CT angiography with gadolinium-based contrast media

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: To evaluate the potential use of gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast media, especially that of Gadovist, a 1-molar Gd medium, in computed tomography (CT) and compare our findings with standard iodinated contrast media.

Material and methods: Using a live rabbit and an acrylic CT body phantom for comparative CT imaging of Gd- and I-based media. The images were acquired at 80, 100, and 120 kVp, using fixed standard beam filtration. The phantom study used serial dilutions of the Magnevist and Ultravist 300 (2.4-molar I), whereas the animal study used different volumes of Gadovist, Magnevist (0.5 molar Gd), and Ultravist administered intravenously.

Results: At 80 kVp for the same injection volumes of Gadovist and Ultravist, the image contrast enhancement of the aorta with Gadovist was 40% lower than that of Ultravist. In the phantom studies, however, for the same kVp settings the CT image contrast was up to fourfold higher for Gd compared with iodine when comparing the same molar concentrations of the two elements in the solutions.

Conclusion: These results indicate a potential of Gd-based media for clinical CT angiography and provide incentive for further investigation of this subject.