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Enhanced liver MR: contrast agents and imaging strategy
V M Runge1, J E Kirsch, J W Wells
1Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536-0098.
Critical Reviews in Diagnostic Imaging
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Liver MRI contrast agents, including gadolinium and iron-based options, offer different enhancement strategies. Imaging techniques vary by agent type, with T1-weighted sequences for gadolinium and T2-weighted for iron agents.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizes contrast enhancement for improved visualization.
- Several contrast agent types exist, including gadolinium chelates and iron particulates.
- Different agents require specific imaging sequences for optimal contrast visualization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical literature on various liver MRI contrast agents.
- To discuss the imaging techniques associated with different contrast agents.
- To highlight emerging iron particulate agents and current research findings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published clinical studies on Gd DTPA, Gd HP-DO3A, Gd BOPTA, Mn DPDP, and AMI-25.
- Discussion of imaging techniques for gadolinium, manganese, and iron particulate agents.
- Inclusion of preclinical data on new iron particulate agents.
Main Results:
- Gadolinium and manganese chelates use T1-weighted sequences for positive enhancement (increased signal intensity).
- Iron particulate agents utilize T2-weighted sequences for negative enhancement (decreased signal intensity).
- Clinical use currently favors extracellular gadolinium chelates, with bolus injection and dynamic imaging enhancing efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Contrast enhancement strategies in liver MRI differ fundamentally based on agent composition.
- Imaging technique selection is crucial and agent-dependent.
- High-dose administration (0.3 mmol/kg) of agents like Gd HP-DO3A shows promise for improved lesion detectability.