Pre-polarized saline: an in vivo feasibility study of a potential contrast agent.
The potential for using pre-polarized liquids as contrast agents in vivo is investigated and the feasibility of the method demonstrated. In this study we show the enhancement obtained following intravenous delivery of pre-polarized saline into the antecubital vein of a volunteer. This form of contrast agent provides signal gain on time scales commensurate with its T(1) and allows repeated doses to be administered, thus making alternate acquisitions of data with and without enhancement practicable.
Young
I R
IR
Robert Steiner MRI Unit, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, England, UK. iyoung@rpms.ac.uk
deSouza
N M
NM
Hall
A S
AS
Williams
A D
AD
Hajnal
J V
JV
Coutts
G A
GA
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000737:chemistry*
D003287:Contrast Media; D012965:Sodium Chloride