MRI’s are innovations that medical science researchers have provided doctors in order to help them formulate diagnoses that were not easily completed only a few short years ago. These scans provide a view of the internal workings of the human body that creates an ease of diagnosis that only benefits the patient, as the faster an accurate diagnosis is obtained, the faster the course towards recovery can be set and embarked upon.

An additional innovation on the heels of MRI’s was that of contrast agents. Contrast agents are generally injected into the patient’s body and once they begin to perform, they present a distinct contrast in color that gives doctors an even bigger edge in finding out what could possibly be wrong with a certain patient.

However, it wasn’t long before a serious problem regarding these contrast agents was discovered and the need for gadolinium lawyers arose. Specifically, patients who had suffered from kidney problems prior to receiving an MRI were found to be at risk of suffering serious side effects as a result of having a gadolinium-containing contrast agent injected into their bodies. Below is a look at this issue, which brands of contrasting agents have been mentioned as potentially problematic, and a few examples of questions you need to ask before you receive an MRI.

The Nature of the Problem

The reason that those with kidney troubles were exposed to a higher degree of risk than others is because in a ‘normal’ scenario, a patient will simply expel the contrasting agent from the body quickly enough that no harm is done. However, the very nature of kidney problems often involves a patient’s inability to expel these substances, and when gadolinium remains in a patient’s body for an extended period of time, the side effects that have been reported to governing bodies begin to take hold.

The most dangerous side effect that’s been linked to gadolinium-based contrast agents is known as “NSF,” which stands for “Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis.” NSF is a relatively ‘new’ disease, and has only been researched during the 21st Century. NSF basically leads to a thickening of the skin and joints, which, over time, can lead to permanent disability and even death, which has led to cases being brought against several defendants by gadolinium lawyers around the country.

Contrast Agent Brands Containing Gadolinium

    The following are common contrasting agents that are known to contain gadolinium:

  • MultiHance
  • Omniscan
  • Magnevist
  • ProHance
  • OptiMARK

Questions to Ask before your MRI

Before you receive an MRI, and especially if you have existing kidney problems, you need to be sure to ask your doctor if he or she is using a contrast agent, and if so, if it contains gadolinium. You should also ask your doctor if he or she is aware of your ongoing or even past kidney problems before the MRI contrasting agent is injected. These are critical questions, and you should not simply assume that the doctor is aware of the issue - it’s always better to be overly cautious.

Effected? Your Next Step

    If you have received an MRI recently and you have kidney problems, be wary of the following symptoms:

  • General swelling
  • Tightening of the skin
  • Stiff joints
  • Red patches on the skin
  • Dark patches on the skin

Seek immediate medical attention. You should also contact a gadolinium lawyer to make sure that you understand all of your legal rights and options.

Brought to you by the Oklahoma Law Firm of Atkins & Markoff. Please Contact Us if you have a question regarding this article that may be affecting you or a loved one.