Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis or as it is commonly referred to as, NSF, is a very serious and potentially fatal disease which causes a thickening of the skin, connective tissues, muscles and internal organs throughout the body. There is no known cure for NSF. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis becomes worse over time and can actually lead to death. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis was first reported case of NSF in the world was in 1997. The NSF Registry, run by Yale University, collects and organizes information about NSF from all over the world. As of August 2007 over 215 cases of NSF have been confirmed worldwide. However, it is our belief that 10 times that number most likely exist worldwide and we believe that those numbers will be confirmed as more NSF testing is conducted as Doctors across the world get educated on what NSF signs and NSF symptoms to be aware of with former MRI patients.

What Causes NSF?

It appears the likely cause of NSF is the exposure and retention of gadolinium in the MRI contrast dyes. NSF research has confirmed that exposure to gadolinium dyes triggers the disease in certain patients. So far, NSF has only occurred in people with kidney failure, renal failure or kidney disease. Neither the duration of kidney disease nor its underlying cause are related to the development of NSF. Patients have developed NSF in the earliest and latest stages of kidney disease.

The following patients are believed to be at high risk for developing NSF if they are exposed to gadolinium dyes;