Gadolinium induced disease- NSF

[cheerleader]

Wanted all MRI receiving folks to be alerted to this condition, NSF.
We think this is what's going on with my husband's rash and skin problems. He just has his second MRI with gadolinium, and his legs are covered in purpura and very sore.

We'll have a skin biopsy done to be sure... You do not have to be suffering from kidney disease to contract this illness.

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AC

[gwa]

cheerleader,

This looks just awful. Keep us posted.

gwa

[Terry]

Cheer,
My heart is in my throat. Sad for you and your husband. Sad that a test to help us, seemingly simple and harmless, can hurt us. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. This MS thing is named correctly. It is a mess.
Yes, keep us posted.
Terry

[Lyon]

.

[flipflopper]

I really hope your husband doesn’t have NSF and that there will be a non-serious explanation for his symptoms. Are you saying your husband doesn’t have any kidney diseases?



Since I posted this link a while ago ( http://www.thisisms.com/ftopicp-27137-.html#27137 ), I have been feeling uneasy about the gadolinium-based contrast agents I am currently receiving with my MRIs. I don’t have a choice in receiving it at frequent intervals now because I am in a clinical trial. In fact, I was thinking about NSF today when I went to my appointment for the Tovaxin trial.



I’m crossing my fingers for your husband and I am wishing him all the best!

[NHE]

Wanted all MRI receiving folks to be alerted to this condition, NSF.

Thanks for posting this important information about the risks associated with gadolinium. I was wondering if you have heard of any recommendation to increase water consumption after an MRI with gadolinium in order to potentially increase the rate of elimination of gadolinium from the body?

NHE

[Lyon]

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[cheerleader]

Hi all-
Thanks for the support and concern-
Jeff was told to drink extra water by the MRI techs, which he did. He's a terrific patient His 2nd MRI was four weeks ago. This week the leg rash and pain came on quickly.

Last year he had the same thing happen, but it was at the time of his dx with MS, so we let it slide. Thought it was just due to MS. Last year he presented with the same leg rash and really high liver enzymes two weeks after his MRI. This year, he's been doing so well, we noticed the rash and leg pains right away.

His doc found his serum lymph % low, she is doing a renal panel, will have results next week. Jeff's urine stick came back with protein in his urine and very high urobilinogen. I have a feeling he just doesn't pass the gandolinium quickly or efficiently enough, so does his doc. I'm hoping there are no kidney issues. His liver didn't need this, either.

We'll know more next week, but until then, all positive prayerful thoughts should be sent to Jeff...we appreciate them so.

with thanks,
AC

[AllyB]

Hey AC

I hope all turns out well and my thoughts and prayers are with you both. With a bit of luck, his kidneys etc will come back ok and this excretion of the contrast is an 'oddity' with Jeff, which you can now avoid...And he will recover fully!

Take care

[rainer]

I saw this article recently and wasn't sure if it was relevant to MRI's so I held off from posting.

Before A CT Scan Or Angiogram, Many People Should Take Inexpensive Drug To Protect Kidneys

ScienceDaily (Feb. 20, 2008) — As more and more Americans undergo CT scans and other medical imaging scans involving intense X-rays, a new study suggests that many of them should take a pre-scan drug that could protect their kidneys from damage.

The inexpensive drug, called N-acetylcysteine, can prevent serious kidney damage that can be caused by the iodine-containing "dyes" that doctors use to enhance the quality of such scans.

[NHE]

That seems like a good idea NHE. Have YOU heard of any recommendations in that regard or was that an actual question on your part?

Yes Bob, that was a real question. My last MRI was about 7 years ago and I don't recall being told to do anything special to help my body process the gadolinium. It's good to hear that some places are now recommending to drink extra water as Cheerleader has noted.

NHE

[TwistedHelix]

I found this about urobilinogen levels from an advert about a home testing kit:
#

Increased values

*

overburdening of the liver
*

excessive RBC breakdown
*

increased urobilinogen production
*

re-absorption - a large hematoma
*

restricted liver function
*

hepatic infection
*

poisoning
*

liver cirrhosis

#

Low values

*

failure of bile production
*

obstruction of bile passage

So it sounds to me as if you could well be right about his system being sluggish to clear which hopefully could be for simple, easily treatable reasons like an infection.
I sincerely hope that's the case and that the reason we are all taken by surprise by NSF is because it's rare.

[cheerleader]

I wanted to bump this thread on gadolinium and NSF. It's almost time for Jeff's MRI, and this year I am asking that his neuro skip the gadolinium enhancement. Even though his kidneys are fine, just can't rationalize the risk to his liver and blood.

NSF is a mysterious and severe disorder that occurs in individuals with severe renal impairment. Virtually all cases of NSF have been associated with the administration of gadolinium-containing contrast media. However, not all renally impaired patients who receive gadolinium develop NSF. Thus, additional risk factors for the development of NSF have been suggested. These risk factors include medications that could cause transmetallation of gadolinium, medications that could cause acidosis, and high doses of erythropoietin. Concomitant medical conditions, including hyperphosphatemia, acidosis, recent surgery, hepatic disease, hypercoagulability, and proinflammatory processes may also predispose patients to NSF.

He'll have the doppler ultrasound this year, too. Looking for stenoses in the jugular or azygous veins. Will repost back after testing.
AC

[kathyOP]

I was just released from the hospital. While I was there, during a CT scan - with this same contrast, they blew my vein and it penetrated into my arm. The pain and swelling lasted for nearly a week, but thankful I did not have the rash that you speak of. My best to your husband, I am sorry for his pain.