title: Low-dose intra-arterial contrast-enhanced MR aortography in patients based on a theoretically derived injection protocol.
abstract: Multiple intra-arterial contrast agent injections are necessary during MR-guided endovascular interventions. In respect to the approved limits of maximum daily gadolinium dose, a low-dose injection protocol is mandatory. The objective of this study was to derive and apply a low-dose injection protocol for intra-arterial 3D contrast-enhanced MR aortography in patients. Injection rate (Qinj), concentration of injected gadolinium [Gd]inj and aortal blood flow rate (Qblood) were included for the theoretical evaluation of signal intensity (SI) of the arterial lumen. SI simulations were carried out at Qinj=2 versus 4 ml/s in the [Gd]inj range between 0-500 mM. Qinj and [Gd]inj with SI above the 75% threshold of the maximal SI were regarded as optimal injection parameters. [Gd]inj=50 mM and Qinj=4 ml/s were considered as optimal and were administered in five patients for 3D MR aortography. All images revealed clear delineation of the abdominal aorta and its major branches. Mean+/-SD of contrast-to-noise ratios of the abdominal aorta, common iliac and renal artery were 70.2+/-15.2, 58.6+/-12.3 and 67.4+/-12.3. Approximately seven intra-aortal injections would be permissible in patients during MR-guided interventions without exceeding the maximal dose of gadolinium.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Potthast
authors.forename: A-C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Schulte
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Bongartz
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hügli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aschwanden
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bilecen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001027:Aortography / Q000379:methods*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007269:Injections, Intra-Arterial; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA