Gadolinium-based contrast agents used in MRI scans have been linked to a number of adverse side effects, most notably nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy are actually the same condition. When first described in medical literature in 2000, researchers and physicians gave the condition the name “nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy” because initial observations noted the fibrosing effect only on the skin. The name was changed when evidence showed the malady also affected internal organs, muscles, and tendons. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis reflects that new understanding of the disease’s effect on the entire system.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis has been linked to gadolinium-based contrast agents. The condition appears to only occur in patients with some form of kidney disease. The term “nephrogenic” means beginning with the kidney. Researchers have theorized that the increasing number of cases of NSF has to do with increased use of gadolinium-based contrast agents in renal disease patients. Experts now recommend tests that screen for kidney disease in those about to undergo MRI.

If you have developed NSF after being exposed to a gadolinium-based contrast agent, please contact the NSF Attorneys of Williams Kherkher by calling 800-761-3187.

Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy is a disease seemingly occurring exclusively in patients with kidney disease which has been linked to gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents.

Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy may resemble skin diseases like scleroderma and scleromyxedema with thickening pigmentation developing on large areas of skin. The disease can also affect internal organs and cause shortening of muscles and tendons as well as scar tissue.

Skin biopsies are used to diagnose nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy. Diagnosing the disease during its early stage may help slow the progression of the illness. 

If you have developed NSF of NFD because of gadolinium-based agents, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact a gadolinium lawyer of Williams Kherkher by calling 800-761-3187.

After a 2007 MRI scan, a 70-year-old dialysis patient is planning to sue a Boston hospital after developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, or NSF.

The gadolinium-based agent improves and clarifies MRI scans. However, for patients with kidney issues, namely those on dialysis, the risk of developing NSF is increased to dangerous levels. The Food & Drug Administration has given the scanning agent their black box label, the highest warning the agency issues for potentially dangerous drugs. 

The woman was given the agent to improve her MRI scans at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and Brighan and Women's Hospital in Boston in 2007. Since then, the woman has contracted the skin disorder. Her husband believes that the hospital staff and doctors should have known not to use gadolinium-based agents, especially considering the FDA's strict warnings especially directed to patients with kidney problems.

The hospital announced that it will try to reconcile grievances between the medical staff and family.

There is currently no cure or successful treatment for NSF.

If you have suffered adverse side-effects due to gadolinium-based agents, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the nephrogenic systemic fibrosis attorneys of Williams Kherkher by calling 800-761-3187 today to discuss your claim.

Bayer HealtCare Pharmaceuticals as announced their results of a recent medical trial of a new GBCA, or gadolinium-based contrast agent.

Gadobutrol, the drug under investigation, has not yet been approved by the Food & Drug Administration, as these trials, said the company, are entirely for the process of developing the new drug.

While the company assured those involved in the process, that no serious adverse effects came from the study and that only about 4% of the patients in the study suffered any adverse effects at all, they did recognize that the drug does not defy the FDA warning mandated in May 2007. The warning is meant to inform patients that GBCAs, which are used in MRIs for better imaging results, can also cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, which can lead to serious impairment and even death.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, or NSF, and a gadolinium-based contrast agent used in an MRI scan may be to blame, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and suffering. Know your rights and a options, and be sure you are in contact with an experience legal team. If you need advice, contact the gadolinium attorneys of Williams Kherkher at 800-761-3187 today.

An FDA-appointed panel has ruled that restrictions should be placed on the use of gadolinium contrast agents (commonly used in medical imaging scans) after convincing evidence has linked the agents to a potentially fatal skin-hardening disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). Sources say that NSF is a progressive disease that can cause the skin to thicken and harden in the arms, legs, and extremities.

While the FDA does not have to follow the advice of it's appointed panels, sources say that a panel recommendation often goes a long way toward implementing new regulations. 

If you or someone you love has suffered NSF or other health problems caused by gadolinium contrast agents, contact the NSF attorneys of Williams Kherkher at 800-761-3187 today.

U.S. drug reviewers released a report on Tuesday indicating that the use of some contrast agents is riskier than others. According to the report, people who use these drugs have a better chance of contracting certain skin diseases. 

These drugs include GE Healthcare's Omniscan, Bayer AG's Magnevist and Covidien's Optimark. The Food and Drug Administration linked these drugs to such diseases as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. 

If you or anyone you know has used these contrast agents, contact the gadolinium lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 800-761-3187.