Comparison of first-pass Gd-DOTA and FAIRER MR perfusion imaging in a rabbit model of pulmonary embolism

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2002 Aug;16(2):168-71. doi: 10.1002/jmri.10138.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arterial spin labeling to perfusion deficits in the lung.

Materials and methods: A rabbit model of pulmonary embolism was imaged with both flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery with an extra radiofrequency pulse (FAIRER) arterial spin labeling and Gd-DOTA enhanced MRI. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was measured in the area of the perfusion deficit and the normal lung for both techniques.

Results: The defect was readily visible in all images. The normal lung had an average of 3.8 +/- 1.2 times the SNR of the unperfused lung with the arterial spin labeling technique, and approximately 13.7 +/- 3.3 times the SNR with the contrast-enhanced technique.

Conclusion: Gd-DOTA enhanced MRI provides higher SNR in pulmonary perfusion imaging; however, arterial spin labeling is also adequate and may be used when repeated studies are indicated.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Contrast Media
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Pulmonary Circulation / physiology
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis*
  • Rabbits
  • Spin Labels

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Spin Labels
  • gadolinium 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetate