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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Molecular magnetic resonance imaging of deep vein thrombosis using a fibrin-targeted contrast agent: a feasibility
Marcus Katoh1, Patrick Haage, Andrea J Wiethoff
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany. marcus.katoh@uniklinikum-saarland.de
Purpose:
To evaluate the value of a fibrin-specific MR contrast agent (EP-2104R; EPIX Pharmaceuticals) for detection of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and monitoring of percutaneous intervention for treatment.
Materials And Methods:
In 6 domestic swine, DVT was induced in an iliac/femoral vein using an occlusion-balloon catheter and subsequent injection of thrombin. The occluded vessels were recanalized by mechanical thrombectomy using a Fogarty catheter and an Arrow rotating thrombectomy device. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis and lung was repeated 4 times (before and after DVT induction, after contrast agent administration, and after intervention) using a 1.5-T whole-body XMR system (ACS-NT, Philips Medical Systems, Best, NL). The visualization of the thrombi and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was assessed.
Results:
EP-2104R allowed selective visualization of thrombi with accurate determination of the extent of DVT with high contrast (CNR: 65.3 +/- 17.2). After intervention, dislodged thrombus fragments were selectively visualized in the lung (CNR: 27.9 +/- 9.3).
Conclusions:
Molecular magnetic resonance imaging using fibrin-specific MR contrast agent EP-2104R allowed for selective visualization of DVT and monitoring of percutaneous intervention.
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