Sequential dynamic gadolinium magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging: effects on transit time and cerebral blood volume measurements.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate if two gadolinium perfusion studies can be performed during the same table occupancy without degradation of the derived data in the second study.


METHODS
Magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion studies of the whole brain were performed on 12 patients during the administration of two gadolinium boluses separated by 8 min. In six patients, gadolinium was given as two 20-ml administrations of standard 0.5 M chelate (Magnevist), whilst the other six patients received two 10-ml administrations of 1.0 M chelate (Gadovist).


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in subjective quality between the time-intensity curves of the first and second perfusion studies using either the 0.5 M or 1.0 M gadolinium chelate. The objective measurements in quality of the time-intensity curves (maximum signal change and full width at half maximum) changed by less than 5% of the original values on the second perfusion study. The first-moment mean transit times did not change significantly on the sequential studies. The regional cerebral blood volume tended to increase on the second study (by 15% on average), but this did not reach statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
The results from two sequential dynamic gadolinium-based perfusion studies can be compared in a meaningful manner using the technique described.
Griffiths
P D
PD
Unit of Academic Radiology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Pandya
H
H
Wilkinson
I D
ID
Hoggard
N
N
D000368:Aged; D001811:Blood Volume Determination / Q000379:methods*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C090600:gadobutrol; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA