MR contrast agent at high-field MRI (3 Tesla)

Top Magn Reson Imaging. 2003 Oct;14(5):365-75. doi: 10.1097/00002142-200310000-00003.

Abstract

Tumor-to-brain contrast after gadolinium administration using MP-RAGE and T1-SE scans in patients with primary and secondary brain tumors was significantly higher at 3 T than at 1.5 T. The subjective assessment of cumulative triple-dose 3 Tesla images obtained the best results in the detection of brain metastases compared with other sequences followed by 1.5 T cumulative triple-dose enhanced images. In macroadenomas of the hypophysis, contrast-enhanced 3 T MRI was superior to standard MRI in the diagnosis of cavernous sinus infiltration and in visualization of cranial nerves within the cavernous sinus. Due to higher spatial resolution, contrast-enhanced MR venography at 3 T showed more details in and around tumors than at 1.5 T, additionally enhanced by stronger susceptibility weighting and higher signal-to-noise ratio at 3 T. In summary, administration of gadolinium-based contrast agent produces higher contrast between tumor and normal brain at 3 T than at 1.5 T, helps to detect more cerebral metastases at 3 T versus 1.5 T in single and cumulative triple dose, improves the evaluation of macroadenomas of the hypophysis, and makes MR venography at 3 T clinically attractive with increase in spatial resolution within the same measurement time, thus providing more detailed information.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / diagnosis
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage*
  • Gadolinium DTPA / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Phlebography / methods
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA