What is Gadolinium?

Gadolinium is a contrast agent used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic imaging angiography (MRA). It provides a better picture of what is going on in the body than when a scan is done without it.

Gadolinium contrast solution looks like water and is injected into a vein right before a MRI or MRA scan is done.

Who makes it?

• General Electric (Omniscan)
• Bayer (Magnevist)
• Tyco (OptiMARK)
• Bracco (Multihance and Prohance)

What harm does gadolinium cause?

Gadolinium-containing contrast agents can cause a horrible, man-made disease known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) also called Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD).

The disease did not exist until gadolinium came into use in contrast solutions. The first case was diagnosed in 1997, but scientists did not know what it was or what caused it at the time.

Signs and Symptoms of NFS

Typically there is swelling and tightening of the skin, usually limited to the extremities, but sometimes involving the trunk. The condition may develop over a period of days to several weeks. In many cases, skin thickening inhibits the flexion and extension of joints, resulting in contractures. Severely affected patients may be unable to walk, or fully extend the joints of their arms, hands, legs, and feet. Complaints of muscle weakness are common. Approximately 5% of patients have a rapidly progressive (fulminant) course.

There are increasing reports of effects on the heart and lungs that can be fatal.

The skin changes may start as reddened or darkened patches, papules, or plaques. In time, the skin may feel "woody" and the surface may resemble the texture of the peel of an orange. Patients may experience burning, itching, or severe sharp pains in areas of involvement. Radiography may reveal calcifications of the soft tissue. Deep "bone pain" has been described in the hips and in the ribs.

The skin lesions are commonly symmetrical, with zones between the ankles and thighs most commonly involved, followed by involvement between the wrist and upper arms. Hand and foot swelling with blister-like lesions has also been reported. Some patients have reported yellow papules or plaques on or near the eyes. Rapid, new onset fluctuating hypertension of unknown cause has been described prior to the onset of the skin lesions.

No consistently effective treatment for NFD

There is no consistently successful treatment for NSF, although many things have been tried with varying results. Source: Cowper SE. Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy [NFD/NSF Website]. 2001-2006. Available at http://www.icnfdr.org. Accessed October 13, 2006

Do I have a case?

IF YOU HAVE NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS (NFS), ALSO KNOWN AS NEPHROGENIC FIBROSING DERMOPATHY (NFD), YOU HAVE A CASE. Please call us at 866.706.1477 (toll free), email us at bhill@hwlaw.us to discuss or for more information, or submit an information form.

If you have not been diagnosed with NSF, but have symptoms of the disease (see above) that started after an MRI or MRA scan, please submit an information form or call us toll-free at 866.706.1477. We will let you know what needs done to find out if you have a gadolinium lawsuit.

Our Cases

Hill Williams attorney Barry Hill is Co-chairman of a national group of lawyers who have formed a Gadolinium Litigation Group. He has spoken to attorney groups on gadolinium NSF cases in Denver, Chicago, San Juan, and twice in Las Vegas.

We are dedicated to our NSF clients. This is a disease no one should have, and we want answers from the manufacturers about what they knew and when they knew it. People are suffering needlessly and have no idea of what the future holds. This isn't supposed to happen, and those who are responsible are going to have to answer for it.

Gadolinium Case Questionnaire
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Have you been diagnosed with NSF (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis) or NFD (nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy)?
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Did you have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) scan done before your symptoms began?
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Where and when was the scan (or were the scans if more than one) done?
Did you have kidney failure, kidney function deficiency, or other kidney problems at the time the scan (or scans) were done?
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