The primary cause of NSF has been linked to the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. In patients with kidney disease, the excretion of gadolinium is impaired, leading to prolonged systemic exposure and potential toxic effects. The exact pathophysiology of NSF is not completely understood, but it is believed that the free gadolinium ions can trigger a cascade of fibrotic changes in the body.
