Pilot study on indirect magnetic resonance lymphography using gadoxetate disodium in dogs

The contrast enhancement between gadoxetate disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA) and gadodiamide hydrate (Gd-DTPA-BMA) in indirect magnetic resonance lymphography was compared among six healthy beagles. Contrast mediums (0.5 mmol) were injected subcutaneously into the lateral malleolus of the right fibula. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. The popliteal and medial iliac lymph nodes (LNs) were visualized. Gd-EOB-DTPA had a significantly superior contrast enhancement ratio than Gd-DTPA-BMA at 10 and 15 min at the popliteal LNs. Moreover, Gd-EOB-DTPA had a longer duration of contrast enhancement than Gd-DTPA-BMA in both the popliteal and medial iliac LNs. Gd-EOB-DTPA demonstrated stronger and longer-lasting lymph node enhancement than Gd-DTPA-BMA, thereby indicating its potential application in MR lymphography.