Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Contrast Media and Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Technical Aspects
Contrast agents enhance the visualization of vascular structures as well as pathologic tissues, which appear more prominent against the background of normal tissue. Development of novel contrast agents continues to be an exciting area, with new targeted agents, blood pool agents, and agents based on nanoparticle technologies. This discussion is focused on water-soluble gadolinium chelates used in abdominal and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Principle of Relaxivity
The current use of gadolinium is based on paramagnetism. Gadolinium has more orbitals than electron pairs, an odd number, resulting in a net electron spin, and is therefore classified as paramagnetic. Its magnetic moment in addition with unpaired electrons makes gadolinium a useful compound for MRI. Although any agent that alters the local magnetic field can alter both T1 and T2 relaxation, gadolinium predominantly shortens T1 relaxation.
You're Reading a Preview
Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles
If you are a member. Log in here
