In 2006, medical researchers began to report that a serious consequence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may develop in people with end-stage renal (kidney) disease (ESRD). About 3 percent of these people may develop a rare disorder called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The disorder has symptoms such as swelling and tightening of the skin, muscle weakness, and thickened patches of skin. About 400 cases of nephrogenic system fibrosis have been reported worldwide, and research published in the March 2007 issue of Radiology shows a clear link between those who develop the disorder and exposure to an MRI contrast agent called gadodiamide (Omniscan). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health advisory which recommends caution in using not only gadodiamide but other similar MRI contrast agents in people with kidney failure.
The FDA, the medical regulatory agencies of the European Union, and several international radiology societies are conducting studies to further investigate the relationship between nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and the use of MRI contrast agents.
Re: nephrogenic systemic fibrosis
Although I do not have moderate or end-
stage kidney malfunctions, every time
that iodine-based contrast media (for
CT scans, and gadolinium contrast media
for MRIs) are used, I get most symptoms
of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
So, with the dx docs’ Ok, they don’t give me the contrast media, unless the
doc absolutely needs the media for dx.
And then, the symptoms occur and I feel
lousy for ~ 2 weeks. Most of the time,
for CTs and MRIs, the doc don’t need the
media in me.
Today, I just found out the “nitty-gritty” about the symptoms/name for the
disorder, etc. Thanks to RareDiseases.
Stan
Oro Valley, AZ (near Tucson, AZ)
I was given gadolinium for an MRI on my lower spine in March of 2004. I had previous surgery in that location and the dye was needed. One day after the injection I had severe pain in the arm where the dye was injected. It proceeded to travel to my other arm and hands for the next week. My hands swelled like an arthritic reaction and remained that way for a couple of months. 2 trips to an emergency room and several to my general practioner could not give an explanation for this. I am so thankful to finally see an acknowledgement that gadolinium can cause a reaction. I feel vindicated!
Nsf does not go away in a few months. I have it and have been confined to a wheelchair for over 2 years. There is no cure or treatment yet.
Omniscan, and other gadolinium contrast dyes used in MRI procedures have been linked to the onset of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis when they are administered to people with pre-existing kidney disease. People with kidney problems should speak with a health practitioner if they are going to undergo and MRI. More information on this important topic can be found here:
http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/omniscan_gadolinium
I was given this agent in 2002,I have been suffering since.The Doctors will not address any dialog or examin me for NSF.To this day, right now i am in pain and I feel like I can not get up.I push myself,it fells like I feel of a 2 story building.My hands burn in spots like splatting hot grease on them.Many times I feel like and move like a 97 yr old man.I am 43 now.I am like a zombie.liveing dead since 2002.I showed my surjen the rash post OR and he didnt know what it was.Its been a long 12 yrs.I’ll be happy when its all over.
God Bless You All!
ANY PICTURES??
MY LEGS STARTED GETING DISCOLORED AND ITCHY AFTER MY MRI…DOCTOR IS PLAYING DUMB. I NOW HAVE LITTLE FEELING IN FEET..STIFF TO MOVE FEET