Authors: Graziani G, Montanelli A, Brambilla S, Balzarini L
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is an emergent scleroderma-like disease progressively inducing a skin and joint severe dermal fibrosis. Until now there have been about 215 cases reported in NSF registry, linked to the use of Gadolinium as contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance. The pathogenesis of NSF is unexplained, and the factor or factors triggering the onset of the disease are a matter of debate. The toxic Gd effect on tissues of uremic patients may be linked to the long Gd half-life. Alternatively, according to the transmetallation theory, Gd may easily be released from linear versus cyclic chelating agents exchanged with other metals. Despite many studies indicating exposure to Gd in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or...