The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) will keep researching the ocular effects of MRI exams in stroke patients. Initial reports found that the MRI contrast dye, gadolinium, leaks into the eyes of acute stroke patients. More research is needed since the cause of the leakage is unknown.
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 also computer memory. This chemical element is widely used as an injectable contrast agent when patients undergo magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scans.
Ocular Gadolinium Leakage Study
The NIH researchers selected 167 study participants who underwent an MRI exam after hospital admittance. For research purposes, all participants underwent an initial MRI scan as a baseline. Then, researchers studied their fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging exam two hours and also 24 hours later.
The study found that 76% of participants initially had gadolinium leakage. Then, after the two-hour follow-up examination, leakage was present in 67%. Gadolinium was predominately in the aqueous chambers of the eye. The aqueous chamber is the fluid-filled chamber between the iris and cornea.
Additionally, 27% of participants had gadolinium leakage in both aqueous and vitreous chambers and consequently had larger infarcts and a higher degree of blood-brain barrier permeability. The blood-brain barrier is a filtering mechanism of the capillaries that carry blood to the brain and spinal cord tissue. This system is important for blocking the passage of harmful substances.
Especially frightening is that even after the 24-hour follow-up exam, gadolinium leakage was present in 75% of participants in the vitreous chambers alone. This is the largest chamber of the eye right behind the lens. The gel in this chamber is crucial for keeping the lens of the eye stable. Therefore, researchers will continue to explore what happens to patients when gadolinium leakage compromises this gel.
Free Case Evaluation
A gadolinium lawsuit may be an option for patients suffering from gadolinium retention and related complications. Gadolinium, used in dyes to increase the clarity of MRI and MRA scans, can create chemical element retention in the body, Therefore, this increases the risk of gadolinium deposition disease and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. 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 also offer free, confidential, no-obligation consultations. We have over 20 years experience helping consumers injured by unsafe products manufactured by large companies.