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Ferric ammonium citrate-cellulose paste for opacification of the esophageal lumen on MRI
Objective:
A new ferric ammonium citrate-cellulose mixture for use in MRI of the esophagus was evaluated for its ability to opacify the esophageal lumen.
Materials And Methods:
Thirty-two patients with esophageal disorders and ten patients with normal esophagus undergoing MRI at 1.5 T were given approximately 100 ml of the newly developed high-viscosity esophageal contrast preparation. Moreover, six of the patients with esophageal cancer were subjected to a second examination after radiation therapy. A total of 48 MR imagings were performed.
Results:
Of the patients examined, successful esophageal opacification, graded as excellent, was obtained in 84.2, 78.9, and 57.9%, of the sagittal, axial, and coronal images, respectively. In cases of extrinsic disease involving the esophagus the contrast medium administration allowed the easy differentiation of the esophagus from adjacent mass lesions and proved very useful in identifying displacement and compression. In cases of esophageal carcinoma the contrast medium administration assisted in the measurement of wall thickness and length of the lesion as well as in the identification of the site of origin of the tumor.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that this product effectively opacifies the esophageal lumen in the majority of patients. We found that it is easy to use, is well tolerated, and does not produce artifacts.
Insights
A new ferric ammonium citrate-cellulose mixture effectively opacifies the esophageal lumen for MRI scans. This high-viscosity contrast agent is well-tolerated and aids in diagnosing esophageal disorders.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) requires effective contrast agents for optimal visualization of the esophagus.
- Existing contrast agents may have limitations in opacifying the esophageal lumen.
- Accurate esophageal imaging is crucial for diagnosing various pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel ferric ammonium citrate-cellulose mixture as an esophageal contrast agent for MRI.
- To assess the efficacy of this new preparation in opacifying the esophageal lumen.
- To determine its utility in the diagnosis of esophageal disorders.
Main Methods:
- A high-viscosity contrast preparation was administered to 32 patients with esophageal disorders and 10 healthy controls.
- MRI examinations were performed at 1.5 T.
- Six patients with esophageal cancer underwent a second examination post-radiation therapy.
Main Results:
- Excellent esophageal opacification was achieved in a majority of patients (84.2% sagittal, 78.9% axial, 57.9% coronal).
- The contrast agent facilitated differentiation of the esophagus from adjacent masses, aiding in identifying displacement and compression.
- It assisted in measuring lesion thickness and length, and identifying tumor origin in esophageal carcinoma.
Conclusions:
- The ferric ammonium citrate-cellulose mixture effectively opacifies the esophageal lumen for MRI.
- The contrast agent is easy to use, well-tolerated, and does not produce artifacts.
- This preparation is a valuable tool for diagnosing esophageal conditions.
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