Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis: A Presumed Complication of Gadolinium-Enhanced MRI

In two studies, dialysis patients with NSF were significantly more likely than those without NSF to have been exposed to gadolinium.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), also called nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy, is a recently described syndrome that occurs mainly in patients with chronic renal failure who have undergone contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium. The syndrome presents with swelling, tightening, and hyperpigmentation of skin (usually in the extremities) and may limit joint mobility.

In a retrospective study from Scotland, researchers identified 14 NSF cases (0.8%) among 1826 patients with chronic renal failure who underwent dialysis between 2000 and 2006. Previous exposure to gadolinium-enhanced MRI was documented in 93% of patients with NSF, in contrast to 23% of those without NSF. Among exposed patients, the cumulative gadolinium do…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose