Kidneys and Gadolinium Filtration
Gadolinium is an element that has an important function in medical imaging technology, particular for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is used as a contrast agent so that physicians and other medical professionals can see internal injuries, tumors, and other abnormalities more easily.
Prior to an MRI, the patient is injected with a small amount of a gadolinium-based contrast agent, such as Magnevist or Omniscan. Gadolinium can be toxic, but the patient’s kidneys help to filter the small amount of the element and minimize the risk of illness or injury.
Kidney Function
The kidneys are responsible for filtering a person’s blood so that wastes can be removed from the body. When a substance such as gadolinium is injected into the bloodstream, it will eventually pass through the kidneys and be filtered out. This allows physicians to temporarily use gadolinium on patients for imaging purposes without inflicting long-term harm on the patient.
Gadolinium and NSF Risks
Since the kidneys are important for filtering out gadolinium and other potentially toxic products, an individual with renal (kidney) failure has an increased risk of experiencing negative effects from gadolinium. If gadolinium builds up in the body, it can cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). This is a major disease that causes scar tissue to build up on internal organs, possibly causing organ failure.
A patient who is to be injected with a gadolinium-based contrast agent for an MRI should have healthy, functional kidneys to minimize the risk of developing NSF. If you or someone you love has suffered health complications from gadolinium exposure, consider contacting a personal injury attorney immediately. Your doctor or the contrast agent manufacturer may be liable for your injuries and you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact Us
To learn more about gadolinium exposure, its health effects, and how you can pursue a lawsuit for compensation, please contact the Gadolinium attorneys of Williams Kherkher today at 800-761-3187