title: Evaluation of plaque detection and optimum time of enhancement in acute attack multiple sclerosis after contrast injection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important in the early diagnosis of novel or relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). In addition, the optimal MRI protocol plays an important role in detecting MS plaques.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To find the best time to detect MS plaques on MRI after Gadobutrol injection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-two relapsing-remitting type MS patients, (56 women, 6 men) with the mean age of 31 ± 7 years were enrolled into this study. The patients underwent T1-weighted MRI scan without contrast agents. Subsequently, Gadobutrol was injected (0.1 mmol/kg) and MRI scanning was repeated after 30 s, 5, 10, 15, and 30 min of Gadobutrol injection. The size, signal intensity, and enhancement pattern were determined for each plaque by contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Enhancing plaques were seen in 42 out of 62 patients. The mean number of enhancing plaques was 4 ± 8 plaques after 30 s of contrast injection. This figure increased to 7 ± 13 plaques after 15 min and 6 ± 10 plaques after 30 min. The signal intensity and size of plaques increased progressively, and the maximum signal intensity and plaque size were seen after 30 min (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The maximum number of enhancing plaques in MS patients was detected 15 min after contrast agent administration and the size and signal intensity of the lesions also increased remarkably at this time.
authors: Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Hassan
authors: H
authors: Hashemi
authors: Somayeh
authors: S
authors: Behzadi
authors: Hossein
authors: H
authors: Ghanaati
authors: Mohammad Hossein
authors: MH
authors: Harirchian
authors: Mahboobeh
authors: M
authors: Yaghoobi
authors: Madjid
authors: M
authors: Shakiba
authors: Amir Hossein
authors: AH
authors: Jalali
authors: Kavous
authors: K
authors: Firouznia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C090600:gadobutrol
keywords: Multiple sclerosis; delayed enhancement; magnetic resonance imaging