Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography Using a Novel Elastin-Specific Molecular Probe in an Experimental Animal Model

Abstract EN

Objectives.

The aim of this study was to test the potential of a new elastin-specific molecular agent for the performance of contrast-enhanced first-pass and 3D magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), compared to a clinically used extravascular contrast agent (gadobutrol) and based on clinical MR sequences.

Materials and Methods.

Eight C57BL/6J mice (BL6, male, aged 10 weeks) underwent a contrast-enhanced first-pass and 3D MR angiography (MRA) of the aorta and its main branches.

All examinations were on a clinical 3 Tesla MR system (Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany).

The clinical dose of 0.1 mmol/kg was administered in both probes.

First, a time-resolved MRA (TWIST) was acquired during the first-pass to assess the arrival and washout of the contrast agent bolus.

Subsequently, a high-resolution 3D MRA sequence (3D T1 FLASH) was acquired.

Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated for all sequences.

Results.

The elastin-specific MR probe and the extravascular imaging agent (gadobutrol) enable high-quality MR angiograms in all animals.

During the first-pass, the probes demonstrated a comparable peak enhancement (300.6 ± 32.9 vs.

288.5 ± 33.1, p>0.05).

Following the bolus phase, both agents showed a comparable intravascular enhancement (SNR: 106.7 ± 11 vs.

102.3 ± 5.3; CNR 64.5 ± 7.4 vs.

61.1 ± 7.2, p>0.05).

Both agents resulted in a high image quality with no statistical difference (p>0.05).

Conclusion.

The novel elastin-specific molecular probe enables the performance of first-pass and late 3D MR angiography with an intravascular contrast enhancement and image quality comparable to a clinically used extravascular contrast agent.