Hi,

I would just like to share some information that I discovered regarding MRI scans and patients suffering from kidney or renal complications. They are apparently unaware of this information at Phyathai Hospitals, as not only was I admitted with kidney problems, but they also forgot about me, and I was in the MRI scanner for almost an hour. (the scan should have taken 20-25 minutes).

The short version is that the solution (gadolinium-based contrast agents) used to help the organs show more clearly on the scans can cause and illness called NSF nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, which is and incurable disease and in extreme cases can result in death.

FDA website <------- Current NSF information.

If you or someone you know is suffering from kidney or renal complications then please inform them of the above, especially if they intend to have a MRI scan.

Actually that page does not say that it causes NSF. There may or may not be a relationship and as always, in such a situation, it is best to err on the side of caution - so if you have serious renal problems it should be avoided would be my reading.

8. The information FDA released in December 2006 said that patients with moderate renal insufficiency are at risk for developing NSF. Why has this changed?

The December information was based upon reports of NSF among patients with purportedly moderate renal insufficiency. Since issuing the information in December 2006, FDA has received new information regarding these patients. Additional details have clarified that the patients actually were in acute renal failure at the time they received a GBCA. Considering this clarification, FDA has not received reports of NSF among patients with normal renal function or moderate renal insufficiency.

Problem is, in some cases contrast has to be used... other wise the MRI is "inconclusive." But still just as expensive regardless if any information was obtained or not.