[Interstitial T1-weighted MR lymphography with use of the dendritic contrast agent Gadomer-17 in pigs].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the enhancement of regional lymph nodes, lymph vessels and the thoracic duct after subcutaneous administration of the dendritic contrast agent Gadomer-17.


METHODS
Interstitial T(1)-weighted MR lymphography was performed in 15 domestic pigs in a 1.5 T MR scanner using the body coil. The contrast agent was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 2.5, 10 and 20 micromol gadolinium/kg/bw (1.4 - 2.3 ml) in the hind legs of 5 pigs, respectively. T(1)-weighted coronal 3D-gradient-echo images were obtained 1 to 150 minutes and 24 hours after contrast material injection.


RESULTS
Inguinal lymph nodes, iliac lymph nodes and lymph vessels showed peak enhancement within 10 minutes after subcutaneous administration of the contrast agent. The enhancement of the lymphatic system decreased slowly until 150 minutes post injection. The time-response study, which was performed for inguinal and iliac lymph nodes, revealed the best lymphographic effect for Gadomer-17 at a dose of 10 micromol gadolinium/kg/bw. At this dose the paraaortic lymph nodes and the thoracic duct were also best visualized.


CONCLUSIONS
Interstitial administration of the evaluated dendritic contrast agent Gadomer-17 is highly efficient for the performance of T(1)-weighted MR lymphography in regional lymph nodes, lymph vessels and the thoracic duct.
Staatz
G
G
Klinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Germany. staatz@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Nolte-Ernsting
C C
CC
Bücker
A
A
Misselwitz
B
B
Grosskortenhaus
S
S
Pflüger
D
D
Günther
R W
RW
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000473:pathology; D008220:Lymphography; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D013552:Swine; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000473:pathology
D003287:Contrast Media; C402765:gadomer 17; D005682:Gadolinium