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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA prior to DWI does not affect the apparent diffusion constant
Gang Chen1, Sune Nørhøj Jespersen, Michael Pedersen
1MR Research Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, DK8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. gangchen@mr.au.dk
Abstract:
MRI measurements of water diffusion and blood perfusion are increasingly used for the evaluation of organ functionality and tissue viability (e.g., in tumors). While diffusion-weighted imaging is performed without contrast agents, measurement of blood perfusion is normally performed based on the administration of paramagnetic substances such as gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA). Simultaneous measurements of these two parameters are often preferred. However, it may be argued that Gd-DTPA causes constriction of small blood vessels or alters hemodynamic parameters such as blood viscosity, thereby corrupting subsequent measurements of the apparent diffusion constant (ADC). The objective of the current study was to investigate the possible changes in the ADC in tumors following intravenous administration of 0.2 and 0.4 mmol/kg of Gd-DTPA in mice. The study was conducted with C3H mouse mammary carcinomas inoculated in the right foot of the animal subjects. The results were compared with findings in a sham group, demonstrating that Gd-DTPA had no significant impact on the ADC as measured in a 7-T animal system.
Insights
Gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) contrast agents do not significantly alter tumor apparent diffusion constant (ADC) measurements in mice. This finding supports simultaneous MRI diffusion and perfusion imaging for evaluating tissue viability.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Cancer Research
Background:
- MRI assesses organ functionality and tissue viability using water diffusion and blood perfusion measurements.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging requires no contrast agents, while perfusion imaging typically uses agents like gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA).
- Simultaneous diffusion and perfusion MRI are desirable, but concerns exist regarding contrast agent effects on diffusion measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential changes in apparent diffusion constant (ADC) in tumors after intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA.
- To determine if Gd-DTPA impacts subsequent diffusion measurements in a tumor model.
Main Methods:
- C3H mouse mammary carcinomas were used for the study.
- Mice received intravenous injections of 0.2 and 0.4 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA.
- ADC measurements were performed using a 7-T animal MRI system.
- Results were compared to a control sham group.
Main Results:
- Intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA did not cause significant changes in tumor ADC values.
- No significant impact on ADC was observed at either 0.2 or 0.4 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA doses.
- Comparison with the sham group confirmed the lack of Gd-DTPA interference with ADC measurements.
Conclusions:
- Gd-DTPA does not significantly affect ADC measurements in C3H mouse mammary carcinomas.
- Simultaneous MRI of diffusion and perfusion is feasible without concerns of contrast agent-induced alterations in ADC.
- This supports the use of combined MRI techniques for robust tumor evaluation.
