title: MRI contrast media are used to improve visualization of abnormal structures or lesions in various parts of the body. Introduction.
abstract: Until recently it was believed that extracellular gadolinium based contrast agents (Gd-CA) were safe for both the kidneys and all other organs within the dose range up to 0.3mmol/kg body weight. However, in 2006, it was demonstrated that some Gd-CA may trig the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, a generalized fibrotic disorder, in renal failure patients. This sub-section of European Journal of Radiology covers the current knowledge about NSF from many aspects. The prevention of NSF must be given high priority, but it should not lead to a denial of a well-justified, enhanced MRI examination with a stable agent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark. hentho01@heh.regionh.dk
authors.forename: Henrik S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Thomsen
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marckmann
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D005682:Gadolinium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium