Radiology, Vol 152, 123-126, Copyright © 1984 by Radiological Society of North America
Contrast enhancement of magnetic resonance images by chromium EDTA: an experimental study
VM Runge, MA Foster, JA Clanton, MM Jones, CM Lukehart, JM Hutchison, JR Mallard, FW Smith, CL Partain and AE James Jr
Chromium EDTA was evaluated as an intravenous contrast agent for magnetic
resonance (MR) imaging in vitro and in vivo in rabbits and rats. The effect
of Cr EDTA on T1 and T2 values in vitro was first quantitated by
spectroscopy at 2.5 MHz, followed by animal trials in which the effects of
intravenous injection of Cr EDTA on calculated T1 MR images (obtained by
the spin- warp technique at 1.7 MHz) were determined. Following
administration of chromium EDTA, differences in T1 values between normal
and abnormal kidneys were noted, renal hydronephrosis and renal ischemia
were readily identified by the pattern of change in T1, and changes were
observed in the normal rabbit brain and in tumors implanted in rats. It is
concluded that the use of stable paramagnetic metal ion chelates, such as
Cr EDTA, as intravenous contrast agents in MR imaging is feasible and that
such agents would make possible the observation of tissue vascularity,
breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, and renal function.
