Gadolinium-based MRI Contrast Agents Linked to Potentially Fatal Disease Known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF).  Informational Website and Claims Filing Department Opened by Law Firm to Assist NSF Patients Nationwide

Patients who have had an MRI Scan and been diagnosed with NSF/ NFD should review the latest FDA warnings, and Injury Claim Filing information at NSF/NFD MRI Website

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration recently warned that a commonly used contrast agent used to improve MRI images has been linked to a potentially fatal disease.  Gadolinium-based contrast agents are commonly used to improve the visibility of internal structures when patients undergo an MRI. These contrast agents have been linked to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD).  These potentially fatal diseases cause thickening of the skin and connective tissues that inhibits their ability to move and may result in broken bones. Other organs are at risk of thickening as well.

The Johnson Law Firm, a law firm that represents clients nationwide in cases against the manufacturers of defective medical products, announced today that it has created an informational website for patients who have been diagnosed with NSF/NFD. Patients who have been diagnosed with NSF/NFD should visit http://www.lawyersforclients.com/nsf-nfd/index.php for complete information or call toll free 1-866-374-0338 for a free legal consultation.

According to the FDA, patients with severe kidney insufficiency who receive gadolinium-based agents are at risk for developing the debilitating, and a potentially fatal disease, NSF.  Reports have identified the development of NSF following single and multiple administrations of the gadolinium-based contrast agents.  In addition, patients just before or just after liver transplantation, or those with chronic liver disease, are also at risk for developing NSF if they are experiencing kidney insufficiency of any severity.  FDA first notified health care professionals and the public about the gadolinium-related risks for NSF in June 2006.

Five gadolinium-based contrast agents have been approved for use in the United States: Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine), Ominiscan (gadodiamide); OptiMARK (gadoversetamide); MultiHance;(gadobenate dimeglumine);and Prohance (gadoteridol).

Recently updated information for the FDA is available at
http://www.lawyersforclients.com/nsf-nfd/index.php