Gadolinium based MRI contrast agents increase risk of Nephrogenic System Fibrosis (NSF) and Nephrogrenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD)
The FDA issued a news release requesting that manufacturers of gadolinium based MRI contrast agents include a warning on the product labeling stating that patients with renal insufficiency who receive gadolinium-based agents “are at risk for developing a debilitating, and a potentially fatal disease known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF)” or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD). It also states that liver transplant recipients, individuals with chronic liver disease are also at risk for developing NSF / NFD if they are experiencing kidney insufficiency in addition to their liver condition.
In a healthy individual, gadolinium is removed from the body by the kidneys. When the kidney functioning is compromised, the gadolinium remains in the body causing serious harm. NSF / NFD can take weeks or months to appear in patients but once it begins the disease develops and progresses rapidly and can be fatal. If you have undergone MRI or MRA and are experiencing any symptoms which may be related to NSF / NFD, you should seek immediate medical attention.
More information about gadolinium MRI contrast dye injury can be found on our Medical Injury Lawyer website.
