Gadolinium in Nature
Gadolinium is a silvery white, malleable and ductile rare earth metal with a metallic luster.
Gadolinium has no known native biological role, but in research on biological systems it has a few roles. It is used as a component of MRI contrast agents as in the 3+ oxidation state the metal has 7 unpaired f electrons. This causes water around the contrast agent to relax quickly enhancing the quality of the MRI scan.
Gadolinium MRIs and MRAs
Because of their paramagnetic properties, solutions of organic gadolinium complexes and gadolinium compounds are used as intravenous radiocontrast agents to enhance images in medical magnetic resonance imaging or MRIs. Magnevist is the most widespread example, but there are several Types of Gadolinium contrast agents and dyes.
Besides MRI, gadolinium (Gd) is also used in other imaging. In X-ray, gadolinium is contained in the phosphor layer, which is very useful for enhancing the imaging quality of the X-ray that are exposed to the photographic film.
Gadolinium Contrast Agents and Gadolinium Dyes
Gadolinium compounds are of low to moderate toxicity, although their toxicity has not been investigated in detail. In patients on dialysis, there is data suggesting that it may cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis.
Gadolinium Toxicity Lawsuit - Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one had a MRI or a MRA, and a Gadolinium-based contrast dye, medium or agent was used to enhance the MRI image, then your health may be at risk. If you developed Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), skin problems, skin tightening, severe joint problems, kidney failure, or renal failure, then you may be eligible to collect money damages for your injuries. Please contact us by calling 1-800-883-9858 or follow the link below for a free and confidential case evaluation.
