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Gadolinium deposition in the brain: association with various GBCAs using a generalized additive model
Sohi Bae1, Ho-Joon Lee1, Kyunghwa Han1
1Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
European Radiology
|January 14, 2017
Summary
Certain linear gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are linked to T1 signal changes in the dentate nucleus, particularly with repeated administrations. Macrocyclic GBCAs showed no such association in this study.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are widely used in MRI.
- Concerns exist regarding potential long-term effects of GBCAs, including signal changes in brain structures.
- Understanding the relationship between GBCA type, administration number, and observed signal changes is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the cumulative number of administrations of different gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and increased T1 signal intensity in the globus pallidus (GP) and dentate nucleus (DN).
- To differentiate the impact of linear versus macrocyclic GBCAs on brain signal intensity.
- To correlate GBCA administration frequency with specific neuroimaging findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 122 patients undergoing double-dose GBCA-enhanced MRI.
- Calculation of GP-to-thalamus (TH) and DN-to-pons signal intensity ratios.
- Statistical modeling (generalized additive model) to assess relationships between signal change (Rchange) and GBCA administration factors.
Main Results:
- Increased T1 signal intensity in the DN (DN:pons ratio) was significantly associated with prior administration of linear GBCAs, specifically gadodiamide and gadopentetate dimeglumine.
- No significant association was found between GBCA administration and T1 signal changes in the globus pallidus (GP:TH ratio).
- Macrocyclic GBCAs did not show a significant association with T1 signal changes in either the DN or GP.
Conclusions:
- Previous administration of specific linear GBCAs (gadodiamide, gadopentetate dimeglumine) is associated with increased T1 signal intensity in the dentate nucleus.
- The number of administrations of these linear agents correlates with the observed signal change.
- The findings suggest differences in the stability and retention of linear versus macrocyclic GBCAs may explain the observed signal alterations.
