[Causal relationship between the use of gadolinium based contrast media and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis]

Rev Med Chil. 2014 Dec;142(12):1565-74. doi: 10.4067/S0034-98872014001200010.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a severe iatrogenic disease that affect patients with impaired renal function exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents. Clinically, symptoms develop within days or weeks after the exposure and mimic a scleromyxedema. The causal relationship between use of gadolinium-based contrast agents and NSF led to develop clinical guidelines aiming to limit the use of this contrast medium in high risk patients. These guidelines decreased the incidence of NSF in the last years. Unfortunately there is no specific treatment for NSF yet. Thus, strict adherence to current guidelines is key to prevent new cases. Renal dysfunction is increasingly common in our population. Therefore, practicing physicians should be aware of this potential complication of the use of gadolinium based contrast media.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media / adverse effects*
  • Gadolinium / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy / chemically induced*
  • Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy / diagnosis
  • Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy / prevention & control
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium