Contrast use at low field: a review

Top Magn Reson Imaging. 2003 Oct;14(5):360-4. doi: 10.1097/00002142-200310000-00002.

Abstract

The use of gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging at low fields (</=0.5 T) is reviewed. Magnetic resonance studies on low-field units represent an important subset of examinations performed in the United States. Although many fundamental principles of contrast usage apply both to high-field and low-field examinations, contrast enhancement is field dependent. Although diagnostic yield is not equivalent at all field strengths, contrast effect on low-field examinations at double doses (0.2 mmol/kg) of intravenous contrast approaches that on high-field (1.5 T) examinations at standard dose (0.1 mmol/kg). It is recommended that radiologists operating low-field units routinely employ what would otherwise be considered a double dose of a gadolinium chelate for neuroradiologic examinations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage*
  • Gadolinium
  • Gadolinium DTPA / administration & dosage
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Organometallic Compounds / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • gadoteridol
  • gadodiamide
  • Gadolinium
  • Gadolinium DTPA
  • gadoversetamide