When we as patients face a potential condition that merits undertaking a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, we tend to assume that all parts of the procedure will be at least benign if not beneficial. But as Brooklyn-based lawyer Roopal Luhana reports, a recent lawsuit filed by a California man has resurfaced concerns about the use of Gadolinium, a dye that health professionals inject into patients to illuminate tissues during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests.
The Potential Effects of Gadolinium Concentration on the Body
In his complaint, the plaintiff claims that the gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) with which he was injected prior to receiving multiple MRIs resulted in toxic levels of gadolinium showing up in his kidneys. He contends that he retained gadolinium in the neurons of his brain and has suffered gadolinium deposition disease (GDD), which creates symptoms similar to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF).
He also claims that the defendants never warned him about the risks of gadolinium because he had normal kidney function, and the manufacturers provide warnings only to those with impaired kidney function.
What the Manufacturers Said
Although the FDA stiffened requirements on Gadolinium manufacturers to warn doctors and patients about the risk for NSF in patients with kidney dysfunction almost a decade ago, manufacturers aren’t required to warn about GDD. Luhana also notes that although manufacturers claimed that the dyes couldn’t cross the blood-brain barrier and negatively affect the brain, they were proven wrong in numerous later studies.
We’re Here For You
MRIs are of course extremely common in the medical industry, so concerns about these potential precedent cases regarding Gadolinimum are potentially very significant. We’ll be sure to keep you updated. If you’re concerned that you or a loved one has been affected by the use of Gadolinium, and you need help getting compensated, call the offices of Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation at (951) 489-3320 for a free consultation.