Dr. Emanuel Kanal, the director of magnetic resonance services and professor of radiology and neuroradiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center now has confidential said he has proof of brain gadolinium toxicity.
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. This chemical element is widely used as an injectable contrast agent when patients undergo magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scans.
Research Into Brain Gadolinium Toxicity
Dr. Kanal didn’t believe that gadolinium always left the body. The medical community considers the dye to be safe. He decided to take video of the dye and the possible retention effects. Then, he presented his findings during the Radiological Society of North America’s conference last year.
Based on these findings, Kanal emphasizes that physicians should only order contrast MRI when truly indicated, and take into consideration the unknown risks of residual gadolinium when determining the type and amount of contrast agent to administer. On its own, gadolinium can be toxic. Therefore, when used in contrast agents, gadolinium is bonded with a molecule called a chelating agent, which controls the distribution of gadolinium within the body.
Dr. Kanal urged for more research. Then, other researchers began three additional studies into the safety of this chemical.
Other Studies
Researchers from Teikyo University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan, found that even in patients without severe renal dysfunction, brain gadolinium toxicity occurs. The study autopsied brain tissues from five patients who had undergone multiple gadolinium-based contrast MRI exams. Also, they examined five patients with no gadolinium history. Also, no patients had comprised renal function or acute renal failure. Researchers saw significant amounts of gadolinium in all patients.
Then, the Mayo clinic in March performed their own study. They found that postmortem brains that underwent at least four gadolinium-based contrast MRI exams still had the dye present. The third study has a theory. The University of Heidelberg Medical Center in Heidelberg, Germany, suggests that the molecular structure of the contrast agent may play a role in gadolinium retention. There are two structurally distinct categories of gadolinium-based contrast agents, linear and macrocyclic. The more harmful is the linear agent. Researchers think this is because, in the macrocyclic structure, the gadolinium is bound more tightly to the chelating agent. Therefore it is less likely to release free gadolinium into the body.
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 with 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 over 20 years experience helping consumers injured by unsafe products manufactured by large companies.