Recently, researchers published a follow-up study on gadolinium retention from Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents (GBCAs) administered for contrast-enhanced MRIs. The study followed nearly 200 people after receiving the contrast agent. Medical professionals believe that gadolinium exits the body within a few hours and sometimes days. However, the researchers found this is not to case. In fact, the chemical takes triple the amount of time.
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.
New Gadolinium Study Results
Researchers monitored 24-hour gadolinium urine testing results from members of the MRI-Gadolinium-Toxicity Support Group on Yahoo. The study included 135 cases with 218 urine test results with 63 unconfounded cases showing 81 test results. Also, the participants all had normal kidney function and reported having symptoms of gadolinium toxicity. The names of the gadolinium agents involved include Dotarem, Gadavist, Magnevist, MultiHance, Omniscan, OptiMARK, and ProHance.
The results show that all agents, both linear and macrocyclic, do not clear from the body in a few days as doctors tell patients. However, it takes most people almost 3 months to expel the chemical, and some still have the chemical a year after the initial MRI. Since the study only used testing from those suffering symptoms of gadolinium toxicity, researchers do not know if the longevity of retention also applies to non-symptomatic persons.
The researchers hope that now the medical stops telling patients that gadolinium leaves the body quickly. Also, they are urging other researchers to use their data to expand current studies.
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 offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We have over 20 years of experience helping consumers injured by unsafe products manufactured by large companies.