FDA warns about contrast agent

Rockville, Md. - Patients with moderate to end-stage kidney disease who undergo an MRI or MRA with a gadolinium-based contrast agent may develop nephrogenic systemic fibrosis or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NSF/NFD), a new disease that may cause death, the Food and Drug Administration warns.

Patients who develop NSF/NFD have areas of tight, rigid skin and may have scarring of their body organs. Signs also include: burning, itching, swelling, hardening and tightening of the skin and red or dark patches.