Arterial visualization by contrast-enhanced moving-table MR angiography: Crossover comparison of 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/kg doses of meglumine gadopentetate in normal volunteers

Purpose To determine the appropriate dose of contrast medium for moving‐table MR angiography (MT‐MRA) from the abdominal aorta to the ankle by comparing visualization with different doses of meglumine gadopentetate (Gd‐DTPA) administered in crossover fashion to normal volunteers. Materials and Methods Twelve healthy adults underwent imaging after crossover administration of 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/kg of Gd‐DTPA in random order. Continuous MT‐MRA was performed with a fast 3D spoiled gradient echo sequence without parallel imaging technique. Visualization was evaluated in a total of 252 arteries by three blinded readers who independently rated arterial visualization using a 5‐grade scale. Signal intensity was determined and the blood concentration of Gd‐DTPA was estimated. Results Arterial visualization in the lower leg region was significantly better with a dose of 0.2 mmol/kg than with 0.1 mmol/kg (P < 0.001). For all regions assessed the estimated blood Gd‐DTPA level was significantly higher with 0.2 mmol/kg than with 0.1 mmol/kg (abdominal aorta, P = 0.030; superficial femoral artery, P < 0.001; posterior tibial artery, P = 0.039). The vascular signal enhancement ratio and artery‐to‐muscle signal ratio were significantly higher in the upper leg and lower leg regions at 0.2 mmol/kg. Conclusion With continuous MT‐MRA imaging from the abdomen to the ankle in normal volunteers, better arterial visualization and superior contrast were achieved with 0.2 mmol/kg of Gd‐DTPA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:783–790. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.