Contrast agents, or dyes, are sometimes mixed with water and injected into a patient before a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or MRA (magnetic resonance angiography), which are performed to obtain detailed images of internal organs and vessels. Contrast injections are used to enhance the images, allowing physicians to clearly identify a patient's blood vessels. Although use of MRI contrast agents is a common practice, serious injuries and dangerous health risks have been linked to the dyes.
Gadolinium
According to The International Center for Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy Research (ICNFDR), gadolinium is the chief component of almost all contrast "dyes" used during MRI and MRA tests. Gadolinium has been linked to the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a rare and serious disorder characterized by the hardening of the skin and certain organs. NSF has been directly associated with gadolinium injections in patients who suffer from existing kidney problems prior to the MRI or MRA test.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a rare and potentially debilitating condition that inhibits movement and may result in broken bones. Symptoms of NSF include:
· Swelling of the skin
· Tightening of the skin
· Extreme irritation
· Muscle weakness
· Inhibited movement
· Deep pain in the hips and ribs
· Skin may begin to feel "woody" in texture
· Burning, itching and severe pains in the affected areas of the skin
In more severe cases, patients may experience difficulty walking or extending the joints of their arms or legs.
Risk Factors
Patients who are at risk of developing NSF after being injected with a gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent are those with kidney problems, blood clotting abnormalities and/or chronic liver disease. Patients who have recently undergone surgery may also be at risk.
Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) five gadolinium-based contrast agents have been approved in the U.S.: Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine), Ominiscan (gadodiamide), OptiMARK (gadoversetamide), MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine) and Prohance (gadoteridol).
Warning
Patients who are going to receive an MRI contrast injection should be screened for kidney problems. Proper dosing instructions should be followed and should not be exceeded.
Tags: kidney problems, been linked, contrast agents, fibrosis rare, gadolinium-based contrast
