have resulted in the discovery of Gadolinium ions in the cells of the affected tissue. This is the most direct evidence available that Gadolinium based contrast agents can cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis.

According to this theory, the impaired renal function of patients on dialysis increases risk of the patient developing the disorder because the Gadolinium is not removed from the body by the kidneys as it is in patient with normal renal function. Because of the patient’s impaired renal function, the Gadolinium remains in the body for an extended period of time which increases the risk that some of the Gadolinium ions will break free of the contrast agent solution. Although there is no hard evidence to support this theory, many researchers find it plausible.

The individuals most susceptible to developing Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis are patients undergoing dialysis for renal failure. As the renal function gets worse, the risk for developing the condition increases. The FDA has issued a public health alert warning medical professionals to exercise caution with using Gadolinium based contrast agents with patients with moderately to severely impaired renal function and renal failure. The risk of developing the disease should be carefully weighed and alternative treatments discussed before making a final decision.

Based on current information, approximately 3% to 5% of patients with impaired renal function or renal failure will develop Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis after receiving a Gadolinium based contrast agent injection prior to an MRI procedure. In some cases, the benefit of obtaining detailed images from the MRI will outweigh the small risk of developing Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, but in other cases, other treatment options may be the better choice. Each decision should be made on a case by case basis and should be based on the current stage of the patient’s renal function.

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?

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