Improving MRI contrast: Contrast agents

  • Antoine Micheau, MD , Denis Hoa, MD
    • Antoine Micheau, MD : IMAIOS, 2 All Charles R. Darwin, Island Hall 2 34170 Castelnau Le Lez
    • Denis Hoa, MD : IMAIOS, 2 All Charles R. Darwin, Island Hall 2 34170 Castelnau Le Lez
  • Thursday, November 24, 2022
  • ISBN 978-1847537768

Learning objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

  • Present the different fat signal suppression techniques
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of STIR sequences, fat saturation, selective excitation of water
  • Specify the different families of contrast agents
    • Explain their action on relaxation time and contrast
    • List their contraindications and main indications
  • Explain magnetization transfer and how it can improve background suppression

Key points

Contrast agents

Contrast agentPrinciplesAdvantages / ApplicationsContraindications / Adverse effects
Gadolinium chelatesT1 reduction +++
T2 reduction
Enhanced T1-weighted signal
Perfusion imaging
Well tolerated
Allergy, pregnancy
Renal/liver failure: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

SPIO
USPIO

Superparamagnetic iron oxides: T2* effectSPIO: liver
USPIO: ganglion
 
Manganese chelatesT1 effetLiver and biliary imaging 

 

References

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