Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), and Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), are serious medical conditions that develop in people who have a history of kidney or liver dysfunction, and who have received an MRI or MRA scan with a Gadolinium based contrast agent.

Gadolinium is an injected substance used to help patients and doctors receive optimum results from MRI tests. It is a non-radioactive chemical that acts as a contrast agent, so when it is absorbed by the patient's unhealthy or damaged tissue, the affected areas show up as bright areas on the MRI results, making it easier for doctors to diagnose the patient's medical condition.

NSF/NFD is characterized by areas of tight and rigid skin that makes it difficult to bend joints. It may also result in fibrosis or scarring of body tissues resulting in organ failure which can lead to death.

Particular symptoms of NSF/NFD include:

• Burning
• Itching
• Swelling
• Hardening and tightening of the skin, usually in the extremities
• Skin texture changes, similar to an orange peel
• Red or dark patches on the skin
• Yellow spots on the white of the eyes
• Stiffness in joints and trouble moving or straightening the arms, hands, legs or feet
• Pain deep in the hip bones or ribs
• Calcification of muscle, skin, tendons
• Muscle weakness
• Symmetrical skin lesions, commonly on the ankles and thighs

If you have been diagnosed with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy it may have been caused by the use of Gadolinium during an MRI or MRA.

The Food and Drug Administration Orders the Highest Level of Alert

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ordered black-box warnings for all gadolinium-based contrast agents for MRIs to alert physicians of possible severe kidney damage in at-risk patients who receive such contrast agents.

The boxed message will detail an increased risk for NSF. In addition to kidney patients, the warning also extends to patients with chronic liver disease, including those just before or after liver transplantation.

How We Can Help You

The MEDLAW Legal Team includes a board-certified physician, five registered nurses, 10 attorneys and more than 30 staff members. We are one of the nation's premier pharmaceutical liability law firms, and we have the experience to protect your legal rights and to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has questions or concerns about NSF/NFD and Gadolinium, please contact us for an immediate case evaluation.