Related Experiment Videos
The behavior of Pantopaque on MR: in vivo and in vitro analysis
Abstract:
MR imaging is considered by many to be the procedure of choice in imaging the spinal cord; yet we encountered an important pitfall of this procedure in the form of a patient with retained intraspinal Pantopaque. The results of this case are presented as well as those obtained in another patient with retained Pantopaque. Also described is the behavior of this contrast material when using in vitro imaging data obtained from a CSF/Pantopaque phantom. When T1-weighted imaging sequences are used, Pantopaque gives a high signal and CSF gives a low signal. With long repetition time, (e.g., 4000 ms), the CSF signal is high and the Pantopaque signal is not. With repetition time around 1000 to 2000, both may be isointense. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Insights
Retained intraspinal Pantopaque can be a pitfall in MR imaging of the spinal cord. Understanding Pantopaque
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Spinal Cord Imaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is the preferred modality for spinal cord evaluation.
- A potential complication involves retained Pantopaque, a contrast material, within the spinal canal.
Observation:
- Two cases of retained intraspinal Pantopaque are presented.
- In vitro phantom studies using CSF/Pantopaque mixtures were conducted.
- Pantopaque exhibits variable signal intensity on T1-weighted MR sequences.
Findings:
- On T1-weighted sequences, Pantopaque typically yields a high signal, while cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shows a low signal.
- At long repetition times (e.g., 4000 ms), CSF signal increases, and Pantopaque signal decreases.
- Isointense signals for both Pantopaque and CSF can occur with repetition times between 1000-2000 ms.
Implications:
- These signal variations can lead to misinterpretation or diagnostic pitfalls in spinal MR imaging.
- Awareness of Pantopaque's behavior across different MR sequences is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Understanding these imaging characteristics aids in differentiating retained contrast from pathology.