title: Pitfalls of contrast-enhanced imaging in the nervous system.
abstract: This brief review covers the evolving clinical role of paramagnetic contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system, with particular emphasis on potential pitfalls. The safety and efficacy of Gd-DTPA is now well-established. Approximately 35-40% of all scans performed in this country now utilize the agent. The major pitfalls center on overinterpretation of the characterization of disease by either enhancement or lack thereof in any particular process.
authors.affiliation: Hoag Memorial Hospital, Department of Radiology, Newport Beach, California 92663.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brant-Zawadzki
mesh_terms: D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA