If you have had a MRI and a contrast agent was used to enhance the image, you need to read the following. There are two very different and distinct kinds of dyes used and several brands of each dye. If you were given an Iodine-based dye then the following does not apply to you. However, if you were given a gadolinium-based contrast dye then you need to be aware of a serious skin disease that you have an increased risk to.

Gadolinium contrast agents have been linked to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) and Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD). Symptoms of these skin diseases include skin rashes, joint pain, stiffness, kidney failure, and renal failure. Gadolinium contrast agents are marketed under the names: Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine), Ominiscan (gadodiamide), OptiMARK (gadoversetamide), MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine) and Prohance (gadoteridol).

Problems with Gadolinium MRI Dye

The potential problem with gadolinium dye result from recent statistical findings discovered in Denmark. On May 29, 2006, the Danish Medicines Agency reported that it had learned of 25 cases where patients who had been administered a gadolinium-containing contrast agent during the previous three months had contracted Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), a very serious skin disorder. NSF, sometimes called Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), is an incurable skin condition that affects patients suffering from kidney failure.

Types of Gadolinium Dye

Omniscan
(Gadodiamide)
Manufacturer: GE Healthcare

OptiMARK
(Gadoversetamide Injection)
Manufacturer: Mallinckrodt
Manufacturer: Tyco Healthcare

Magnevist
(Gadopentetate Dimeglumine)
Manufacturer: Bayer HealthCare
Manufacturer: Schering AG
Manufacturer: Berlex

ProHance
(Gadoteridol Injection)
Manufacturer: Bracco Diagnostics

MultiHance
(Gadobenate Dimeglumine)
Manufacturer: Bracco Diagnostics

MRI Dye Side Effects

Symptoms associated with gadolinium dye exposure include:

  • Itching or burning skin
  • Reddened or dark patches on the skin
  • Skin rashes, hives or lesions
  • Tightening and swelling of the skin, usually in the extremities
  • Hardening or thickening of the skin
  • Restrictive movement
  • Skin texture changes (leathery, woody, scaly, like an orange peel)
  • Yellow spots on the whites of the eyes
  • Sharp pains in affected areas
  • Joint pain or stiffness
  • Deep bone pain in the hips or ribs
  • Calcification of muscle, skin, or tendons
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle contractures

Speak to a Lawyer

If you or a loved one had a MRI or MRA, and a gadolinium-based contrast dye, medium or agent was used to enhance the MRI image, then your health may be at risk. If you developed Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), skin problems, skin tightening, severe joint problems, kidney failure, or renal failure, then you may be eligible to collect money damages for your injuries. Please contact our law firm by filling out our legal evaluation form on the far right for a free and confidential case evaluation. Please keep in mind that certain states limit the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit; contact an attorney as soon as possible.