In Canada, MRI scans cut…maybe there’s a bright side?
September 17th, 2009. By AbiK
The Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) has confirmed via Canwest News Service that it will cut MRI scans by 20%. That’s a staggering figure-think of it, one in five individuals who previously would have been sent for an MRI, won’t be. To anyone south of the Canadian border, it seems unconscionable. Of course, to anyone south of the border who has an HMO, well, they’re used to being told “no can do” or you need to pay through the roof-so not sure which scenario’s better.
But, regardless of any healthcare debates, you have to wonder whether the reduction in MRI scans will have any measurable impact on the amount of patients who innocently go for their MRI, only to be injected with a gadolinium contrast agent, only to learn later that they’ve got some serious kidney problems.
Gadolinium contrast has been linked to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD)-MRI health risks that are real and very serious.
NSF and NFD are debilitating and sometimes fatal diseases that cause discoloration and thickening or tightening of the skin and connective tissues. As the thickening occurs, bodily movement is inhibited and that can lead to broken bones. It can also cause muscle weakness and difficulty bending joints, which can lead to scarring of internal organs that can inhibit their ability to function properly.
It’s not good when anyone is denied a medical test that they or their doctors feel is necessary, or would be beneficial to have. In this case, however, given that many who suffer from NSF, allegedly as a result of an MRI, were not even aware of any kidney trouble prior to their MRIs, maybe in cutting MRI scans by 20% fewer patients will be exposed to any risk of NSF.
October 27th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Oh lovely, i’m the fool once again. Had an MRI last thursday and am just reading about the contrast dye now. Angry that the supposed health care providers actually give a Rat’s Ass about the patient.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Hi Michele, Thanks for your comment–and fwiw, I had the same experience just a couple of months ago, and it’s not a comforting thought to have as you’re awaiting the Gadolinium contrast to work its way out of your system. Unfortunately, there are not that many alternatives for MRI scans–if you require one with a contrast agent–and there are only about 4-5 brands of gadolinium contrast agent that are used routinely. In most instances, the patient having undergone an MRI with contrast is fine–but it’s something to keep an eye on and be mindful of–and should you require additional MRI scans, talk with both your doctor and the radiologist or technician at the facility where your MRI is scheduled to discuss your concerns and alternatives.