NSF - Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis - MRI Contrast Dye Disease
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, formerly known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD), is a debilitating, potentially fatal disease which causes a thickening of the skin, connective tissues, muscles and internal organs throughout the body. There is no known cure for NSF, it becomes worse over time and can lead to death. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a relatively new and rare disease. The first reported case of NSF in the world was in 1997. The NSF Registry, run by Yale University, collects and organizes information about NSF from all over the world. As of Aug 2007 over 215 cases of NSF have been confirmed worldwide. However, it is our belief that 10 times that number most likely exist worldwide and we believe that those numbers will be confirmed as more NSF testing is conducted as Doctors across the world get educated on what NSF signs and NSF symptoms to be aware of with former MRI patients.
What Causes NSF?
The exact cause of NSF is still unknown, but research has confirmed that exposure to gadolinium dyes triggers the disease in certain patients. So far, NSF has only occurred in people with kidney disease. Neither the duration of kidney disease nor its underlying cause are related to the development of NSF. Patients have developed NSF in the earliest and latest stages of kidney disease.
Case studies have revealed that the following events have occurred prior to the onset of NSF in some patients:
- Thrombotic episode (i.e., deep venous thrombosis);
- Recent surgery (particularly vascular surgery, i.e., angioplasty of a blood vessel);
- Coagulation abnormalities (blood clotting);
- Recent failure of a transplanted kidney;
- Sudden onset kidney disease with severe swelling of the extremities.
Researchers are currently investigating to see if any of these events could be a trigger for NSF. It is important to note that many of these events are preceded or followed by MRI or MRA exams. So the common denominator linking these events to the development of NSF may just be the gadolinium-based contrast dyes used with the MRI and MRA exams.
Who is at Risk for Developing NSF?
So far, NSF has only developed in patients with renal or kidney impairment, kidney failure, renal faiure, kidney disease and persons with decreased renal or urine output. Although the cause of NSF has not yet been discovered, medical research has confirmed that NSF can be triggered by exposure to gadolinium found in certain contrast dyes used with MRI and MRA exams. These contrast dyes are collectively referred to as gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs).
The following patients are believed to be at high risk for developing NSF if they are exposed to gadolinium dyes;
Patients with severe kidney insufficiency;
Patients just before or after liver transplantation;
Patients with kidney insufficiency;
Patients with chronic liver disease and
Patients with kidney diseases.
MRI Side Effects Injuries & NSF Lawsuit
If you had a MRI or MRA with a Gadolinium-based contrast dye was used to enhance the MRI image and you have been diagnosed with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), or currently suffer from MRI related skin problems to hands, arms, feet, ankles, legs, thighs body and truck including: skin tightening, muscle contractures, dark botches of skin, reddened areas of skin, thickened areas of skin or lesion like disorders, hip pain, bone pain, rib cage pain, severe joint problems, kidney failure, or renal failure, then you may be eligible to file a MRI NSF Lawsuit.
If you have not already been diagnosed with NSF and NFD, then we can assist in MRI side effects testing and skin biopsy / punch biopsy testing. Call us to discuss your MRI side effects symptoms and conditions. Talk to a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer to discuss possible legal options available to you. All cases taken on a Contingency Fee Basis! Call Toll Free 1-800-883-9858.
Please call us at 1-800-883-9858 or fill out our Free MRI Dye Side Effects Evaluation Form.
