Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: history and epidemiology
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a new disease; the first case was diagnosed in 1997. It took 9 years before an association between NSF and gadolinium-based contrast agents (Gd-CAs) was identified. Gadolinium has several advantages for use in relation to enhanced MRI, but it is also a toxic heavy metal. For nearly 20 years, it was believed that Gd-CAs were safe, and they were used liberally. The prevalence of NSF cases varies between the various Gd-CAs, and adequate documentation of NSF cases after exposure to extracellular Gd-CAs remains a problem. All evidence points toward the fact that the real number of patients who have NSF has not been accurately totaled; the disease seems to be underdiagnosed for various reasons.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Radiologic Clinics of North America |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 5 |
Pages (from-to) | 827-31, vi |
Number of pages | 5 |
ISSN | 0033-8389 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Bibliographical note
Keywords: Contrast Media; Gadolinium DTPA; History, 20th Century; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy; Prevalence
ID: 20621319