mri scan
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a fatal disease that is now commonly linked to gadolinium contrast agents injected into the body, which are used to enhance the clarity of MRI scans. It is the syndrome where excessive fibrous tissue begins to grow on the eyes, skin, joints and internal organs. People with chronic severe kidney insufficiency are at most risk of developing NSF through gadolinium based agents because their kidneys cannot properly excrete the gadolinium from the body over time.
The first appearance of NSF was reported in 1997. The first publication describing NSF was in 2000. And it was not until 2006 that the link between gadolinium based contrast agents and NSF was reported in a press release by the Danish Medicines Agency. Relatively little time has passed since the emergence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in the medical field, and the understanding of this syndrome is still in its infancy. As of now, there is still no known treatment plan for NSF. However, research has shown that improving the function of the kidney, either by transplant or by healing processes, can stop NSF or even gradually reverse the effects.
Those stricken with NSF will encounter several painful symptoms. Most noticeably, the patient’s skin will become hardened, swollen and tightened, which becomes painful to stretch. Darkened patches of skin may also appear, as well as a burning and itching sensation of the skin. There will be significant stiffness of the joints, leading to pain and difficult to bend and extend the arms, legs, hands and feet. NSF can also affect internal soft tissue, resulting in deep pains in the ribs and a decrease in muscle strength. Additionally, the whites of the eyes can grow yellow raised spots.
It is very important that those with serious kidney problems consult their doctor on the use of contrast agents. An MRI scan can still provide good data without them, though under some circumstances, they might be deemed essential. If this is the case, be sure to discuss the likeliness of developing NSF and if it is worth the risk. MRI contrast dyes may still be used, but extra precautions must be taken and all guidelines for using gadolinium based agents should be followed exactly.
If you exhibit symptoms similar to those listed above and have recently undergone an MRI scan using a gadolinium contrast agent, call your doctor immediately. If diagnosed with NSF, a secondary course of action is to consult with a lawyer to seek compensation for possible malpractice leading to side effects of gadolinium.
Gadolinium Side Effects
When undergoing an MRI scan, your doctor may use a gadolinium contrast dye to improve the quality of the results. Generally, the contrast dye is safe to use, which will pass through and exit the body naturally with time. However, there may be side effects which can possibly have severe and fatal outcomes under some circumstances.
Some minor gadolinium side effects include headaches, nausea, light headedness, and a decrease in blood pressure. These should not be a cause for concern. The sudden onsets of these symptoms are most likely just a result of increased anxiety of having the scan or being injected with the contrast dye. They should go away shortly after the scan. Be sure to take it easy if you are feeling uncomfortable and uneasy after your scan.
Other known side effects are a result of an allergic reaction to gadolinium. Complications are usually mild, such as sweating, skin rashes, itching and hives. Potentially fatal complications include irritation of the blood vessels and blood clots.
When people think of severe gadolinium side effects, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is what comes to mind. NSF is a fatal syndrome that results in the fibrosis of soft and connective tissue. This includes the joints, skin and internal organs. The most noticeable effect is that the skin will tighten and harden and the joints will stiffen up, making it harder and more painful to stretch and move parts of the body. It is much easier to develop in patients with a history of renal (kidney) disease and failure.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a relatively new disease. The first case was reported in 1997, with the first study being published almost 3 years later. It was not until 2006 that gadolinium based contrast agents were linked to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Not much is known about how exactly this syndrome emerges, and there is no known treatment option as of today.
It is imperative that patients make it known to their doctors and nurses about their history of kidney complications if there were any. If there is only evidence of slight kidney impairment, contrast dyes may still be used if deemed essential, but it is very important that the proposed guidelines for use are strictly adhered to. It is highly recommended that all patients undergoing their first MRI scan be screened for kidney disease beforehand to avoid all fatal gadolinium side effects.
News Report About Gadolinium Side Effects
There was a recent news article about a woman who recently settled a lawsuit with GE Healthcare after developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis because of the side effects of gadolinium. GE Healthcare manufactures the FDA approved gadolinium based contrast agent known as Omniscan.
54 year old Margaret Roxbough of Glasgow, Scotland, went for an MRI exam in September 2006. It was a standard procedure, and she was administered with the Omniscan contrast agent to improve the results of the scan. However, neither she nor the doctor knew that she had kidney disease. Without functional kidneys, the body was not able to expel the traces of gadolinium from her body afterwards, and allowing NSF to develop. Although there was “horrendous pain” the next day, the doctor wrote it off as mild side effects of the MRI scan and said they should go away soon enough.
Margaret Roxbough still experiences excruciating pain. The skin on her legs is completely raw and it is too painful to cover it with any type of clothing.
In 2004, two years prior to her scan, a woman in Denmark had died from the symptoms of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. In 2006, it had been noted by Henrik Thomas that all the patients diagnosed with NSF at his hospital had one thing in common – they were injected with Omniscan, the contrast dye produced by GE Healthcare.
Subsequently, Ms. Roxbough had sued GE Healthcare, and the lawsuit was recently settled. The FDA now requires a warning label detailing the risks of NSF on Omniscan agents, as well as all FDA regulated gadolinium based contrast agents.
This could have been avoided had it been known she was suffering from renal disease prior to her MRI scan. It is absolutely crucial that if the doctor suggests the use of a contrast dye for an MRI scan that YOU GET TESTED FOR KIDNEY DISEASE BEFORE THE PROCEDURE to avoid all side effects of gadolinium contrast dye. If you do have a documented history of kidney complications, be sure to discuss the severity of the problems and how risky a gadolinium based contrast agent would be to your health.
