Q: Beside patients with renal failure - which patients should not be exposed to MRI contrast agents to avoid Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis?


Answer: Life threatening condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is an irreversible skin disease that can develop in those with kidney impairments who have been exposed to MRI contrast agents that contain gadolinium.

CDC (The Center for Disease Control) has warning in patients with a medical history of:

• moderate to end-stage kidney disease (on or off dialysis)
• a kidney transplant
• use of immuno-suppressant medications
• any condition, such as hepatitis C or lupus, that is known to impair kidney function
  

Previous related Pearl: Gadolinium based contrast agent (GBCA) and renal insufficiency