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Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: a concise review for cardiologists
Benjamin Y C Cheong1, Raja Muthupillai
1Department of Radiology, Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. bcheong@sleh.com
Insights
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a serious condition linked to gadolinium-based contrast agents, primarily in patients with kidney disease. Increased awareness has led to a decrease in NSF incidence.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Radiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a debilitating condition.
- NSF is associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs).
- Patients with renal impairment are at highest risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review GBCAs approved in the United States.
- To discuss the pathogenesis of NSF.
- To outline clinical features and recommendations for GBCA use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of NSF and GBCAs.
- Analysis of postulated pathogenic mechanisms.
- Synthesis of clinical presentation and risk management strategies.
Main Results:
- GBCA use is a significant risk factor for NSF in renal patients.
- Physician awareness of the GBCA-NSF link has reduced incidence.
- Understanding pathogenesis aids in risk mitigation.
Conclusions:
- NSF is a serious adverse event associated with GBCAs.
- Careful patient selection and awareness are crucial for prevention.
- Further research into pathogenesis may improve safety.
Abstract:
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a recently recognized disease entity that is potentially debilitating. The exact pathogenesis of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is unclear, but the disease has been linked with the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents, predominantly in patients with acute renal failure or end-stage renal disease. Consequent to increased physician awareness of this link, the incidence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis has begun to decrease. The aims of this review are to provide a concise summary of the approved gadolinium-based contrast agents available in the United States, to discuss the postulated pathogenesis of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, to describe the clinical features of the disease, and to provide broad recommendations for gadolinium-based contrast agent use.
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