A new study shows that many medical professionals don’t report gadolinium retention along with gadolinium damage. In fact, out of all the radiologists interviewed, 58% did not include the retention in their radiology reports. Doctors are misdiagnosing thousands of people instead of telling them they have gadolinium retention.
About Gadolinium
Gadolinium is a chemical element carrying 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.
Unreported Gadolinium Damage
Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology published a study with survey data from almost 100 radiologists. During the survey, 57 radiologists observed gadolinium retention in the brain during an MRI. However, 58% of the radiologists admitted that their reports did not include gadolinium toxicity in their reports. The most common reason for not reporting was that the radiologists didn’t want to risk provoking patient anxiety.
This study only showed a small number of radiologists. Therefore, this means that many radiologists across the United States aren’t revealing gadolinium retention to their patients either. Without acknowledging this is a very real illness, radiologists leave thousands of others to be hurt by this dye.
Gadolinium Damage Symptoms
Recently, it also has been recognized that linear forms of gadolinium contrast are retained in the tissues, mostly in the bones, with tiny amounts in the brain. Dr. Richard Semelka named this buildup Gadolinium Deposition Disease (GDD). Gadolinium retention symptoms happen regardless of renal health.
Symptoms include:
- A persistent headache
- Bone and joint pain
- “Brain Fog”
- Thickening of soft tissue
- Skin that appears spongy or rubbery
- Painful tendons and ligaments
- Tightness in the hands and feet
- Burning, cutting or pins and needles pain in arms, legs, and torso
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. Also, affected patients and their loved ones may be able to file a lawsuit and recover damages.
Therefore, for more information, contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We also have over 20 years of experience helping consumers injured by unsafe products manufactured by large companies.