MRI Contrast Agent Risks

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the process of diagnosing a patient. In the past, doctors often had to perform an invasive surgery to determine the cause of a person’s illness or injury. Today, doctors can use MRI scans to produce internal images that help to diagnose a person’s condition without the need for an invasive procedure. Like all procedures, however, MRI scans come with their own set of risks. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a MRI, you may have grounds to initiate a lawsuit for medical malpractice.

Contrast Agent Poisoning

Contrast agents are an essential part of an MRI. The agent is a solution that is injected into the patient’s body before the scan, which helps to increase the contrast of the image produced so that doctors can better see an internal injury or abnormality. MRI contrast agents contain gadolinium, an element that can be toxic to humans. For most people the agent is harmless, because the kidneys filter the gadolinium from the body before it can cause harm. Patients with compromised kidney function, however, may be poisoned by gadolinium exposure from an MRI contrast agent.

Doctors have a responsibility to choose procedures and treatment options that are best for a patient’s needs and condition. If a physician overlooks a patient’s history and exposes him or her to a scan or treatment that could cause further harm, he or she may be liable for any injuries or illnesses that result. In the case of an MRI scan, a doctor who overlooks a patient’s past history of kidney problems and exposes him or her to gadolinium poisoning through a contrast agent may be sued for injuries or damages.

Contact Us

For sound legal advice and assistance regarding MRI contrast agent poisoning and injury liability, please contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 610-667-7511.