Use of MRI Scan Agents Linked to Deadly Skin Disorder, NSF

Chemical agents used to enhance the results of MRI scans appear to cause a severe and possibly deadly type of skin infection, called nephrogenic system fibrosis (NSF). People diagnosed with the condition most often develop red patches of thick and hardened skin, especially on their legs, arms, and hands. The progressive disorder worsens over time and can turn fatal if not treated properly.

The imaging agents containing gadolinium are used to make it easier for doctors to view and interpret the results of MRI scans, which are given as part of treatment for strokes, heart attacks, and a variety of other health problems. The Food and Drug Administration has repeatedly warned about a link between the use of the imaging agents and NSF. Previously, health officials have said renal failure patients with advanced kidney disease who undergo an MRI or another form of medical imaging using contrasting agents are most at risk of developing NSF.

FDA Contrast Agent Warnings

The FDA has issued numerous warnings about a suspected link between the use of MRI agents and NSF. In 2006, federal officials issued a warning to healthcare professionals about the connection, saying they had received 90 reports of patients with advanced kidney disease developing NSF following an MRI scan using certain imaging agents.

Companies that manufacture imaging agents were asked in May 2007 to include warnings about the risks of NSF on the products’ packaging.

Common Contrast Agent Brands

The following are the brand names and manufacturers of the most common types of MRI agents:

• Magnevist (Bayer Schering Pharma)

• MultiHance (Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.)

• Omniscan (GE Healthcare)

• OptiMARK (Mallinckrodt, Inc.)

• ProHance (Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.)

No related posts.