Does the application of gadolinium-DTPA have an impact on magnetic resonance phase contrast velocity measurements? Results from an in vitro study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the potential influence of various concentrations of gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA on magnetic resonance phase contrast (MR PC) velocimetry.


METHODS
Imaging was done with a 1.0 T scanner using a standard Flash 2D sequence and a circular polarized extremity coil. In a validated flow phantom with a defined 75% area stenosis different concentrations of Gd-DTPA, diluted in a 10:1 water-yogurt mixture, MR PC measurements were correlated with a Doppler guide wire as gold standard.


RESULTS
MR PC measurements correlated well with the Doppler derived data (r=0.99; P<0.01; maximum pre-stenotic velocity: 21.6+/-0.5 cm/s; maximum intra-stenotic velocity: 81.7+/-0.6 cm/s). Following Gd-DTPA administration no significant (P>0.05; Student's t-test) flow measurement changes were noted (maximum pre-stenotic velocity: 21.3+/-1.3 cm/s; maximum intra-stenotic velocity: 84.0+/-3.6 cm/s). However, delineation of the perfused lumen was enhanced after the application of Gd-DTPA.


CONCLUSIONS
The application of Gd-DTPA does not affect MR PC velocimetry. However, the application of contrast media allowed a more accurate vessel segmentation. MR PC measurements can be reliably carried out after application of Gd-DTPA.
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008954:Models, Biological
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA