Investigative radiology
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Investigative radiology · Mar 2006
Comparative StudyComparison of gradient-echo and steady-state free precession for coronary artery magnetic resonance angiography using a gadolinium-based intravascular contrast agent.
Intravascular contrast agents may offer longer imaging times and better vessel visualization over conventional extravascular agents for magnetic resonance coronary angiography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravascular contrast (B-22956/1) on coronary visualization. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared in inversion-recovery (IR)-prepared FLASH (fast low-angle shot) and IR-trueFISP (true fast imaging with steady-state precession) sequences before and after contrast. ⋯ Intravascular contrast agents improve CNR and vessel visualization in coronary magnetic resonance angiography with IR-FLASH and IR-trueFISP.
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Investigative radiology · Mar 2006
Gadocoletic acid trisodium salt (b22956/1): a new blood pool magnetic resonance contrast agent with application in coronary angiography.
Inversion recovery, three-dimensional, gradient-recalled echo magnetic resonance coronary angiography (IR-3D-GRE-MRCA), performed after administration of an intravascular T1-relaxing agent with prolonged permanence in the blood, is one of the most promising approaches to noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the coronaries. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the physicochemical properties in solution, pharmacokinetics, elimination from the body, protein binding, and signal enhancement characteristics of gadocoletic acid trisodium salt (B22956/1), a candidate gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent for coronary angiography. ⋯ On the basis of the pharmacokinetic profile and imaging characteristics, gadocoletic acid trisodium salt shows promise as a MR contrast agent for coronary angiography.