Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
08:50
5/6th Nephrectomy in Combination with High Salt Diet and Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition to Induce Chronic Kidney Disease in the Lewis Rat
Published on: July 3, 2013
[Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: a rare disease with grave consequences]
1Abteilung Nieren- und Hochdruckerkrankungen, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Deutschland. Kielstein@yahoo.com
Der Internist
|December 25, 2009
Summary
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a serious condition linked to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in patients with kidney problems. Preventing GBCA exposure is key, as no cure for NSF currently exists.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Radiology
- Toxicology
Context:
- Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a severe fibrotic disease affecting multiple organs.
- NSF is associated with exposure to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in patients with advanced renal failure.
- Current FDA warnings advise against GBCA use in patients with glomerular filtration rates below 30 ml/min/1.73 m² or specific acute kidney injuries.
Purpose:
- To highlight the association between GBCAs and NSF.
- To inform about current clinical recommendations and risk factors for NSF.
- To emphasize the importance of prevention due to the lack of effective therapies.
Summary:
- NSF is a progressive, potentially fatal fibrotic disease linked to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in patients with severe kidney dysfunction.
- Linear, non-ionic GBCAs are more likely to cause NSF due to their propensity to release free gadolinium.
- While the exact mechanism remains unclear, risk factors are identified, and prevention is critical as no established therapy exists.
Impact:
- Informs clinicians about the risks of GBCAs in renal impairment.
- Underscores the importance of patient screening and risk stratification before contrast-enhanced MRI.
- Highlights the need for further research into NSF pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.
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