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Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg: experimental disease imaging
F Cavagna1, M Daprà, F Maggioni
1Research and Development Division, Bracco Industria Chimica SpA, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
The novel tissue-specific contrast agent, Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg, was tested in MR imaging of experimental focal liver disease and of acute myocardial ischemia in rats. Directly implanted liver tumors and blood-borne metastases were used as models for focal liver disease and occlusion of the lower anterior descending coronary artery as model for acute ischemia. The studies with implanted tumors, at a dose level of 250 mumol/kg, showed a very high (370%) and persistent (greater than 2 h) increase in the tumor-liver contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), owing to selective enhancement of normal liver parenchyma signal intensity. While all blood-borne metastases showed a similar late CNR enhancement, some of them experienced early contrast loss due to transient signal intensity enhancement. In myocardial imaging, Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg produced a signal intensity enhancement in normal myocardium and an injured area-normal area CNR enhancement which were both much stronger and more persistent than those produced by Gd-DTPA/Dimeg.
Insights
Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg, a novel MRI contrast agent, significantly improves tumor detection and myocardial imaging in rats. It offers persistent, high contrast enhancement for liver lesions and heart tissue compared to standard agents.
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Medical Imaging
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Contrast agents are crucial for enhancing image quality in MRI.
- Existing agents like Gd-DTPA/Dimeg have limitations in specificity and duration.
- Novel agents are needed for improved detection of focal liver disease and myocardial ischemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the novel tissue-specific contrast agent, Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg.
- To assess its performance in MR imaging of experimental focal liver disease and acute myocardial ischemia in rats.
- To compare Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg with Gd-DTPA/Dimeg.
Main Methods:
- Utilized experimental models of focal liver disease (implanted liver tumors, blood-borne metastases) and acute myocardial ischemia (coronary artery occlusion) in rats.
- Administered Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg at a dose of 250 mumol/kg.
- Analyzed contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal intensity changes in tumor, liver parenchyma, and myocardium.
- Compared results with Gd-DTPA/Dimeg.
Main Results:
- Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg demonstrated a 370% persistent increase in tumor-liver CNR (>2 hours) due to selective enhancement of normal liver parenchyma.
- Blood-borne metastases showed late CNR enhancement, with some exhibiting early contrast loss.
- In myocardial imaging, Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg produced stronger and more persistent signal enhancement in normal myocardium and injured areas compared to Gd-DTPA/Dimeg.
Conclusions:
- Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg is a highly effective tissue-specific contrast agent for MR imaging.
- It offers significant improvements in detecting focal liver disease and assessing myocardial ischemia.
- Its enhanced and persistent signal characteristics make it a promising agent for clinical applications.