
"We want to know why Mark had all these MRIs when he was at high risk for NSF.
"Just before he died, Mark's legs were swollen and bluish-black and his skin was leathery. Sarah told me that during his last MRI, he had some kind of allergic reaction to the contrast agent; now we believe he had NSF but his death certificate says he died from a stroke.
"A lawyer contacted me recently, and last week I sent a fax requesting Mike's medical records to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles—they told me it will take about 10 days. Then we will take the medical records to the lawyer to determine if we have a case against the maker of this contrast agent."
READ MORE MRI HEALTH RISK LEGAL NEWS
- Exposure to GBCAs increases the risk for NSF in patients with acute or chronic severe renal insufficiency.
- NSF is a debilitating and sometimes fatal disease affecting the skin, muscle, and internal organs.
- Avoid use of GBCAs unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Screen all patients for renal dysfunction by obtaining a history and/or laboratory tests.
- When administering a GBCA, do not exceed the dose recommended in product labeling. Allow sufficient time for elimination of the GBCA prior to any readministration.
Sadly, these warnings came too late for Mark.