Contrast agents and temporal resolution in breast MR imaging.
The article summarizes the technique of dynamic Gd-enhanced breast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and the established clinical indications to this examination. The main features of the four different non-selective Gd-chelates today available for contrast-enhanced MR breast imaging are described. Their typical two-compartment (vascular/interstitial) distribution is related to the temporal resolution used for the MR acquisition; the gain in specificity obtained increasing the temporal resolution during the first phase after the contrast intravenous injection (using both, rapid T1-weighted sequences or ultrafast T2*-weighted perfusion imaging) is discussed. Moreover, a survey of new contrast agents is supplied, including a high T1-relaxivity Gd-chelate, blood pool agents, and lymph node targeted agents. In conclusion, future directions are delineated.
Sardanelli
F
F
Diagnostic imaging, Istituto Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese (MI), Italy. f.sardanelli@grupposandonato.it
Iozzelli
A
A
Fausto
A
A
D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods
D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium