What is Gadolinium?
Gadolinium based injections are used as an MRI contrast agent so doctors can better distinguish blood vessels from nearby tissue. For those with impaired kidney function, gadolinium based MRI contrast agents could lead to a serious and potentially fatal disorder called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis.

On May 23, 2007 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory warning the public regarding recent findings that Gadolinium based MRI contrasting agents significantly increases the risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). Currently there are 5 MRI contrasting agents that use Gadolinium:

• OmniScan - Gadadiamide
• OptiMARK - Gadoversetamide
• Prohance - Gadoteridol
• Magnavist - Gadopentetate Dimeglumine
• Multihance - Gadobenate Dimeglumine
  

What is Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis?
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis is a progressive disorder which is associated with the development of excessive scar tissue and thick, hardened and tight areas of skin which often cover the joints, resulting in severe limitations on movement. In many cases it renders the victim unable to walk or fully move the joints of their arms, hands, legs and/or feet, and they become dependent on a wheelchair within weeks of the onset. There is no known cure or effective treatment for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, and in some cases it can lead to death.