MRI Contrast Dye Injury

Gadolinium is a contrast material (also called an “agent” or “dye”) used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic scans. When gadolinium is injected into the body, it enhances and improves the quality of the MRI pictures. However, gadolinium can remain in the patient’s body for an extended period of time, and may cause serious and life-threatening side effects. Manufacturers of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been aware of the potential, harmful effects of gadolinium retention for many years, but failed to adequately warn hospitals, physicians and patients of the danger. A Savannah MRI contrast dye injury lawyer at Suthers & Harper understands the potentially devastating effects of a gadolinium-related injury.

In December of 2017, the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it was requiring a new and stronger warning label for GBCAs. The FDA also stated that the manufacturers of GBCAs would be required to conduct studies to investigate the potential, harmful effects. A MRI contrast dye injury attorney in Savannah at Suthers & Harper is investigating claims involving injuries associated with the use of gadolinium, including gadolinium products manufactured by G.E. Healthcare, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bracco Diagnostics, Inc., and Guerbet, LLC and its subsidiary, Liebel-Flarsheim Company, LLC.

This is not Suthers & Harper’s first time litigating one of these serious cases. In April 2008, the firm filed a successful lawsuit in federal court on behalf of a female patient who had a MRI of the abdomen during which a gadolinium based contrast agent was administered intravenously. At the time of the MRI, the patient had been experiencing chronic renal (kidney) insufficiency. Within days of receiving the gadolinium, the patient began to exhibit signs and symptoms of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), which is a condition characterized by discoloration, thickening and tightening of the skin. Eventually, the skin becomes “woody” or hardened, accompanied by burning, itching and severe pain in the areas of involvement. These changes can cause muscular weakness and decreased flexibility, resulting in contractures of the patient’s arms, hands, legs and feet to the point where the patient effectively loses use of the limbs.

While it has been known for years that gadolinium-based contrast agents can cause NSF in individuals who are already in kidney failure, the FDA also reported adverse effects to multiple organs in patients who have normal kidney function. Potential adverse effects to patient’s kidneys, liver, spleen, skin, bone and brain are being investigated. A new warning to physicians and other medical providers was issued in May 2018 by the manufacturers, warning medical providers that gadolinium can be retained in the body for months or even years. These new warnings added that the effects of gadolinium retention on the brain have not yet been established. The new warning also instructs physicians to give patients information, setting out the potential risks of gadolinium being retained in the body, before a MRI is done using a gadolinium-based contrast agent. Moreover, a Savannah MRI contrast dye injury lawyer can sort through the various warnings, and advise you of your rights.

If you or someone you know has had multiple MRIs with gadolinium-based contrast dye and suffered serious side effects, you may have a claim against the manufacturer of the contrast dye. Contact a MRI contrast dye injury attorney in Savannah toll-free by calling 1-800-320-2384, or fill out the Contact form on our website. Please keep in mind that there are strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations, which limit the amount of time that injury victims have to file a lawsuit in certain types of cases. If the case is not filed within the statute of limitations, it may be barred by law forever. Therefore, if you think you have a gadolinium-based claim, you should not delay in contacting an attorney experienced in handling this type of case.