Dentate Nucleus signal intensity ratios decreased with time after switching from linear (gadopentetate) to macrocyclic (gadobutrol) agent.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if the increased Dentate Nucleus signal intensity following 6 or more linear GBCA, gadopentetate dimeglumine, administrations changes on follow-up exams using exclusively macrocyclic GBCA, gadobutrol.
Methods: This retrospective study included 13 patients with increased dentate nucleus signal following ≥ 6 (6-18) linear GBCA administrations who then had at least 12 months follow-up imaging with multiple (3-29) macrocyclic only GBCA enhanced MRI exams. Dentate nucleus to pons (DNP) and to cerebellar peduncle (DNCP) signal intensity ratios were measured by 2 blinded radiologists and the changes were analyzed using paired t test and mixed effect model regression.
Results: Results: Mean DNP and DNCP increased following gadopentetate dimeglumine from 0.979 ± 0.026 to 1.103±0.030 (p<0.0001), and 0.977 ±0.030 to 1.093 ±0.025 (p<0.0001) respectively . After switching to using gadobutrol the DNP and DNCP signal intensity ratios decreased to 1.027 ± 0.033and 1.023 ± 0.036 (p<0.0001). Linear regression using a mixed effects model allowing for each patient to have a different y intercept showed DNP and DNCP decreased with follow up time (p<0.0001; slope = -0.2 %/month ;( 95% CI: -0.0021, -0.0012; R2=0.58), and slope=-0.2 %/month (95% CI: -0.0020, -0.0011; R2=0.61) respectively (p<0.000001 for non-zero slope)
Conclusion: Dentate signal intensity increases with ≥ 6 linear GBCA enhanced MRI exams, decreased after switching from linear (gadopentetate dimeglumine) to macrocyclic (gadobutrol) GBCA.
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