Cerebral Perfusion Imaging with Gadolinium Chelates and Iron Oxides in Humans

Abstract

Susceptibility-induced signal loss following the bolus injection of paramagnetic contrast agents coupled with dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has enabled the generation of cerebral blood volume (CBV) maps which reflect cerebral perfusion [1-4]. Both gadolinium-and dysprosium-based paramagnetic contrast agents and endogenous substances have been used for CBV and functional MRI (fMRI) studies [1-6]. More recently, superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIO) with a stronger susceptibility effect than paramagnetic chelates have been applied in humans as well [7, 8]. We describe clinical results with the current approved dose of gadolinium chelates (0.1 mmol/kg body weight), present results with a neutral gadolinium chelate at higher doses (0.1-0.5 mmol/kg bodyweight), and take a look into the future with the first clinical results of a novel bolus-injectable SPIO contrast agent (Resovist, SH U 555A, Schering AG, Berlin) to induce susceptibility contrast in the brain [9].