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Preparation, Purification, and Characterization of Lanthanide Complexes for Use as Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: July 21, 2011
The role of gadolinium-based contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging structured reporting and data systems
Marco Parillo1,2, Carlo Augusto Mallio1,2, Aart J Van der Molen3
1Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Among the 28 reporting and data systems (RADS) available in the literature, we identified 15 RADS that can be used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Performing examinations without using gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) has benefits, but GBCA administration is often required to achieve an early and accurate diagnosis. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current role of GBCA in MRI RADS. This overview suggests that GBCA are today required in most of the current RADS and are expected to be used in most MRIs performed in patients with cancer. Dynamic contrast enhancement is required for correct scores calculation in PI-RADS and VI-RADS, although scientific evidence may lead in the future to avoid the GBCA administration in these two RADS. In Bone-RADS, contrast enhancement can be required to classify an aggressive lesion. In RADS scoring on whole body-MRI datasets (MET-RADS-P, MY-RADS and ONCO-RADS), in NS-RADS and in Node-RADS, GBCA administration is optional thanks to the intrinsic high contrast resolution of MRI. Future studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the high T1 relaxivity GBCA on the assignment of RADS scores.
Insights
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) are crucial for most current Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) reporting and data systems (RADS), especially in cancer diagnosis. Future research may reduce GBCA reliance in some MRI applications.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) utilizes various reporting and data systems (RADS).
- Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) enhance MRI diagnostic accuracy but carry potential risks.
- The necessity and role of GBCA in different MRI RADS require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the current application and importance of GBCA in established MRI RADS.
- To identify which MRI RADS necessitate GBCA for accurate scoring and diagnosis.
- To explore the potential for reducing GBCA use in future MRI protocols.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 28 reporting and data systems (RADS).
- Identification of 15 RADS applicable to MRI.
- Analysis of GBCA requirements for each identified MRI RADS.
Main Results:
- GBCA are currently required for most MRI RADS, particularly in cancer imaging.
- Dynamic contrast enhancement is essential for PI-RADS and VI-RADS scoring.
- GBCA are optional in MET-RADS-P, MY-RADS, ONCO-RADS, NS-RADS, and Node-RADS due to MRI's inherent contrast resolution.
- Contrast enhancement may be needed in Bone-RADS for aggressive lesion classification.
Conclusions:
- GBCA remain integral to the majority of current MRI RADS, especially for oncology.
- Certain MRI RADS, like PI-RADS and VI-RADS, rely on dynamic contrast enhancement.
- Future research should investigate the impact of advanced GBCA and MRI techniques on RADS scoring to potentially minimize contrast agent administration.
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