MRI Contrast Agent: One Step Away From Kidney Failure

Pueblo, COAmy Haines had some numbness on one side of her arm so her doctor ordered an MRI. She was injected with gadolinium, which has been linked to health risks such as kidney failure and liver damage. Within days, Amy's skin started itching and turned yellow.

"I went back to my doctor, this time for liver tests and sure enough, my liver enzymes were elevated," says Amy Haines (not her real name). "Even the whites of my eyes were yellow and my stool was clay-colored. "I wasn't surprised with the results of the tests because I am a nurse so I knew these symptoms were indicative of a liver problem, but what shocked me was why—I've never had any kidney or liver problems and there is no history of anything like that in my family.

"These symptoms came right out of the blue—right after that dye was injected into my vein. That was in June of this year; I wasn't taking any other medications at the time.

"I thought gadolinium could be the cause because I asked a doctor friend if he knew of any issues with this contrast dye that is used with MRIs and MRAs. What made me ask him in the first place was because it was too much of a coincidence—just days after the test my skin turned yellow. He read about gadolinium in some medical literature and confirmed that it was linked to fibrosis of the liver, kidney failure and other side effects.

I also saw a gastroenterologist after getting back the liver results. He did other tests including a colonoscopy and a gascroscopy and said that I probably had auto-immune hepatitis.

What on earth could have caused this? Next, he wanted to do a liver biopsy and rule out hepatitis but I refused: a liver biopsy is a risky procedure because it can lacerate the liver. Instead, my doctor friend suggested that I get a second opinion

In July I saw another specialist in Colorado Springs and had another liver enzyme test; the levels were already dropping. I had another test just two days ago and everything is normal. I was surprised.

I will never get an MRI with this contrast drug again. I read some articles from people who had worse reactions, such as kidney failure from gadolinium and I thought that could have been me. If I had to undergo that test again, I would probably develop kidney failure as a result.

I called the hospital where I had the MRI and asked them if anyone else had reactions to the dye because I turned yellow. The receptionist said 'no' and left it at that. But I wanted to report the reaction--they should know about it. I work at the health department and now they know about it.

I am going to take some articles from your website to the specialist (who gave me the second opinion) next month and see what he has to say. When I first saw him he said I should just have a blood test and another one month later to compare. Thank god I won't be needing a biopsy.

I hope that telling my experience will help others - maybe they won't have to go through a biopsy. I hope they refuse to be injected with gadolinium."