Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a relatively new disease that has been linked to the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents in MRI.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, or NSF, was first recognized in 1997. The absence of NSF cases prior to that time suggests that the disease may be linked to recent medical techniques, e.g. Gadolinium-based contrast agents. The disease was originally thought to be dermatologic, affecting only the skin, and was given the name nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy. An autopsy of a man with nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy revealed the disease to be systemic, meaning it affected other bodily systems and internal organs.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is characterized by a hardening of the skin and internal organs. Symptoms associated with NSF include:

-          Hardened, darkened skin

-          Loss of joint flexibility

-          Impaired movement

-          Muscle weakness

-          Yellowed eyes

-          Tight, sensitive skin

If you have developed NSF after being administered a gadolinium-based contrast agent, please contact the gadolinium attorneys of Williams Kherkher by calling 800-761-3187.