MRI Contrast Dyes Cause Problems
Friday, February 22, 2008
Hundreds of people who have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedure have been diagnosed with Nefrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). The FDA has warned against utilizing gadolinium-based contrast agents in kidney patients unless absolutely necessary, and if they are used, that the patient be put on dialysis immediately after the procedure.It is estimated that there are 200-500 cases of Nefrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) worldwide. The FDA has received reports of 90 cases of NSF / NFD in kidney patients up until December 2006. In August 2006, Greta Carolus, a Colorado resident was preparing for a kidney transplant. Before the procedure she needed to have an MRI with gadolinium contrast.
The gadolinium is said to improve the quality of the picture. Four days after the procedure, Carolus was hospitalized. She later learned she had contracted Nefrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). NSF is a disease that leads to lesions and debilitating hardening of the skin. Nefrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) put Carolus in a wheelchair and made everyday life a challenge.
"I am a registered nurse, but I have not worked since the day this happened," said Carolus. "I wouldn’t wish this on anybody; my worst enemy I wouldn’t wish it on. This is just a terrible disease."
NSF causes the body to harden from the outside in. For people with healthy kidneys, gadolinium is considered safe.
The concern is that the chemicals that surround the gadolinium and make it safe for the human body sometimes breakdown. For patients with weakened kidneys, the gadolinium cannot be excreted properly, leaving it inside the body for an extended period of time.
“When I found out it was the dye it was devastating because it was something that didn't need to happen,” said Carolus.
Last year though, the FDA issued a black box warning on all gadolinium dyes which stated patients with kidney insufficiency who receive gadolinium can develop a fatal disease. Since the FDA warning was issued, hospitals across the country, have taken measures to protect patients.
Posted in Dangerous Drugs • Gadolinium Contrast Agents • MRI and MRA