Lucia Flors MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Marta Gonzalez MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Patrick T. Norton MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

James Patrie MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Klaus D. Hagspiel MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research Grant, Siemens AG

To compare the image quality and diagnostic performance of gadofosveset trisodium (GT) and gadobenate dimeglumine (GD) for contrast-enhanced MRA of pancreas transplants on first pass (FPI) and very high-spatial resolution steady state imaging (SSI) at 3T

18 patients (11men; 43.4±7 years) were studied with both agents; a total of 42 studies -21 intraindividual comparison pairs- were available for review. SNR and CNR were measured on FPI and SSI images for pancreatic parenchyma, arteries and veins. Results were adjusted for patient weight, voxel volume and delay time. Two independent readers subjectively assessed the overall image quality, the presence of artifact due to respiratory motion or peristalsis, and the quality of the bolus timing using a 4-point scale. Highest order visible side branch, vessel patency (5–point scale) and level of confidence (4-point scale) were recorded. In case of disagreement, the diagnosis was reached by consensus. Inter-reader agreement was calculated.

Pancreatic parenchyma, aorta and pancreatic artery SNRs were higher for GD on FPI (p<0.08), and did not differ on SSI (P>0.1). Pancreatic vein, IVC and muscle SNRs were comparable for FPI and SSI (p>0.1). Pancreatic artery CNR was higher for GD (p=0.030) on FPI, whereas GD and GT were comparable (p=0.35) on SSI. Pancreatic vein CNR was comparable for FPI and SSI (p>0.11). There was no difference between the two agents in image quality, presence of artifacts and bolus timing (p>0.2) for both FPI and SSI. Highest order of side branches and vessel patency (p=0.167 and p>0.13) did also not differ, with the exception of splenic vein patency (p=0.04; 2± 1.3 GT vs 1.3±1.1 GD). Level of confidence did not differ (p=0.139) and there was also no significant difference in the odds of reader agreement between contrast agents.

GT and GD delivered overall similar image quality, but CNR and SNR were greater with GD on arterial-phase

Despite the potential benefits of the intravascular contrast agent GT, CNR and SNR in FP ce-MRA of pancreas transplants are higher with GD and they are comparable for both GD and GT on SSI. Therefore, the use of the more expensive contrast agent GT for ceMRA of pancreas allografts is not justified.

Flors, L, Gonzalez, M, Norton, P, Patrie, J, Hagspiel, K, Intra-individual Comparison of Gadofosveset Trisodium and Gadobenate Dimeglumine for Contrast-enhanced MRA of Pancreas Transplants at 3T.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14008151.html