Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a condition that affects different parts of the body, particularly the skin. Symptoms of the condition may include progressive swelling and tightening of the skin, sometimes resulting in contractures, and pruritis (itching).  The skin findings are similar to those seen in patients with scleroderma.  Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis was first described in 1997. Being exposed to gadolinium-containing contrast agents during MRI testing has been identified as a significant risk factor for development of this disease.