title: Comprehensive MRA of the lower limbs including high-resolution extended-phase infra-inguinal imaging with gadobenate dimeglumine: initial experience with inter-individual comparison to the blood-pool contrast agent gadofosveset trisodium.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare extended-phase imaging using an extracellular space contrast agent, gadobenate dimeglumine, to imaging with a blood-pool contrast agent, gadofosveset, for magnetic resonance angiography.
  
  
  METHODS
  A lower-limb magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) protocol (dynamic crural, three-station bolus chase, and infra-inguinal high resolution) designed for blood-pool agent imaging was adapted for use with the extracellular agent, gadobenate dimeglumine, primarily by using a triphasic injection protocol. Ten patients scanned with gadofosveset were compared to 10 patients scanned with gadobenate. The dynamic, bolus chase, and high-resolution images were scored for quality on a Likert scale (from 1-5). Signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios were analysed, and Mann-Whitney U statistical analysis performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference for the dynamic imaging or the aorto-iliac station of the bolus chase. Infra-inguinal bolus chase images were higher quality (p < 0.05 Mann-Whitney U test) with gadobenate. Signal analysis confirmed lower signal and contrast for venous imaging on the high spatial resolution acquisitions with gadobenate; however, this allowed improved arterial conspicuity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extended-phase imaging using an extracellular space contrast agent is feasible and provides image quality to equal imaging with a blood-pool contrast agent.
authors.affiliation: Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK. andychristie90@hotmail.com
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Christie
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chandramohan
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Roditi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007264:Inguinal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008536:Meglumine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D058729:Peripheral Arterial Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C064572:gadobenic acid; D008536:Meglumine; D005682:Gadolinium; C109932:gadofosveset trisodium