The biggest concern of getting an MRI scan is the possible side effect of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, or NSF for short.  It is a rare disease that causes the excessive growth of connective tissue, known as fibrosis.  It is a relatively new disease, as it was not until 1997 that the first case of NSF was identified.  The scary part is that it was not until 2006 that the first connection between gadolinium contrast agents and NSF was made – 9 years later than the first case.

What Is NSF?

NSF is a condition that causes extra fibrous tissue to grow throughout the body.  This can affect the skin, joints and organs.  As of now, it is deemed an incurable disease and will cause permanent damage to the patient.

Fibrosis can cause the skin to feel hardened and tight.  It will be difficult to stretch and possibly painful as well.  The joints in the body can become severely limited in motion and create pain too.  Fibrosis of the organs can prevent the correct functionality of the organs and can be potentially fatal to the person.

Here is a timetable detailing key events in the past two decades from a report titled “Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis and Gadolinium: The Perfect Storm,” by Patrick M. Colletti, published at the American Journal of Roentgenology:

Who Is At Risk?

Of course, NSF is a very serious side effect of an MRI scan.  First and foremost, you do not have to worry about NSF is your MRI scan does not require you to get a gadolinium contrast agent injection.  You may need a gadolinium injection to investigate the blood flow in your body or any analyze any tumors.

Gadolinium based contrast agents have very low concentrations of gadolinium where they should not put a human at risk of developing NSF.  Normally, the body should be able to flush any traces of it out through the kidneys with time.  However, people that suffer from renal failure (kidney failure) are at great risk of side effects.  Because they cannot pump out the contrast dye from their system, the gadolinium will linger and possibly lead to NSF.

The European Medicines Agency has published a report in which they concluded that contrast agents that have a linear molecular structure pose the greatest risk of NSF, while those that have a cyclic molecular structure pose the least.  The types of contrast agents that they included in the report were:

Linear	Cyclic
Omniscan	ProHance
OptiMARK	Gadovist
Magnevist	Dotarem
MultiHance
Primovist
Vasovist

Are You Suffering From NSF?

If you have received a contrast injection and have symptoms that may resemble any MRI side effects listed here, you must consult with a doctor about your concerns.  Nephrogenic System Fibrosis is a very serious matter.  Unfortunately, little is known about it and it is an incurable disease.  It is very likely that you may be entitled to compensation due to medical malpractice if you do become afflicted with NSF.