The contrast agent, gadolinium, is commonly used in patients undergoing an MRI. Patients with kidney problems need to be cautious due to complications directly resulting from the use of this agent. Gadolinium is usually removed by the kidneys after the MRI, but people with kidney problems may not be able to eliminate gadolinium resulting in extended contact with the agent. 

It is advised to talk to a doctor about kidney function before an MRI is performed. Possibilities of other imaging tests may be a solution to avoiding gadolinium. If the contrast agent has to be used in a patient with kidney problems, it is highly recommended to obtain hemodialysis directly after the MRI. Hemodialysis will help extract the agent from the body before it negatively affects the function of the kidneys. 

People with severe kidney problems may develop nephrogenic systemic fibrosis as a result of using gadolinium. Symptoms of this disease include limited joint movement and thickening of the skin. Currently, there is no effective treatment for this disease.  

If you have developed nephrogenic systemic fibrosis as a result of being administered a gadolinium-based contrast agent, please contact the NSF attorneys of Williams Kherkher by calling 800-761-3187 today.