Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast MRI Using Gadopiclenol for Evaluation of Relative Cerebral Blood Volume at 3T: A...

Area of Science:

• Neuroradiology
• Medical Imaging
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI is crucial for assessing relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in brain tumors.
• Gadolinium-based contrast agents are standard, but concerns exist regarding cumulative exposure.
• Gadopiclenol, a high-relaxivity agent, is approved at a lower dose, potentially reducing gadolinium burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of DSC MRI using half-dose gadopiclenol (0.05 mmol/kg) versus standard-dose gadobutrol (0.10 mmol/kg) for rCBV assessment in brain tumors.
• To evaluate if reduced gadolinium exposure with gadopiclenol compromises diagnostic accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 20 brain tumor patients undergoing DSC MRI with 0.05 mmol/kg gadopiclenol on 3T scanners.
• Comparison with 20 matched controls who received standard-dose 0.10 mmol/kg gadobutrol.
• Analysis of DSC time curves and normalized rCBV values in normal-appearing brain regions (thalamus, gray matter, white matter).

Main Results:

• Gadopiclenol produced DSC time curves similar in shape to gadobutrol.
• Significantly smaller signal decreases and approximately half the peak ΔR2* values were observed with gadopiclenol, consistent with dose scaling.
• Normalized rCBV values did not significantly differ between the two contrast agents in gray matter regions.

Conclusions:

• Half-dose gadopiclenol is effective for DSC MRI-based rCBV assessment in brain tumors.
• This approach allows for reliable rCBV quantification while significantly reducing overall gadolinium exposure.
• Gadopiclenol at 0.05 mmol/kg represents a viable alternative to standard-dose gadobutrol, enhancing patient safety by minimizing gadolinium burden.