Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis and Gadolinium Contrast Agents

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD) is a potentially fatal skin disorder found in people with renal failure. Typically, a patient with NSF/NFD has moderate to end-stage kidney disease. The disorder has been linked to gadolinium-based contrast agents used in imaging studies, such as MRI, of patients with moderate to end-stage kidney disease. It is advised that such patients not be exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents, unless absolutely necessary, and after exposure, the patient should be given dialysis promptly. The symptoms of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy include areas of tight, rigid skin, dark patches on the skin, hardening of the skin and yellow spots on the whites of the eyes. There may also be stiffening of the joints and burning and itching of the skin.