The FDA has recently raised concerns about gadolinium-based contrast agents and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, discouraging some doctors from ordering MRIs.

In a recent interview, Dr. Lily Jung Henson of the Swedish Medical Center of Seattle said it is important for clinicians to realized that “gadolinium isn’t something that is necessarily benign.” With any medical intervention, Henson said, a physician must weigh the benefits and the risks.

“The biggest thing is to make sure that clinicians are awarethat there is such a condition [as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.]” Hensonsaid. “I find when I talk to people, that a lot of folks are not aware of that possibility. What a lot of radiology groups do is that they will check the patient for their kidney function prior to allowing them to get their gadolinium contrast. And the main concern is, if someone has poor renal function, then we need to seriously think about whether or not we would get that extra data that we need by giving them gadolinium.”

If you have developed NSF after being administered a gadolinium-based contrast agent, please contact the gadolinium lawsuit attorneys of Williams Kherkher at 800-761-3187.