No Association between Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents and Development of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis: a Case Study

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), previously known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy, is an emerging systemic fibrosing disorder that develops in the setting of renal insufficiency. Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD) is a fibrosing condition of the skin which shows an increased number of dendritic cells, fibroblasts and thickened collagen fibers resembling scleromyxedema. It is characterized by indurated plaques mainly on the extremities and the absence of paraproteinemia. Although the exact causes of NSF have not been established, evidence suggests an association between gadolinium- based contrast agents and development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. We report a patient who was under dialysis and developed NSF but she never did MRI. (Iran J Dermatol 2009;12 (Suppl): S19-S22)