Comparative evaluation of the magnetic resonance contrast properties of gadolinium-based contrast agents

Abstract

Background . Restrictions on the use of gadolinium-containing radiocontrast agents due to the risk of acute and long-term complications drive the search for new, safer, and more effective gadolinium-based nanoparticle formulations. Aim . Comparative assessment of the magnetocontrast properties of a gadolinium nanocomposite and a gadolinium-based contrast agent. Methods. The dynamics of organ accumulation and visual MRI patterns were studied in 5 healthy female Wistar rats using a Siemens Avanto device with a magnetic field of 1.5 T. Anesthetized animals were placed in a ventral position within the head coil, after which a preliminary MRI scan was performed. A gadolinium nanocomposite solution and a reference agent (Omniscan®) were injected at equivalent gadolinium doses into the lateral tail vein or into the abdominal cavity, followed by repeat MRI scans with image acquisition every 2–3 minutes. The primary imaging areas were the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space, including the thoracic cavity. Results . Comparative analysis showed that gadolinium nanoparticles stabilized with arabinogalactan exhibit magnetocontrast properties, as evidenced by T1-weighted image enhancement of the liver parenchyma after intravenous administration and of the abdominal cavity after intraperitoneal administration. The magnetocontrast image of the kidneys and bladder was higher after Omniscan® administration than after gadolinium nanocomposite administration. However, the maximum contrast coefficient of the gadolinium nanocomposite in the liver parenchyma increased by 20 % compared to baseline. Omniscan® administration resulted in a 13 % increase in T1-weighted image intensity of the liver parenchyma.