The primary objective of this study is to determine any causative or associated factors for the development of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), or related diagnosis. Our primary focus will be on the previous administration of gadolinium to these patients, but we will also look at other postulated causes and risk factors.
The secondary objective of this study is to assess tissue gadolinium (Gd) levels in five groups of subjects:
- Those affected by NSF.
- Those with normal kidney function who have undergone a medical imaging procedure using Gd-based contrast agent (GBCA) in the 2 years prior to a skin biopsy.
- Those with normal kidney function who have never been exposed to GBCA and have had a skin biopsy.
- Those on dialysis or with eGFR ≤ 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 who have had a medical imaging procedure using GBCA in the 2 years prior to skin biopsy.
- Those on dialysis or with eGFR ≤ 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 who have never been exposed to GBCA and have had skin biopsy.
