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Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a disorder characterized by skin tightening, joint contractures, and sometimes fibrosis of internal organs, occurs primarily in patients with renal failure who receive gadolinium-based contrast agents (JW Gen Med Oct 16 2007). Two retrospective case series provide additional information.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified 36 patients — all but one were undergoing dialysis — who developed NSF after receiving gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist) for magnetic resonance imaging between 1998 and 2007. Patients had undergone an average of 3.5 gadolinium-enhanced MRIs. Most patients had involvement of both the arms and legs, and 79% had contractures of elbows or knees. Extent of skin and j…