Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), previously known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD), is an uncommon disorder without any sex or race predilection. It is associated with exposure to gadolinium-containing contrast agents during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in patients with advanced renal disease. Other possible risk factors include severity of renal failure, thrombotic episodes, edema, vascular procedures, and erythropoietin exposure. The number of cases per year has significantly decreased after the recognition of the causal link between gadolinium-based contrast exposure and renal dysfunction.

NSF presents with thick, hard plaques on the extremities and trunk, leading to immobility and contracture of the joints. Systemic involvement (with fibrosis of skeletal muscle, myocardium, lungs, kidney, and testes) has been demonstrated in some patients.

The condition develops over days to weeks. About 5% of cases are fulminant and may result in death. The rapid new onset of fluctuating hypertension has been reported to precede skin changes.