• R Vosshenrich, B Engeroff, S Obenauer, and E Grabbe.
• Abteilung Diagnostische Radiologie, Klinikum der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. vosshenrich@t-online.de
• Rofo. 2003 Sep 1; 175 (9): 1239-43.

PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic value of a higher concentrated contrast medium (gadobutrol) for contrast-enhanced MRA of the hepatic arteries and portovenous system.Materials And MethodsThe examinations were performed on a 1.5-Tesla whole body imaging system (Magnetom Symphony Quantum, Siemens) with a 30-mTesla/m gradient field strength using a phased-array body coil. A 3D FLASH sequence (TR/TE/FA 3.88 ms/1.44 ms/25(3)) was used imaging the hepatic arteries and portovenous system after determination of the circulation time. The study included 50 patients, with 25 patients (group 1) injected with 0.2 mmol Gd-GTPA/kg body weight and 25 patients (group 2) injected with 0.1 mmol gadobutrol/kg body weight. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated for both groups. The image quality was graded by three radiologists on a 5-point scale.ResultsThe highest SNR was measured in group 1, with no statistically significant differences of the SNR in the abdominal aortal, coeliac trunk and common hepatic artery. CNR was also similar in both groups. Likewise, portal, superior mesenteric and splenic veins showed no statistically significant differences. All cases were found to have a good image quality.ConclusionFor MRA of the hepatic arteries and the portal veins, the higher concentrated Gd-DTPA contrast medium gadobutrol can be used at half the dosage recommended for the standard Gd-DTPA contrast medium.

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