Comparison between a linear versus a macrocyclic contrast agent for whole body MR angiography in a clinical routine setting.
BACKGROUND
Previous experiences of whole body MR angiography are predominantly available in linear 0.5 M gadolinium-containing contrast agents. The aim of this study was to compare image quality on a four-point scale (range 1-4) and diagnostic accuracy of a 1.0 M macrocyclic contrast agent (gadobutrol, n = 80 patients) with a 0.5 M linear contrast agent (gadopentetate dimeglumine, n = 85 patients) on a 1.5 T whole body MR system. Digital subtraction angiography served as standard of reference.


RESULTS
All examinations yielded diagnostic image quality. There was no significant difference in image quality (3.76 +/- 0.3 versus 3.78 +/- 0.3, p = n.s.) and diagnostic accuracy observed. Sensitivity and specificity of the detection of hemodynamically relevant stenoses was 93%/95% in the gadopentetate dimeglumine group and 94%/94% in the gadobutrol group, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The high diagnostic accuracy of gadobutrol in the clinical routine setting is of high interest as medical authorities (e.g. the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products) recommend macrocyclic contrast agents especially to be used in patients with renal failure or dialysis.
Seeger
Achim
A
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str, 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany. achim.seeger@gmx.de
Kramer
Ulrich
U
Fenchel
Michael
M
Grimm
Florian
F
Bretschneider
Christiane
C
Döring
Jörg
J
Klumpp
Bernhard
B
Tepe
Gunnar
G
Rittig
Kilian
K
Seidensticker
Peter R
PR
Claussen
Claus D
CD
Miller
Stephan
S
D000368:Aged; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D051598:Whole Body Imaging / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C090600:gadobutrol; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA