Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

In earlier era, magnetic resonance imaging was considered as a safe modality of imaging in those with renal failure because it did not have the potential for contrast induced nephropathy which could occur with radiocontrast imaging. But when nephrogenic systemic fibrosis was described as an association with gadolinium based contrast agents, more caution was called for in magnetic resonance imaging in severe renal dysfunction. This led to less use of gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients with severe renal failure who are at risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. This has led to virtual elimination of new cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis according to Zou et al [1] who reviewed three hundred and seventy cases from ninety eight published articles.

Reference

  1. Zhitong Zou, Hong Lei Zhang, Giles H Roditi, Tim Leiner, Walter Kucharczyk, Martin R Prince. Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis. Review of 370 Biopsy-Confirmed Cases. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2011; 4:1206-1216.