MRI Injury - Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), also known as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), is a serious adverse reaction to gadolinium, more specifically gadodiamide, a metallic dye used as a contrast agent in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and MRA (Magnetic Resonanace Angiography) scans, and to a lesser extent CT or CAT (Computed Tomography) Scans and Xrays. Typically, gadolinium-based gadodiamide affects patients who have a history of reduced kidney function. Weakened or disabled kidneys are unable to filter out gadolinium, a toxin, from the body, resulting in NSF.
NSF leads to fibrosis, the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue, of the skin, joints, eyes, and internal organs. Symptoms of NSF include:
Are You at Risk?
Most people are able to flush gadolinium, a silvery-white rare-earth metal, out of the body naturally within a short period of time. However, people with kidney dysfunction have difficulty doing so. Gadolinium, if allowed to stay within the body, causes Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). The symptoms of NSF can appear within days or after several months of the gadodiamide injection. The primary symptom is the thickening of the skin on hands, arms, feet and legs. The skin becomes tight and rigid, making it difficult to bend joints. The affected skin can be itchy, burning, or painful, also forming raised, discolored bumps. In severe NSF cases, internal organs can be affected, occasionally leading to death.
All confirmed cases of NSF, thus far, have involved patients who have a history of kidney problems. However, NSF is a relatively new and not yet widely studied disease. It is not yet possible to exclude anyone from danger. NSF is best diagnosed with a skin biopsy. Affected skin is removed and examined under a microscope for the symptoms associated with NSF. Symptoms of NSF are similar to another skin-affecting disease known as scleroderma, and can sometimes be mis-diagnosed. If you have been diagnosed with scleroderma and have a history of MRIs, MRAs, or other exposure to gadolinium, consult with your physician.
Gadolinium has been used as a contrast agent for MRIs and MRAs over the past 20 years. When it is used for MRA, a larger dose (typically double or triple of the approved MRI dose) is administered. Most cases of NSF occur after MRA. The FDA has not approved any of the 5 gadolinium-based contrast agents (Omniscan, OptiMARK, Magnevist, ProHance, and MultiHance) for use in MRAs. Please visit the FDA website for more information.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diganosed with NSF or has otherwise been injured by gadolinium or gadodiamide, The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker wants to help. We are proud to be partnered with a nationally recognized team of law firms focused on obtaining the maximum recovery possible for you. In these increasingly complex times, it is necessary for firms to work together to most efficiently utilize manpower and financial resources in the fight against negligent corporations. We believe our team is best equipped to handle your case.
For a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation, please fill out a form or call us at (800) 333-0000. Your call or email will only be handled by caring, understanding, and experienced case evaluators. Your confidentiality is guaranteed! Serving all of California, and now Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker will Fight For You!™
* Please be advised that no attorney/client relationship will be established by website visit or submission to larryhparker.com™. An attorney/client relationship can only begin when a retainer has been signed.
NSF leads to fibrosis, the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue, of the skin, joints, eyes, and internal organs. Symptoms of NSF include:
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Are You at Risk?
Most people are able to flush gadolinium, a silvery-white rare-earth metal, out of the body naturally within a short period of time. However, people with kidney dysfunction have difficulty doing so. Gadolinium, if allowed to stay within the body, causes Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). The symptoms of NSF can appear within days or after several months of the gadodiamide injection. The primary symptom is the thickening of the skin on hands, arms, feet and legs. The skin becomes tight and rigid, making it difficult to bend joints. The affected skin can be itchy, burning, or painful, also forming raised, discolored bumps. In severe NSF cases, internal organs can be affected, occasionally leading to death.
All confirmed cases of NSF, thus far, have involved patients who have a history of kidney problems. However, NSF is a relatively new and not yet widely studied disease. It is not yet possible to exclude anyone from danger. NSF is best diagnosed with a skin biopsy. Affected skin is removed and examined under a microscope for the symptoms associated with NSF. Symptoms of NSF are similar to another skin-affecting disease known as scleroderma, and can sometimes be mis-diagnosed. If you have been diagnosed with scleroderma and have a history of MRIs, MRAs, or other exposure to gadolinium, consult with your physician.
Gadolinium has been used as a contrast agent for MRIs and MRAs over the past 20 years. When it is used for MRA, a larger dose (typically double or triple of the approved MRI dose) is administered. Most cases of NSF occur after MRA. The FDA has not approved any of the 5 gadolinium-based contrast agents (Omniscan, OptiMARK, Magnevist, ProHance, and MultiHance) for use in MRAs. Please visit the FDA website for more information.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diganosed with NSF or has otherwise been injured by gadolinium or gadodiamide, The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker wants to help. We are proud to be partnered with a nationally recognized team of law firms focused on obtaining the maximum recovery possible for you. In these increasingly complex times, it is necessary for firms to work together to most efficiently utilize manpower and financial resources in the fight against negligent corporations. We believe our team is best equipped to handle your case.
For a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation, please fill out a form or call us at (800) 333-0000. Your call or email will only be handled by caring, understanding, and experienced case evaluators. Your confidentiality is guaranteed! Serving all of California, and now Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker will Fight For You!™
* Please be advised that no attorney/client relationship will be established by website visit or submission to larryhparker.com™. An attorney/client relationship can only begin when a retainer has been signed.
