Optimization of breathing instructions and timing of late arterial phase acquisition on gadobutrol-enhanced MRI of the liver

Abstract

Purpose: To compare a protocol with higher concentration macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) [study group] to the traditional protocol with lower-concentration linear GBCAs [control group] for breath-held arterial phase magnetic resonance imaging.

Material and methods: A total of 136 patients were quantitatively evaluated for image quality (IQ), breathing artifacts (BA), and timing of the arterial phase (Tap). Quantitative analysis was also performed.

Results: No significant differences in IQ, BA and Tap (P>.05). Study group exhibited less enhancement of the aorta (P=.0091) and smaller standard deviation for the portal vein enhancement (P=.0173).

Conclusion: Similar arterial-phase image quality can be achieved with a macrocyclic GBCA compared to traditional linear GBCA.

Keywords: Arterial phase; Gadobutrol; Liver; Magnetic resonance imaging.