Comparison of different contrast agents and doses for quantitative MR myocardial perfusion imaging.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate three different contrast agents at different injection volumes for repetitive quantitative multislice myocardial perfusion imaging using the prebolus technique.


METHODS
Two consecutive prebolus perfusion measurements were performed on a 1.5 T scanner using identical injection volumes for the first and second examination to test the reproducibility for possible rest and stress examination in normal volunteers. Either 1-8 mL, 1-12 mL Gd-DTPA, 1-4 mL, 1-6 mL, 1-9 mL Gd-BOPTA, or 1-4 mL, 1-6 mL gadobutrol were applied.


RESULTS
In cases where injection volumes were sufficiently small, there was no indication of significant differences in quantitative perfusion values with respect to the different contrast agents. Increasing the bolus volume improved the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) but led to saturation effects and underestimation of the true perfusion. The highest CNR was measured for gadobutrol (6 mL, p < 0.0005 compared to 8 mL Gd-DTPA). The smallest difference of perfusion values between the first and the second prebolus examination was found for Gd-BOPTA (p < or = 0.006 compared Gd-DTPA).


CONCLUSIONS
Prebolus examinations for quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging are possible with all three contrast agents for sufficient small injection volumes. Gd-BOPTA was found to be advantageous for a combined quantitative rest and stress examination.
Köstler
Herbert
H
Institut für Röntgendiagnostik der Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. koestler@roentgen.uni-wuerzburg.de
Ritter
Christian
C
Lipp
Michael
M
Beer
Meinrad
M
Hahn
Dietbert
D
Sandstede
Jörn
J
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008536:Meglumine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C064572:gadobenic acid; C090600:gadobutrol; D008536:Meglumine; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA