Abstract
Since its discovery nearly a decade ago, the cause of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, an acquired profibrotic disorder among patients with renal dysfunction, has remained elusive. While the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease have not been completely elucidated, a strong association with gadolinium-based contrast agents used in MRI has been demonstrated. This association has greatly impacted the fields of dermatology, nephrology and radiology, as patients with renal impairment often receive imaging studies for diagnosis or for planning of surgical intervention. The goal of this article is to review the history of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, the clinical and histopathological aspects of the disease, the suspected etiology and pathophysiology and the modalities used in diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer
The author would like to note that the revised manuscript was accepted on the 16th July 2007 by the Expert Review of Dermatology, and that this article reflects the state of knowledge at that time.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The author notes he was paid a speaking fee for a single online symposium conducted by an independent continuing medical education organization funded by an unrestricted grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc., the maker of ProhanceTM and MultihanceTM. To date, the author has not consulted or given expert testimony for renumeration, although such activities may be entertained in the future. No other conflicts, including employment, stock ownership or options, grants, patents received or pending, or royalties exist.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.