title: Gd DTPA: a review of clinical indications in central nervous system magnetic resonance imaging.
abstract: Since its approval for clinical use in mid 1988, Gd DTPA has found widespread application as a contrast agent in MRI. This paramagnetic metal ion chelate is used primarily for enhancement of head and spine lesions. Indications for contrast agent use in MRI are summarized drawing upon experience in more than 600 patients and a review of the literature. Enhancement improves both lesion detection and categorization. In head examinations, we recommend use of Gd DTPA for studies of the internal auditory canal, metastatic disease, infarction, infection, meningeal disease, and primary neoplastic disease. In spine examinations, contrast enhancement is employed both for detection of neoplastic disease and in the postoperative back for the differentiation of scar from recurrent disk herniation. Gd DOTA and Gd DO3A-R are new agents within this same class of contrast media.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, New England Medical Center Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Runge
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Carollo
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: D Y
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Gelblum
mesh_terms: D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA