T1-weighted MR-lymphography after intramammary administration of Gadomer-17 in pigs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the enhancement of regional lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels after intramammary injection of Gadomer-17.


METHODS
T1-weighted MR-lymphography was performed in 8 domestic pigs after intramammary injection of 5 - 10 micromol/kg bodyweight (bw) Gadomer-17 on a 1.5 T-MR scanner. T1-weighted 3D gradient-echo images were acquired 10 to 120 minutes after contrast material injection in coronal and sagittal planes. The contrast enhancement of the draining lymphatic system was qualitatively assessed by two radiologists applying a three grade scale.


RESULTS
T1-Weighted MR-lymphography after intramammary injection of Gadomer-17 was feasible in each pig. A dose of 5 micromol/kg body weight Gadomer-17 was best suited for MR-lymphography of the mammary line and the draining lymphatic system. Enhancement of regional lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels was classified as good in 5, and excellent in three cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Intramammary injection of Gadomer-17 allows for good quality T1-weighted MR-lymphography of mammary gland draining regional lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. This new technique might offer potential for the evaluation of the sentinel lymph node in patients with breast cancer.
Staatz
G
G
Dept. of Diagnostic Radiology, Aachen University of Technology, Berlin, Germany. staatz@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Spüntrup
E
E
Buecker
A
A
Misselwitz
B
B
Günther
R W
RW
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005682:Gadolinium; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007267:Injections; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008220:Lymphography; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D013552:Swine
D003287:Contrast Media; C402765:gadomer 17; D005682:Gadolinium