As more research becomes available on the dangers of gadolinium, studies now show exactly where the dangerous chemical stores in the body. Scientists are now looking at the body’s mast cells as the location as to where gadolinium stores inside the victim’s body.
About Gadolinium
Gadolinium is a chemical element carrying the atomic number 64 and the atomic symbol Gd. Belonging to a group of elements in the periodic table called Lanthanides, the chemical is a rare earth element typically used in microwave applications, color TV tubes, synthetic gemstones, compact discs, and computer memory. The medical community uses this chemical element as an injectable contrast agent when patients undergo magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scans.
Before undergoing an MRI or MRA, a gadolinium contrast agent is injected into the bloodstream and is stored in the blood vessels and abnormal tissue. This is so doctors can easily detect and trace any problems found within the body. Previously, researchers said this chemical element was safe for use in MRIs and MRAs. In fact, the element is very toxic.
The kidney expels the chemical after receiving the injection. However, regardless of kidney health patients can develop complications from the element spreading in the body. Now, researchers think they know how.
Cells Influenced By Gadolinium
Researchers have begun studying exactly what happens to the body once it does not expel gadolinium. These studies have shown a light on mast cells. The body has these cells especially within blood vessels, peripheral nerves, in mucosal membranes, skin and subcutaneous tissue. These cells react to stimuli. In fact, allergen-induced mast cell degranulation is the basis of anaphylactic reactions and chronic inflammation. Some researchers have dubbed this inflammation Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.
Gadolinium or MCAS
However, the symptoms of MCAS are very similar to those of gadolinium toxicity. Subjects with both diagnoses have cognitive dysfunction, paresthesia, joint pain, and bone afflictions. There could be a link since the diagnosis for both disorders is rising as doctors use MCAS as a catch-all for symptoms similar to gadolinium toxicity. The medical community still refuses to believe the truth of gadolinium not being expelled by the body, so most doctors believe that patients with normal kidney function do not retain the chemical.
Mast cells do not fully explain why the body retains gadolinium, however, they hold an important clue to the development of chronic symptoms of the disease.
Free Case Evaluation
A gadolinium lawsuit may be an option for patients suffering from gadolinium retention and related complications. Gadolinium in MRI and MRA scans can create chemical element retention in the body. Therefore, this increases the risk of gadolinium deposition disease. These conditions are accompanied by symptoms that include severe physical pain and cognitive difficulties. Affected patients and their loved ones may be able to file a lawsuit and recover damages.
For more information, contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm. We offer free, confidential, no-obligation consultations. We have also over 20 years of experience helping consumers injured by unsafe products manufactured by large companies.