Toshiba will conduct multi-center trials of non-contrast MRA, in hopes of eliminating the risks associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents, the company announced last week.

Accoridng to Stuart Clarkson, director of the MR Buisness Unit at Toshiba, the study will be a prospective regestry of subjects undergoing non-contrast renal MRA exams. It will evaluate renal MRA as a technique for non-contrast imaging.

"In evaluating Toshiba's non-contrast Time-SLIP Renal MR Angiography to other established diagnostic imaging techniques, we hope to show how non-contrast MRA is a valuable, non-invasive tool, providing clear, high-resolution images of the renal arteries without need for contrast," Clarkson said. "Using non-contrast techniques eliminates the risks associated with gadolinium-based contrast agennts, such as the rare and sometimes fatal skin disease Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis."

Studies have linked use of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, a disease which causes skin to harden with fibrotic nodules and plaques, resulting in a limitation of motion. NSF can also affect internal organs, and is sometimes fatal.


If you have been diagnosed with NFD or NSF after using a gadolinium-based contrast agent, you may be entitled to financial compensation. For more information on NSF lawsuits, please contact a Gadolinium Lawyer of Williams Kherkher by calling 800-761-3187.