A substance known as gadolinium is used as a contrast agent for certain MRIs appears to cause a rare condition known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The disease is also referred to as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy. NSF (NFD) appears to affect people with kidney disease and impaired renal function. It causes hardening of the skin and joints, as well as damage to internal organs. NSF resists treatment and is often fatal.

More and more doctors request magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) – as diagnostic tools for their patients. In some cases, in order to more clearly see the results of an MRI or MRA, a contrast agent – or dye - is injected into your body. For years, the contrast agents used were iodine-based dyes. Unfortunately, the iodine-based contrast agents have been known to cause kidney failure. New dyes that were considered to be safer were developed to avoid this problem. The new contrast agent dyes were made using a substance called gadolinium. Unfortunately, according to the FDA, a high number of people who have been injected with gadolinium-based dyes have been reported to have contracted nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy.

Attorneys specializing in product liability lawsuits including pharmaceutical injury litigation and defective medical device claims are representing victims of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy. The law firm of Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine, P.C. represents victims of NSF and NFD nationwide. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with NSF or NFD, we encourage you to contact Burg Simpson.