Gadolinium

Kansas City Post-MRI/MRA Kidney or Liver Problems Lawyers

Missouri | Kansas | Southern Illinois

If you have a history of kidney or liver dysfunction and became ill after receiving an MRI or MRA, you may have been exposed to Gadolinium.

Experienced Gadolinium Lawyers

Gadolinium is an injected substance used to help patients and doctors receive optimum results from MRI tests. It is marketed under the following brand names:

  • Magnevist
  • Eovist
  • Ablavar
  • Ominiscan
  • OptiMARK
  • MultiHance
  • ProHance

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered “black-box” warnings for all gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . A “black-box” warning is the strongest warning the FDA can require. It is designed to alert physicians of possible severe kidney damage in at-risk patients.

In addition to kidney patients, the warning also extends to patients with chronic liver disease, including those just before or after liver transplantation. The FDA recommends that patients be screened for kidney problems prior to receiving a gadolinium-based imaging agent.

The FDA has issued the warning because these drugs have been linked with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a potentially fatal disease. NSF is sometimes called nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD). NSF / NFD are characterized by areas of tight and rigid skin that makes it difficult to bend joints. It may also result in fibrosis or scarring of body organs resulting in the inability of body organs to work properly, which can lead to death.

Symptoms of NSF / NFD include:

  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Hardening and tightening of the skin, usually in the extremities
  • Skin texture changes, one not dissimilar to an orange peel
  • Red or dark patches on the skin
  • Yellow spots on the white of the eyes
  • Stiffness in joints and trouble moving or straightening the arms, hands, legs or feet
  • Pain deep in the hip bones or ribs
  • Calcification of muscle, skin or tendons
  • Muscle weakness
  • Symmetrical skin lesions, commonly on the ankles and thighs

Within weeks of onset, many patients become dependent on a wheelchair. Several patients have died because of complications from fractures after falls triggered by their mobility problems. Many patients complain of maddening pruritus (itching).

If you or someone you love is experiencing such complications, you should first contact your doctor. Then, call Brown & Crouppen.

At Brown & Crouppen our experienced team of gadolinium lawyers provides tough, aggressive representation for gadolinium victims and their families. When you choose us to handle your lawsuit, our entire team becomes fully committed to your cause. We’ll find answers, hold negligent companies responsible and may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Brown & Crouppen can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights, so please call us toll-free at 800-536-4357 for your free legal consultation or save time with our online contact form.

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm225286.htm