Contrast Agents: From Physics to Application
Eliana Gianolio1
1University of Turin, Torino, Italy

Synopsis

Keywords: Contrast mechanisms: Contrast agents, Contrast mechanisms: Relaxometry, Contrast mechanisms: CEST & MT

During this lecture the speaker will delve into the physics and chemistry of MR contrast agents and how they enhance image quality, as well as their various applications in clinical practice. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the different types of contrast agents used in T1W and T2W MRI, including metal-based agents and iron-oxide nanoparticles, and their advantages and limitations. The lecture will also cover safety concerns on the use of Gadolinium-based CAs and possible alternatives/reduction strategies will be presented. Other classes of CAs beyond Gd and iron-oxide nanoparticles, such as CEST and hyperpolarized agents, will also be introduced.

This lecture explores the use of contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The speaker will delve into the physics and chemistry of contrast agents and how they work to improve image quality, as well as their various applications in clinical practice.1,2 During the lecture, attendees can expect to learn about various classes of contrast agents including Gadolinium-based agents and iron oxide nanoparticles, used for classical T1w and T2w imaging, respectively. Considered the growing interest in developing contrast agents with improved safety profiles, due to recent concerns related to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) and Gd retention issues,3 considerations on the ways to reduce the doses or replace Gd-based agents will be discussed.4 Moreover, the lecture will cover the description of other classes of contrast agents, beyond Gadolinium and iron oxide nanoparticles, such as CEST and hyperpolarized agents, which offer unique mechanisms to enhance MRI image contrast and sensitivity. Overall, attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse mechanisms of action and applications of contrast agents in clinical practice.

Acknowledgements

No acknowledgement found.

References

1) P. Caravan, J. J. Ellison, T. J. McMurry, R. B. Lauffer, Gadolinium(III) Chelates as MRI Contrast Agents: Structure, Dynamics, and Applications, Chem. Rev. 1999, 99, 2293-2352

2) J. Wahsner, E. M. Gale, A. Rodríguez-Rodríguez, P. Caravan, Chemistry of MRI Contrast Agents: Current Challenges and New Frontiers, Chem. Rev. 2019, 119, 2, 957–1057.

3) E. Gianolio, E. Di Gregorio, S. Aime, Chemical Insights into the issues of Gd retention in the brain and other tissues upon administration of Gd-containing MRI contrast agents, EurJIC, 2019, 2, 137-151.

3) E. Lancelot, J.S. Raynaud, P. Desche, Current and Future MR Contrast Agents Seeking a Better Chemical Stability and Relaxivity for Optimal Safety and Efficacy, Investigative Radiology, 2020, 55,578-588.

Gianolio, E (Gianolio, Eliana) [1] ; Di Gregorio, E (Di Gregorio, Enza) [1] ; Aime, S
Proc. Intl. Soc. Mag. Reson. Med. 31 (2023)