Initial imaging recommendations for Vasovist angiography.
Vasovist is a newly developed blood pool contrast agent for MR angiogiography (MRA). It consists of a low molecular weight molecule, chelated to Gadolinium, that strongly binds to plasma proteins, thus increasing its relaxivity and retention time in the vascular system. Due to its high efficiency, a smaller dose compared to existing Extracellular Fluid Contrast Agents is sufficient for diagnostic purposes, resulting in a lower injection volume. With appropriate adjustments of standard extracellular contrast injection protocols, a dynamic phase MRA can be achieved using routine MRA parameters. For extended phase imaging, ('steady-state') starting approximately 3 to 5 min post injection, repetition time (TR) and flip angle may be adjusted for optimization of intravascular signal. Preliminary technical recommendations for the optimization of contrast-enhanced MRA with Vasovist can be deducted from current clinical trial experience in various vessel beds.
Hartmann
Mike
M
EPIX Pharmaceuticals, 161 First Street Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. mhartmann@epixpharma.com
Wiethoff
Andrea J
AJ
Hentrich
Hans-Rainer
HR
Rohrer
Martin
M
D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D005682:Gadolinium; C109932:gadofosveset trisodium