Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) is a dangerous disease probably caused by exposure to gadolinium, a chemical used as a dye in MRI and MRA tests. This disease is potentially fatal and it attacks the skin and internal organs. It is a fairly new disease and as of yet no definitive cure has been found. However, so far most cases of patients with NSF involve the patient previously having a kidney disorder. One study conducted on NSF found that over 95 percent of all NSF patients had been exposed to gadolinium within three months of their contracting the disease. Doctors are advised to stay away from gadolinium when dealing with patients who have kidney failure.
Scientists believe gadolinium may cause NSF because it reacts badly to high levels of acid in the body. Patients with kidney failure susceptibility to NSF is due to the fact that they are not able to process impurities out of their blood as well as people who do not have kidney failure. As a result of this, the acid level in their bodies is much higher, a condition which is known as acidosis. Some dyes containing gadolinium have been approved in the United States for MRIs and these brand names include:
* Magnevist
* MultiHance
* Omniscan
* OptiMARK
* ProHance
Brand names of gadolinium-containing dyes used in other countries include Dotarim, Gadovist, Primovist and Vasovist.
Painful, Debilitating Symptoms
NSF was originally called
