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MR angiography with a new rapid-clearance blood pool agent: Initial experience in rabbits
Stefan G Ruehm1, Heidi Christina, Xavier Violas
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. stefan.ruehm@uni-essen.de
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess a new Gd-based macromolecular intravascular contrast agent (P792, Vistarem(R); Laboratoire Guerbet, Aulnay sous Bois, France) for MR angiography (MRA). P792 is a macrocyclic gadolinium compound based on a gadoterate meglumine structure substituted by hydrophilic arms. In vitro imaging of phantoms containing varying concentrations of P792 and gadoterate meglumine (Gd-DOTA) was performed. In rabbits (N = 5), arterial concentrations for P792 and Gd-DOTA were determined, and in vivo 3D MRA was performed. For gadolinium concentrations ranging from 200 to 3000 micromol/l, in vitro imaging showed higher SNR values for P792 compared to Gd-DOTA. Determination of arterial Gd concentration showed comparable bolus phase curves for P792 and Gd-DOTA. With P792, higher concentrations were obtained due to a restricted diffusion into the interstitial space. P792 allowed acquisition of high-quality MR angiograms. Image quality was rated as superior for P792 in the post-bolus phase images. In conclusion, P792 appears to be well suited for high-quality first-pass and equilibrium-phase MRA. The intravascular properties lead to an excellent signal in the vasculature, with limited background enhancement. Since the agent is rapidly renally excreted, it should be well suited for perfusion and permeability imaging.
Insights
A new gadolinium-based intravascular contrast agent, P792 (Vistarem), enhances MR angiography (MRA) image quality. This agent provides superior signal in blood vessels with limited background enhancement for better diagnostic imaging.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) relies on contrast agents to visualize blood vessels.
- Developing intravascular contrast agents with improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and reduced interstitial diffusion is crucial for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
- Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are widely used, but their extravasation can limit image quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and performance of a novel Gd-based macromolecular intravascular contrast agent, P792 (Vistarem), for MR angiography (MRA).
- To compare the in vitro and in vivo imaging characteristics of P792 against a standard agent, gadoterate meglumine (Gd-DOTA).
Main Methods:
- In vitro phantom studies were conducted with varying concentrations of P792 and Gd-DOTA.
- Arterial concentrations of both agents were determined in rabbits (N=5).
- In vivo 3D MRA was performed in rabbits to assess image quality and vascular enhancement.
Main Results:
- In vitro imaging demonstrated higher SNR values for P792 compared to Gd-DOTA across a range of gadolinium concentrations (200–3000 µmol/L).
- Arterial concentration curves for P792 and Gd-DOTA were comparable during the bolus phase.
- P792 achieved higher intravascular concentrations due to restricted diffusion into the interstitial space, resulting in superior MRA image quality, particularly in post-bolus phases.
Conclusions:
- P792 is well-suited for high-quality first-pass and equilibrium-phase MRA, offering excellent intravascular signal with minimal background enhancement.
- Its intravascular properties and rapid renal excretion make P792 a promising agent for MRA, perfusion, and permeability imaging.
- The restricted diffusion of P792 into the interstitial space contributes to its superior performance in MRA.
