Comparison of three different injection methods for arterial phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MR imaging of the liver

Abstract: Objective: To compare three different injection methods for optimizing hepatic arterial phase of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced MR imaging. Methods: Arterial phase images were obtained after the injection of contrast agent at a rate of 3mL/s with diluted Gd-EOB-DTPA (dilution method) in 27 patients, 3mL/s with undiluted Gd-EOB-DTPA (3mL method) in 26 patients and 1mL/s with undiluted Gd-EOB-DTPA (1mL method) in 28 patients. In the quantitative evaluation, signal-to-phantom ratios (SPR) of the liver parenchyma, pancreas, renal cortex, portal vein and aorta were evaluated. In the qualitative evaluation, the seven items for image quality of hepatic arterial phase were assessed, and the total score of all items in each subject was calculated. Results: The score of enhancement of abdominal aorta and total score of seven items in 1mL method were significantly higher than those in 3mL method. The SPR of the liver parenchyma in 3mL method was significantly higher than that in 1mL method, suggesting substantial hepatic inflow from portal venous return. Conclusion: For the optimal arterial phase imaging, injection rate of 1mL/s with undiluted Gd-EOB-DTPA is convenient and preferable, compared with other two methods, based on our qualitative analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]