@article{e926b93085b811df928f000ea68e967b,
title = "Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: history and epidemiology",
abstract = "Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a new disease; the first case was diagnosed in 1997. It took 9 years before an association between NSF and gadolinium-based contrast agents (Gd-CAs) was identified. Gadolinium has several advantages for use in relation to enhanced MRI, but it is also a toxic heavy metal. For nearly 20 years, it was believed that Gd-CAs were safe, and they were used liberally. The prevalence of NSF cases varies between the various Gd-CAs, and adequate documentation of NSF cases after exposure to extracellular Gd-CAs remains a problem. All evidence points toward the fact that the real number of patients who have NSF has not been accurately totaled; the disease seems to be underdiagnosed for various reasons.",
author = "Thomsen, {Henrik S}",
note = "Keywords: Contrast Media; Gadolinium DTPA; History, 20th Century; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy; Prevalence",
year = "2009",
doi = "10.1016/j.rcl.2009.05.003",
language = "English",
volume = "47",
pages = "827--31, vi",
journal = "Radiologic Clinics of North America",
issn = "0033-8389",
publisher = "W.B.Saunders Co.",
number = "5",
}