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Gadolinium attenuates regional stunning in the canine heart in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: Gadolinium, a lanthanide cation, ameliorates pathophysiologic features of both heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. We have shown, in an in vitro model, that gadolinium blocks stretch-induced contractile dysfunction in both normal and stunned myocardium. The present study tested the hypothesis that gadolinium would also attenuate regional myocardial stunning in an in vivo model. METHODS: Mongrel dogs (n = 13) were subjected to regional myocardial ischemia (occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery) for 15 minutes, followed by reperfusion for 180 minutes. Intravenous gadolinium (500 micromol) was given to 7 dogs before ischemia; no gadolinium was given to control animals. Regional contractile function was assessed serially by means of both systolic shortening (percentage) and regional preload recruitable stroke work. RESULTS: Administration of gadolinium before ischemia had no effect on heart rate, arterial blood pressure, stroke volume, or regional contractile function. Ischemia resulted in paradoxical systolic bulging in both groups. After 180 minutes of reperfusion, systolic shortening was enhanced in gadolinium-treated animals compared with that in control animals (10.9% +/- 1.5% vs 2.4% +/- 1.7%, P =.003). Both the slope and x-axis intercept of regional preload recruitable stroke work returned to preischemic values in treated animals but remained abnormal in control animals. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that gadolinium attenuates regional myocardial stunning in vivo. Gadolinium may cause peripheral vasodilatation but does not appear to exert positive inotropic effects on the normal canine heart. The mechanism underlying gadolinium-mediated effects on stunned myocardium remains undefined, but this study suggests that use of gadolinium may represent a novel adjunct to current cardioprotective strategies.

Animals↗

Prevention of isoflurane-induced preconditioning by 5-hydroxydecanoate and gadolinium: possible involvement of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium and stretch-activated channels.

BACKGROUND: Both mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (MKATP) channels (selectively blocked by 5-hydroxydecanoate) and stretch-activated channels (blocked by gadolinium) have been involved in the mechanism of ischemic preconditioning. Isoflurane can reproduce the protection afforded by ischemic preconditioning. We sought to determine whether isoflurane-induced preconditioning may involve MKATP and stretch-activated channels. METHODS: Anesthetized open-chest rabbits underwent 30 min of coronary occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Before this, rabbits were randomized into one of six groups and underwent a treatment period consisting of either no intervention for 40 min (control group; n = 9) or 15 min of isoflurane inhalation (1.1% end tidal) followed by a 15-min washout period (isoflurane group; n = 9). The two groups received an intravenous bolus dose of either 5-hydroxydecanoate (5 mg/kg) or gadolinium (40 micromol/kg) before coronary occlusion and reperfusion (5-hydroxydecanoate, n = 9; gadolinium, n = 7). Two additional groups received 5-hydroxydecanoate or gadolinium before isoflurane exposure (isoflurane-5-hydroxydecanoate, n = 10; isoflurane-gadolinium, n = 8). Area at risk and infarct size were assessed by blue dye injection and tetrazolium chloride staining. RESULTS: Area at risk was comparable among the six groups (29 +/- 7, 30 +/- 5, 27 +/- 6, 35 +/- 7, 31 +/- 7, and 27 +/- 4% of the left ventricle in the control, isoflurane, isoflurane-5-hydroxydecanoate, 5-hydroxydecanoate, isoflurane-gadolinium, and gadolinium groups, respectively). Infarct size averaged 60 +/- 20% (SD) in untreated controls versus 54 +/- 27 and 65 +/- 15% of the risk zone in 5-hydroxydecanoate- and gadolinium-treated controls (P = nonsignificant). In contrast, infarct size in the isoflurane group was significantly reduced to 26 +/- 11% of the risk zone (P < 0.05 vs.control). Both 5-hydroxydecanoate and gadolinium prevented this attenuation: infarct size averaged 68 +/- 23 and 56 +/- 21% of risk zone in the isoflurane-5-hydroxydecanoate and isoflurane-gadolinium groups, respectively (P = nonsignificant vs.control). CONCLUSION: 5-Hydroxydecanoate and gadolinium inhibited pharmacologic preconditioning by isoflurane. This result suggests that MKATP channels and mechanogated channels are probably involved in this protective mechanism.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Gadolinium-enhancement characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging in distinguishing herniated intervertebral disc versus scar in dogs.

STUDY DESIGN: This study is an experimental investigation on the gadolinium contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in distinguishing sequestered disc fragment versus scar in dogs. The conspicousness of the disc fragment and signal intensities of the disc fragment and laminectomy scar were evaluated using gadolinium-enhanced MRI and histology. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of timing of gadolinium injections, gadolinium doses, and aging of scar or disc on the enhancement characteristics and conspicuousness of disc fragment in MRI. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Contrast-enhanced MRI has been frequently used as a procedure to evaluate patients with suspected recurrent herniated discs. In contrast-enhanced MRI, the postoperative scar tissue enhances to a greater extent than disc fragments. Previous reports suggest different contrast enhancement characteristics of scar depending on doses, timing of gadolinium, or maturity of scar. There are different compounds of gadolinium agents and different doses are becoming available. There is no previous report on the evaluation of gadolinium enhancement characteristics in dogs with concurrent herniated disc and scar. METHODS: Six conditioned Beagle dogs underwent hemilaminectomies and discectomies at the L3-L4 level. An autogenous disc fragment was obtained from the intervertebral disc of the tail. This disc fragment was placed anterolateral to the thecal sac, simulating a sequestered disc herniation. Three control animals underwent hemilaminectomies and discectomies alone. Each dog underwent MRI on a 1.5 Tesla scanner (3.0 mm slice in sagittal and axial projections with TR 500, TE 30 msec and high dose 0.3 mmol/kg of gadoteridol). Images were obtained at 15 days, 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days after surgery. At each imaging session, contrast enhancement was measured at 2 minutes, 25 minutes, and 45 minutes after gadolinium injection for kinematic analysis. Two animals at a time were killed on 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging was done with conventional low dose 0.1 mmol/kg of gadopentetate at 15 days and before death. RESULTS: Results revealed that the difference of enhancement between disc and the scar and therefore conspicuousness of disc fragment was greater on 2-23-minute images as compared with 45- minute images, and the distinction decreased with aging of the scar. The high dose contrast-enhanced MRI increased signal intensities for both disc and scar. Conspicuousness of disc fragment seemed to be better with the high-dose gadolinium compound. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, contrast enhancement characteristics in MRI may depend on the timing of MRI after gadolinium injection, doses of gadolinium, and aging of scar or disc.

Animals↗

Lumbar discography using gadolinium in patients with iodine contrast allergy followed by postdiscography computed tomography scan.

STUDY DESIGN: A series of four case reports are presented. OBJECTIVE The case reports document completion of lumbar discography with gadolinium contrast followed by successful computed tomography scanning of intradiscal gadolinium. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lumbar discography using gadolinium in cases of iodinated contrast allergy with magnetic resonance imaging used to visualize intradiscal gadolinium after the procedure has been described. To the authors' knowledge, there are no reports of gadolinium discography followed by computed tomography scanning of intradiscal gadolinium. METHODS: The reported cases involved a chart review, performance of discography with gadolinium under fluoroscopic guidance, and postdiscography computed tomography scanning of the discs injected during the procedure. RESULTS: Gadolinium was visible under fluoroscopy in all four cases. It was visualized on postdiscography computed tomography scans performed both early and late after the procedure. Normal discs retained gadolinium for a longer period than discs with annular disruption. CONCLUSIONS: Gadolinium discography is a safe, viable alternative to conventional discography in the setting of a patient with iodinated contrast allergy. Postdiscography computed tomography scans adequately visualize intradiscal gadolinium in a more timely and cost-effective manner than magnetic resonance imaging.

Adult↗

Focal hepatic lesions: detection and characterization with combination gadolinium- and superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To compare gadolinium- and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for detection and characterization of focal hepatic lesions when different contrast agent administration sequences are used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Unenhanced, dynamic gadolinium-enhanced, and SPIO-enhanced hepatic MR images were obtained in 134 patients. SPIO-enhanced MR imaging was performed immediately after gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR imaging in 50 patients, 1 day after gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR imaging in 40 patients, and before gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR imaging in 44 patients. Two radiologists independently reviewed the gadolinium image set (unenhanced and gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR images) and the SPIO image set (unenhanced and SPIO-enhanced MR images) in random order. Lesion detection sensitivity and lesion characterization accuracy were compared by analyzing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az). RESULTS: Overall lesion detection accuracy for pooled data was significantly higher with the SPIO set (Az = 0.903) than with the gadolinium set (Az = 0.857) (P <.05). When hypovascular lesions were excluded, the detection rate was similar with the two sets. When hepatocellular carcinomas were excluded, the detection rate was significantly higher with the SPIO set (P <.01). Readers were more accurate in differentiating benign from malignant lesions with the gadolinium set (Az = 0.915) than with the SPIO set (Az = 0.847) (P <.01). Detection accuracy tended to be better with the images obtained after the second contrast agent was used. CONCLUSION: Hypovascular lesion detection was better with SPIO-enhanced MR images than with gadolinium-enhanced MR images. Detection and characterization of hypervascular lesions were improved with gadolinium-enhanced MR images.

Adult↗

Gadolinium attenuates the upward shift of the left ventricular diastolic pressure-volume relation during pacing-induced ischemia in dogs.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of the reversible upward shift of the left ventricular diastolic pressure-volume relation during demand ischemia is controversial. To assess the possibility that cation influx through stretch-activation channels may contribute to the upward shift, we asked whether gadolinium, a blocker of the stretch-activated channels, attenuates the upward shift of the diastolic pressure-volume relation during pacing-induced ischemia in 5 dogs. METHODS AND RESULTS: To produce pacing-induced ischemia, we constricted the left anterior descending and circumflex coronary arteries to reduce their flows by approximately 30% and paced the left atrium at 150 to 180 beats per minute for 3 minutes. We measured left ventricular pressure, volume, and two segment lengths with micromanometers, a conductance catheter, and ultrasonic crystals, respectively. We recorded these variables during baseline, coronary stenosis, and pacing-induced ischemia (immediately after rapid pacing). After injecting 20 mg/kg (76 mumol/kg) gadolinium, we repeated the measurements during coronary stenosis (gadolinium experiment) and pacing-induced ischemia (pacing-induced ischemia plus gadolinium experiment). For each measurement, we recorded the variables in steady state to obtain diastolic pressure-volume and pressure-segment length loops and then during a brief (within 25 seconds) inferior vena caval occlusion to obtain the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure-volume relation. We found that left ventricular diastolic pressure-volume and pressure-segment length loops in steady-state beats shifted upward from coronary stenosis to pacing-induced ischemia. After injection of gadolinium, the upward shift from gadolinium to pacing-induced ischemia plus gadolinium was smaller than the shift from coronary stenosis to pacing-induced ischemia. Similarly, the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure-volume relation obtained during vena caval occlusion shifted upward (by 2.2 +/- 0.6 [SE] mm Hg) from coronary stenosis to pacing-induced ischemia. After injection of gadolinium, the upward shift from gadolinium to pacing-induced ischemia plus gadolinium was smaller (by -2.1 +/- 0.4 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that gadolinium, a blocker of stretch-activated channels, attenuates the upward shift of the diastolic pressure-volume relation during pacing-induced ischemia, suggesting that the cation influx through stretch-activated channels may contribute to this upward shift.

Animals↗

Comparison of spin echo T1-weighted and FLASH 90 degrees gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of cerebral metastases.

A direct comparison of post-gadolinium FLASH 90 degrees magnetic resonance (MR) images against conventional post-gadolinium T1-weighted spin echo MR images obtained in patients with suspected cerebral metastatic disease shows the FLASH sequence to be inferior. False negative FLASH 90 degrees gadolinium-enhanced MR scans are thought to be a result of either magnetic susceptibility artefact or inferior contrast resolution. False positive FLASH 90 degrees gadolinium-enhanced MR images are a result of either difficulty in interpreting the high signal seen in small vessels or, again, magnetic susceptibility effects. In addition, our study shows small abnormalities suggestive of cerebral metastases on the FLASH 90 degrees gadolinium-enhanced sequences which were not seen on the spin echo T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced sequences. We believe that spin echo T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced MR sequences demonstrated 131 out of 139 (94.2%) and FLASH 90 degrees gadolinium-enhanced MR sequences detected 122 out of 139 (87.8%) possible metastases. From this, we conclude that spin echo T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced MR sequences is a better test than FLASH 90 degrees gadolinium-enhanced MR in the diagnosis of brain metastases and that either sequence alone is limited as a screening test.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Gadolinium-based contrast agents and nephrotoxicity in patients undergoing coronary artery procedures.

OBJECTIVE: We tested whether gadolinium-based contrast agent is less nephrotoxic than iodinated-contrast media. BACKGROUND: Iodinated contrast agents are nephrotoxic. Some data suggest that gadolinium-based contrast agent may be less nephrotoxic than iodinated-contrast media. METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive patients with chronic renal insufficiency (creatinine concentration > or = 2.0 mg/dl and/or clearance < or = 40 ml/min), referred to our institution for coronary procedures, were assigned to receive gadolinium-based contrast agents, a solution of gadolinium chelates diluted 3:1 by iso-osmolality contrast media (Gadolinium-based group). A control group of 32 patients with comparable clinical characteristics and treated with iodinated iso-osmolality contrast agent alone (Iodinated-based group) was selected from our database and compared with the Gadolinium-based group. In all cases, prophylactic administration of 0.45% saline intravenously and NAC (1200 mg orally twice daily) was used. RESULTS: Baseline creatinine levels and creatinine clearance were similar in the 2 groups (Gadolinium-based group = 2.30 [IQR: 2.01-2.68] mg/dl and 33 +/- 13 ml/min; Iodinated-based group = 2.24 [IQR: 2.05-2.65] mg/dl and 30 +/- 10 ml/min; P > 0.05 for all). Increase of at least 0.5 mg/dl of the creatinine concentration 48 hr after the procedure occurred in 7/25 (28%) patients in the Gadolinium-based group and in 2/32 (6.5%) patients in the Iodinated-based group (P = 0.034; OR = 4.48; 95% CI = 1.01-19.17). Renal failure requiring temporary dialysis occurred in 2 (8%) patients in the Gadolinium-based group and in none in the Iodinated-based group (P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: The strategy of gadolinium-based contrast agent administration does not seem to reduce the rate of CAN, as compared to the iodinated iso-osmolality contrast agent in patients with chronic renal insufficiency.

Aged↗

Fat-suppressed MRI of musculoskeletal infection: fast T2-weighted techniques versus gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images.

PURPOSE: To investigate gadolinium's role in imaging musculoskeletal infection by comparing the conspicuity and extent of inflammatory changes demonstrated on gadolinium-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images versus fat-suppressed fast T2-weighted sequences. DESIGN: Eighteen patients with infection were imaged in a 1.5-T unit, using frequency-selective and/or inversion recovery fat-suppressed fast T2-weighted images (T2WI) and gadolinium-enhanced frequency-selective fat-suppressed T1-weighted images (T1WI). Thirty-four imaging planes with both a fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted sequence and a fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequence were obtained. Comparison of the extent and conspicuity of signal intensity changes was made for both bone and soft tissue in each plane. RESULTS: In bone, inflammatory change was equal in extent and conspicuity on fat-suppressed T2WI and fat-suppressed T1WI with gadolinium in 19 planes, more extensive or conspicuous on T2WI in three planes, and less so on T2WI in two planes. Marrow was normal on all three sequences in 10 cases. In soft tissue, inflammatory change was seen equally well in 20 instances, more extensively or conspicuously on the T2WI in 11 instances, and less so on T2WI in 2 instances. One case had no soft tissue involvement on any of the sequences. Five abscesses and three joint effusions were present, all more conspicuously delineated from surrounding inflammatory change on the fat-saturated T1WI with gadolinium. The average imaging time for the fat-saturated T1WI with gadolinium was 6.75 min, while that of the T2-weighted sequences was 5.75 min. CONCLUSION: Routine use of gadolinium is not warranted. Instead, gadolinium should be reserved for clinically suspected infection in or around a joint, and in cases refractory to medical or surgical treatment due to possible abscess formation.

Adipose Tissue↗

Safety of gadolinium contrast angiography in patients with chronic renal insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To prevent iodinated contrast medium-induced nephrotoxicity, gadolinium has been used increasingly for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to visualize arterial anatomy in patients undergoing vascular surgery who are considered at high risk because of chronic renal insufficiency. We assessed the safety of gadolinium-based contrast medium as a substitute for iodinated contrast medium-enhanced examinations. We determined the incidence of gadolinium-induced nephrotoxicity in a clinical setting and searched for contributing risk factors. Patients and methods In a single-center retrospective study from December 1999 to January 2001, 218 inpatients underwent MRA and 42 inpatients underwent DSA, with gadolinium as the sole contrast agent. Patient comorbid conditions, indications for vascular imaging, contrast dose, urine output, baseline and post-procedure serum creatinine concentration (SCr), and outcome were recorded for all patients in whom gadolinium-induced renal failure developed. RESULTS: Of 260 patients who received gadolinium-based contrast agents, at a dose of 0.25 mmol/kg or more, 195 patients (75%) had pre-test baseline chronic renal insufficiency. In 7 of 195 patients (3.5%) acute renal failure developed after gadolinium-based contrast medium administration, for MRA (n = 153) in 3 patients (1.9%) and DSA (n = 42) in 4 patients (9.5%). Average baseline SCr in the 195 patients with chronic renal insufficiency was 38.2 +/- 1.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2), and in the 7 patients in whom acute renal failure developed, baseline SCr was 32.5 +/- 7.8 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P =.33). Respective intravenous and intra-arterial gadolinium doses in these 7 patients ranged from 0.31 to 0.41 mmol/kg for MRA and 0.27 to 0.42 mmol/kg for DSA. Acute renal failure did not develop in any of 65 patients with normal baseline SCr. CONCLUSION: Despite reports of negligible nephrotoxicity, rarely gadolinium-based contrast agents can cause acute renal failure in patients with underlying chronic renal insufficiency. Estimation of creatinine clearance alone does not enable prediction of which patients are likely to have acute renal failure. Patients at high-risk should be identified, and prophylactic measures should be taken to reduce the risk for nephrotoxicity.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Gadolinium pretreatment decreases survival and impairs liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy under ischemia/reperfusion in rats.

BACKGROUND: Modulation of Kupffer cell functions by treatment with gadolinium chloride protects the liver against reperfusion injury. However, its effect on liver regeneration after hepatectomy under ischemia/reperfusion has not been studied. Using a common clinical ischemia/reperfusion technique, we examined the effect of gadolinium on liver regeneration after hepatectomy in rats. METHODS: After an initial 15-minute ischemia and 15-minute reperfusion, 70% hepatectomy was performed during the second 15-minute ischemia period in gadolinium-pretreated (gadolinium group) and saline solution--pretreated (control group) rats. The 24-hour survival rate, relative liver weight, DNA synthesis rate, and hepatic adenosine triphosphate level were examined immediately after hepatectomy and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 2, 3, and 7. Serum levels of total bilirubin, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and endotoxin were also measured. RESULTS: The 24-hour survival rate was significantly lower in the gadolinium group (67%) than in the control group (100%). On POD 1, the relative liver weight and DNA synthesis rate were significantly lower in the gadolinium group than in the control group. On POD 1, serum total bilirubin and endotoxin levels were significantly higher in the gadolinium group than in the control group. Immediately after hepatectomy, the hepatic adenosine triphosphate level was significantly lower in the gadolinium group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Under ischemia/reperfusion, gadolinium pretreatment impairs liver regeneration and energy status after hepatectomy and decreases postoperative survival.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Effects of gadolinium on the retention and translocation of 239Pu-hydroxide.

The effect of gadolinium on the lung retention, excretion, and translocation of plutonium was studied in rats instilled intratracheally with plutonium hydroxide with and without gadolinium. Three types of plutonium hydroxide were prepared: pure 239Pu-hydroxide colloid, that containing a high concentration of gadolinium, and that containing a low concentration of gadolinium. The lung retention of 239Pu was higher and the fecal excretion was lower in the rats administered 239Pu-hydroxide containing a high concentration of gadolinium than those administered pure 239Pu-hydroxide colloid. The translocation of 239Pu from lung to other organs including the liver, spleen, femur, and kidney was not affected by gadolinium. The cytological examination of bronchoalveolar lavage cells showed that the administration of 239Pu-hydroxide containing a high concentration of gadolinium induced the inflammatory reactions in the lung. The delayed alveolar clearance of plutonium in the rats administered 239Pu-hydroxide colloid containing a high concentration of gadolinium may be attributable to the change in physicochemical characteristics of colloid and the inflammation induced in the lung by gadolinium.

Animals↗

Gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging of cerebral venous angiomas with emphasis on their drainage.

Gadolinium-enhanced MR was performed in 28 patients with 17 supratentorial and 11 cerebellar venous angiomas. The use of gadolinium allowed detection of 9 of 28 venous angiomas (32%) that were not visible before gadolinium or which were only recognized in retrospect. Before gadolinium the peripheral medullary veins that are typical for these venous malformations were only visualized in 4 of 17 (23%) supratentorial and in 5 of 11 (45%) cerebellar lesions, for a total of 9 of 28 (32%) venous angiomas. After intravenous administration of gadolinium these veins were seen in 27 of 28 (96%) venous angiomas. Extension of the lesions to the wall of the ventricles was seen in 24 of the 28, 16 of 17 supratentorial and 8 of 11 cerebellar, lesions after gadolinium. This information was missed on plain MR in 6 of these lesions. The type of venous drainage, either superficial or deep, could be determined by gadolinium-enhanced MR in all cases where angiography was available for comparison. Before gadolinium this information was not available in eight patients. The intravenous administration of gadolinium adds significant information in the MR study of venous angioma.

Adult↗

Are gadolinium-based contrast media really safer than iodinated media for digital subtraction angiography in patients with azotemia?

Gadolinium chelates, intended as intravenous contrast media for magnetic resonance imaging, have been regarded as nonnephrotoxic and recommended to replace iodinated contrast media in patients with azotemia who are undergoing digital subtraction angiography (DSA). High intraarterial doses (up to 220 mmol of gadodiamide) have been used, with a 40% incidence of nephropathy. The authors discourage the use of gadolinium for DSA for several reasons. (a) There exist no randomized studies comparing the nephrotoxic effects of gadolinium-based and iodinated media at equal-attenuating concentrations and doses. (b) Gadolinium-based media are hypertonic, a pathogenetic factor in contrast medium-induced nephropathy after renal angiography, with an osmolality two to seven times that of plasma. Iodinated media in concentrations that are equally attenuating with gadolinium-based media can be made isotonic. (c) In vitro measurements indicate that 0.5 mol/L gadolinium chelates are equally attenuating with 60-80 mg iodine per milliliter at the commonly used 70-90-kV range used for DSA. Thus, 50 mL of 0.5 mol/L gadolinium chelate ( approximately 0.3 mmol/kg in an 80-kg person) would be equally attenuating with a dose of 3-4 g of iodine in an iodinated medium (eg, 50 mL iohexol at 60-80 mg I/mL or 10-13 mL at 300 mg I/mL). (d) By combining these data on attenuation and results of toxicity studies in mice, the general toxicity of gadolinium chelates may be six to 25 times higher than that of equal-attenuating doses of iodinated media at 70-kV DSA. Thus, the authors believe that at equal-attenuating doses for DSA, modern iodinated contrast media should result in a lower toxic load on the body than with presently available gadolinium chelates.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

Phases IB and II multidose trial of gadolinium texaphyrin, a radiation sensitizer detectable at MR imaging: preliminary results in brain metastases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging results after administration of gadolinium texaphyrin, a tumor-selective radiation sensitizer that is detectable at MR imaging, and to determine an appropriate intravenous dose of gadolinium texaphyrin for repeated injections during radiation therapy, the dose-limiting toxicity of reiterated doses of gadolinium texaphyrin, the maximal tolerated dose, the biolocalization of gadolinium texaphyrin (as assessed at MR examinations), and the response to treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten daily intravenous injections of gadolinium texaphyrin, each followed by whole-brain radiation therapy (total of 10 fractions, 30 Gy), were administered to patients with brain metastases in a multicenter study. At the study institution, 11 patients underwent MR imaging before and after the first injection, after the 10th injection, and 8 weeks after entry into the study. RESULTS: MR imaging revealed selective drug uptake in metastases, without enhancement of normal brain tissue. In 10 patients, tumor uptake was higher after the 10th injection than after the first injection, which indicated accumulation of gadolinium texaphyrin in metastases. One lesion was visible only after the 10th injection and not at the pretherapeutic MR examination with injection of conventional gadolinium-based contrast material. Response to treatment was defined as a reduction in the size of the metastases between the preinjection MR study and the last MR study; seven patients achieved partial remission with tumor regression exceeding 50% of the initial size, and four achieved a minor response with less than 50% tumor regression. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results indicate that gadolinium texaphyrin is tumor selective and that brain metastases can be depicted at MR imaging long after the administration of gadolinium texaphyrin.

Adult↗

Renal MR angiography at 1.0 T: three-dimensional (3D) phase-contrast techniques versus gadolinium-enhanced 3D fast low-angle shot breath-hold imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of three different MR angiographic techniques at 1.0 T. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In 22 patients with renal artery stenosis confirmed at intraarterial catheter angiography, we also performed unenhanced and gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional phase-contrast MR angiography and gadolinium-enhanced single breath-hold three-dimensional fast low-angle shot MR angiography. We determined circulation time to optimize signal acquisition in gadolinium-enhanced breath-hold MR angiography after bolus injection of contrast material. RESULTS: Sensitivity, defined as the detection of a hemodynamically significant stenosis (>50% luminal narrowing), was 85% for enhanced phase-contrast MR angiography, 91% for gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography, and 95% for unenhanced phase-contrast MR angiography. The combination of unenhanced phase-contrast MR angiography and gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography yielded 100% sensitivity for hilar artery stenoses. There were 13 false-positive findings with unenhanced phase-contrast MR angiography, 10 with enhanced phase-contrast MR angiography, and four with gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography (specificity: 38%, 52%, and 79%, respectively). Accessory renal arteries were not seen on unenhanced or enhanced phase-contrast MR angiography (0/8 patients) but were detected with gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography in five of the eight patients. Interobserver agreement (kappa = .62) was best with gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography. The quality of the images was unsatisfactory for adequate evaluation of segmental renal arteries with all three MR angiographic techniques. CONCLUSION: A combination of unenhanced phase-contrast MR angiography and gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography at 1.0 T proved useful as a screening protocol for renal artery stenosis.

Adult↗

Gadolinium-enhanced phase-contrast magnetic resonance portography.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and usefulness of gadolinium-chelated contrast medium in phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) portography. METHODS: Twenty-six patients (21 men, 5 women; aged 34 to 79 years, mean 62 years) underwent respiratory-triggered 3-dimensional phase-contrast portography before and after administration of gadolinium in a 1.5T MR unit. Coronal maximum intensity projection (MIP) images of the portal vein were reconstructed and compared to conventional arterial portograms regarding visualization. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and portal vein-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of main, right, right anterior, right posterior, left portal veins, and umbilical portion were measured on both non-enhanced and gadolinium-enhanced images and compared. RESULTS: Portal veins and branches were more clearly visualized on the gadolinium-enhanced than on the non-enhanced images. Compared to arterial portography, gadolinium-enhanced portography showed similar performances in visualization, except in the right posterior branch and left portal vein. No severe image degradation from respiration was experienced. SNR was significantly higher on the gadolinium-enhanced than on non-enhanced images except in the right anterior branch. CNR was significantly higher on the gadolinium-enhanced than on the non-enhanced images at all measured locations. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of gadolinium improves the SNR and CNR of phase-contrast portography and visualization of the portal vein. The phase-contrast technique with gadolinium enhancement can be used to evaluate the portal vein as a supplemental technique.

Adult↗

Combination of boron and gadolinium compounds for neutron capture therapy. An in vitro study.

In neutron capture therapy, the therapeutic effect of the boron compound is based on alpha particles produced by the B(n, alpha) reaction while with the gadolinium compound the main radiation effect is from gamma rays derived from the Gd(n, gamma) reaction. The uptake and distribution within the tumor may be different among these compounds. Thus, the combination of the boron and gadolinium compounds may be beneficial for enhancing the radiation dose to the tumor. Chinese hamster fibroblast V79 cells were used. For the neutron targeting compounds, 10B (BSH) at 0, 5, 10, and 15 ppm, and 157Gd (Gd-BOPTA) at 0, 800, 1600, 2400, 3200, and 4800 ppm, were combined. The neutron irradiation was performed with thermal neutrons for 30 min. (neutron flux: 0.84 x 10(8) n/cm2/s in free air). The combination of the boron and gadolinium compounds showed an additive effect when the gadolinium concentration was lower than 1600 ppm. This additive effect decreased as a function of gadolinium concentration at 2400 ppm and resulted in no additive effect at more than 3200 ppm of gadolinium. In conclusion, the combination of the boron and gadolinium compounds can enhance the therapeutic effect with an optimum concentration ratio. When the gadolinium concentration is too high, it may weaken the boron neutron capture reaction due to the high cross-section of gadolinium compound against neutrons.

Animals↗