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Haase R, Pinetz T, Kobler E, Bendella Z, Gronemann C, Paech D, Radbruch A, Effland A, Deike K. Artificial T1-Weighted Postcontrast Brain MRI: A Deep Learning Method for Contrast Signal Extraction. Invest Radiol 2024:00004424-990000000-00240. [PMID: 39074258 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Reducing gadolinium-based contrast agents to lower costs, the environmental impact of gadolinium-containing wastewater, and patient exposure is still an unresolved issue. Published methods have never been compared. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of 2 reimplemented state-of-the-art deep learning methods (settings A and B) and a proposed method for contrast signal extraction (setting C) to synthesize artificial T1-weighted full-dose images from corresponding noncontrast and low-dose images. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective study, 213 participants received magnetic resonance imaging of the brain between August and October 2021 including low-dose (0.02 mmol/kg) and full-dose images (0.1 mmol/kg). Fifty participants were randomly set aside as test set before training (mean age ± SD, 52.6 ± 15.3 years; 30 men). Artificial and true full-dose images were compared using a reader-based study. Two readers noted all false-positive lesions and scored the overall interchangeability in regard to the clinical conclusion. Using a 5-point Likert scale (0 being the worst), they scored the contrast enhancement of each lesion and its conformity to the respective reference in the true image. RESULTS The average counts of false-positives per participant were 0.33 ± 0.93, 0.07 ± 0.33, and 0.05 ± 0.22 for settings A-C, respectively. Setting C showed a significantly higher proportion of scans scored as fully or mostly interchangeable (70/100) than settings A (40/100, P < 0.001) and B (57/100, P < 0.001), and generated the smallest mean enhancement reduction of scored lesions (-0.50 ± 0.55) compared with the true images (setting A: -1.10 ± 0.98; setting B: -0.91 ± 0.67, both P < 0.001). The average scores of conformity of the lesion were 1.75 ± 1.07, 2.19 ± 1.04, and 2.48 ± 0.91 for settings A-C, respectively, with significant differences among all settings (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The proposed method for contrast signal extraction showed significant improvements in synthesizing postcontrast images. A relevant proportion of images showing inadequate interchangeability with the reference remains at this dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Haase
- From the Clinic of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany (R.H., E.K., Z.B., C.G., D.P., A.R., K.D.); Institute of Applied Mathematics, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany (T.P., A.E.); Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (D.P.); and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers, Bonn, Germany (A.R., K.D.)
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Vymazal J, Rulseh AM. MRI contrast agents and retention in the brain: review of contemporary knowledge and recommendations to the future. Insights Imaging 2024; 15:179. [PMID: 39060665 PMCID: PMC11282029 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-024-01763-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) were introduced with high expectations for favorable efficacy, low nephrotoxicity, and minimal allergic-like reactions. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and proven gadolinium retention in the body including the brain has led to the restriction of linear GBCAs and a more prudent approach regarding GBCA indication and dosing. In this review, we present the chemical, physical, and clinical aspects of this topic and aim to provide an equanimous and comprehensive summary of contemporary knowledge with a perspective of the future. In the first part of the review, we present various elements and compounds that may serve as MRI contrast agents. Several GBCAs are further discussed with consideration of their relaxivity, chelate structure, and stability. Gadolinium retention in the brain is explored including correlation with the presence of metalloprotein ferritin in the same regions where visible hyperintensity on unenhanced T1-weighted imaging occurs. Proven interaction between ferritin and gadolinium released from GBCAs is introduced and discussed, as well as the interaction of other elements with ferritin; and manganese in patients with impaired liver function or calcium in Fahr disease. We further present the concept that only high-molecular-weight forms of gadolinium can likely visibly change signal intensity on unenhanced T1-weighted imaging. Clinical data are also presented with respect to potential neurological manifestations originating from the deep-brain nuclei. Finally, new contrast agents with relatively high relaxivity and stability are introduced. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: GBCA may accumulate in the brain, especially in ferritin-rich areas; however, no adverse neurological manifestations have been detected in relation to gadolinium retention. KEY POINTS: Gadolinium currently serves as the basis for MRI contrast agents used clinically. No adverse neurological manifestations have been detected in relation to gadolinium retention. Future contrast agents must advance chelate stability and relativity, facilitating lower doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Vymazal
- Department of Radiology, Na Homolce Hospital, Roentgenova 2, Prague, 150 30, Czech Republic
| | - Aaron M Rulseh
- Department of Radiology, Na Homolce Hospital, Roentgenova 2, Prague, 150 30, Czech Republic.
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Hofmann BM, Riecke K, Klein S, Klemens MA, Palkowitsch P, Kahn JF, Posch H, Berse M, Ebert W. Relationship of Dose and Signal Enhancement Properties of Gadoquatrane, a New Tetrameric, Macrocyclic Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agent, Compared With Gadobutrol: A Randomized Crossover Study in Healthy Adults. Invest Radiol 2024:00004424-990000000-00224. [PMID: 38904771 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the signal-enhancement properties of the tetrameric gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) gadoquatrane in relation to the administered dose and compare its properties to those of a standard dose of gadobutrol, as a representative of the currently established macrocyclic GBCAs for magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this randomized, single-blind, 4 × 4 crossover study, 43 healthy adults (19-50 years of age) received 3 single IV injections of gadoquatrane (0.01, 0.03, and 0.06 mmol gadolinium/kg body weight) and 1 injection of gadobutrol (0.1 mmol gadolinium/kg body weight) in randomized sequence with 1-week washout periods between administrations. The relative signal enhancement (RSE) was determined in predefined areas of interest in magnetic resonance image sets of the head-neck region. RSE-vs-dose curves (dose-response curves) were established by linear regression, and comparator-equivalent doses were determined by Bayesian inverse regression analysis. Further, 3 blood samples were taken after each injection for pharmacokinetic analyses, and safety data were assessed. RESULTS The RSE increased with gadoquatrane dose. A linear function adequately fitted this relationship. In line with the more than 2-fold higher r1 relaxivity of gadoquatrane per gadolinium ion, gadobutrol-equivalent RSE was achieved with gadoquatrane at less than half the gadolinium dose and less than one eighth of the molecule dose.Administration of gadoquatrane and gadobutrol resulted in very similar dose-normalized gadolinium concentrations in plasma, indicating that the pharmacokinetic profiles are essentially the same. Both contrast agents were well tolerated. Adverse events were rare and not dependent on the dose administered. CONCLUSIONS Gadoquatrane has the potential to be an effective GBCA that can be used at substantially lower doses in clinical routine than the currently established macrocyclic GBCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte M Hofmann
- From the Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany (B.M.H., K.R., S.K., M.A.K., P.P., W.E.); Charité Universitätsmedizin-Klinik für Radiologie, Berlin, Germany (J.F.K., H.P.); Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany (current affiliation, J.F.K.); and CRS Clinical Research Services Berlin GmbH, Berlin, Germany (M.B.)
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Kanal E, Maki JH, Schramm P, Marti-Bonmati L. Evolving Characteristics of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents for MR Imaging: A Systematic Review of the Importance of Relaxivity. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024. [PMID: 38699938 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are widely and routinely used to enhance the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography examinations. T1 relaxivity (r1) is the measure of their ability to increase signal intensity in tissues and blood on T1-weighted images at a given dose. Pharmaceutical companies have invested in the design and development of GBCAs with higher and higher T1 relaxivity values, and "high relaxivity" is a claim frequently used to promote GBCAs, with no clear definition of what "high relaxivity" means, or general concurrence about its clinical benefit. To understand whether higher relaxivity values translate into a material clinical benefit, well-designed, and properly powered clinical studies are necessary, while mere in vitro measurements may be misleading. This systematic review of relevant peer-reviewed literature provides high-quality clinical evidence showing that a difference in relaxivity of at least 40% between two GBCAs results in superior diagnostic efficacy for the higher-relaxivity agent when this is used at the same equimolar gadolinium dose as the lower-relaxivity agent, or similar imaging performance when used at a lower dose. Either outcome clearly implies a relevant clinical benefit. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Kanal
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Emergency Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Maki
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Peter Schramm
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Luebeck and Universitaetsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Luis Marti-Bonmati
- Department of Radiology and GIBI230 Research Group on Biomedical Imaging, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico de La Fe and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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He X, Matsuki S, Li K, Sui Y, Matsuno K, Ren M, Sutter G, Hofmann BM. Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of the novel tetrameric gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent gadoquatrane in healthy Chinese and Japanese men: Two randomized dose-escalation studies including concentration-QTc modeling. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 196:106749. [PMID: 38499113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of the novel tetrameric high-relaxivity gadolinium-based contrast agent gadoquatrane in Japanese (Study 1) and Chinese men (Study 2). PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS In two similarly designed single-center, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, consecutive-cohort dose-escalation studies, healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to intravenous administration of gadoquatrane (0.01-0.1 mmol gadolinium/kg body weight) or placebo. Study procedures included blood sampling and collection of urine for pharmacokinetic analyses and safety assessments. RESULTS Twenty-five healthy Japanese men (mean age ± standard deviation: 26±5.9 years) and 23 healthy Chinese men (31±7.6 years old) were evaluated. In both studies, the pharmacokinetic profile of gadoquatrane was characterized by rapid distribution of the drug into the extracellular space and fast renal elimination. Postdose gadolinium concentrations rapidly declined with a geometric mean effective half-life of 1.3-1.4 h. The exposure increased approximately dose-proportionally with dose. The body weight-normalized volume of distribution was constant across dose levels (0.21-0.24 L/kg). Total recovery of gadolinium in urine amounted to 82-95 % (Study 1) and 96-99 % (Study 2) of the dose administered. Only a few mild, transient adverse events were reported, none of which gave rise to any safety concerns. Exploratory drug concentration-QTc modeling indicated no risk of a clinically relevant QT/QTc prolongation at the anticipated diagnostic dose. CONCLUSION Gadoquatrane was safe and well tolerated at all doses tested. The pharmacokinetic profile was essentially the same as that of other extracellular macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agents and was consequentially also similar for Japanese and Chinese participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei He
- Clinical Trial Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application, Beijing, PR China
| | | | - Kexin Li
- Clinical Trial Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yubin Sui
- Bayer Healthcare Co. Ltd., Research & Development Beijing, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Pharmacology Asia, 6F, Tower B, Parkview Green, No.9, Dongdaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, PR China.
| | - Kumi Matsuno
- Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd., Research & Development Japan, Translational Science, Clinical Pharmacology, 2-4-9 Umeda, Kita-ku Osaka, 530-0001, Japan.
| | - Mengyuan Ren
- Bayer Healthcare Co. Ltd., Research & Development Beijing, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Pharmacology Asia, 6F, Tower B, Parkview Green, No.9, Dongdaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, PR China
| | - Gabriele Sutter
- Bayer AG, Radiology, Pharmaceuticals, Muellerstr. 178, 13352, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birte Maria Hofmann
- Bayer AG, Radiology, Pharmaceuticals, Muellerstr. 178, 13352, Berlin, Germany
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Ruprecht N, Parakkattel D, Hofmann L, Broekmann P, Lüdi N, Kempf C, Heverhagen JT, von Tengg-Kobligk H. Uptake of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents by Blood Cells During Contrast-Enhanced MRI Examination. Invest Radiol 2024; 59:372-378. [PMID: 37824716 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are routinely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. However, there is limited knowledge about the interaction with and distribution of the drug in human cells. This lack of knowledge is surprising, given that the first interaction of the drug occurs with blood cells. Moreover, recent studies reported gadolinium (Gd) deposition within organs, such as the brain. Hence, this study is aiming to determine the uptake of GBCA in blood cells of patients undergoing contrast-enhanced MRI (ce-MRI) examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human blood was exposed to either gadoterate meglumine (Gd-DOTA) or Eu-DOTA in vitro or was collected from patients undergoing ce-MRI with Gd-DOTA. Uptake of contrast agents (CAs) by blood cells was quantified by Gd measurements using single-cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SC-ICP-MS) or, to confirm Gd-DOTA uptake, by a complementary method using Eu-DOTA by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. RESULTS Uptake of Gd-DOTA or Eu-DOTA into white blood cells (WBCs) ex vivo was detectable by SC-ICP-MS and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The intracellular concentrations were estimated to be in the range of 1-3 μM. However, no CA uptake into erythrocytes was detected with either method. In total, 42 patients between 30 and 84 years old (24 men, 18 women) were enrolled. White blood cells' uptake of Gd was measured by SC-ICP-MS. Isolated WBCs from patients who underwent ce-MRI examination showed substantial Gd uptake; however, the studied patient group showed an inhomogeneous distribution of Gd uptake. Measurements immediately after MRI examination indicated 21-444 attogram/WBC, corresponding to an intracellular Gd concentration in the range from 0.2 to 5.5 μM. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the ex vivo uptake of GBCA by WBCs and provides the first evidence that GBCA is indeed taken up by WBCs in vivo by patients undergoing ce-MRI examination. However, the observed Gd uptake in WBCs does not follow a log-normal distribution commonly observed in the fields of environmental studies, biology, and medicine. Whether cellular uptake of GBCA is linked to the observed deposition of Gd remains unclear. Therefore, studying the interaction between GBCA and human cells may clarify crucial questions about the effects of Gd on patients after MRI examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Ruprecht
- From the Department of Diagnostic, Interventional, and Pediatric Radiology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (N.R., D.P., C.K., J.T.H., H.v.T.-K.); Experimental Radiology Laboratory, Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (N.R., D.P., C.K., J.T.H., H.v.T.-K.); Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences and Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar Ilan University, Israel (L.H.); and Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DCBP), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (P.B., N.L.)
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Lenkinski RE, Rofsky NM. Contrast Media-driven Anthropogenic Gadolinium: Knowns and Unknowns. Radiology 2024; 311:e240020. [PMID: 38652027 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.240020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have augmented the capabilities of MRI, which has led to their widespread and increasing use in radiology practice. GBCAs are introduced into the environment through disposal of unused product and elimination after intravenous injection, both primarily via liquid dispersion into the environment. This human introduction of gadolinium into the environment, referred to as anthropogenic gadolinium, is associated with the detection of gadolinium in water systems, raising concerns for potential adverse impact and prompting certain mitigation actions. This article summarizes the existing knowledge and problem scope, conveys the relevant underlying chemical principles of chelate dissociation, and offers an inferred perspective that the magnitude of the problem is most unlikely to cause human harm. The merits and limitations regarding possible mitigation tactics, such as collecting urine after GBCA administration, use of lower-dose high-relaxivity macrocyclic GBCAs, and the option for virtual contrast-enhanced examinations, will be discussed. Finally, the potential for monitoring gadolinium uptake in bone will be presented, and recommendations for future research will be offered. © RSNA, 2024 See also the article by Ibrahim et al in this issue. See also the article by McKee et al in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Lenkinski
- From the Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex (R.E.L.); and Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Health Systems, One Gustav L. Levy Place, Box 1234, New York, NY 10029 (N.M.R.)
| | - Neil M Rofsky
- From the Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex (R.E.L.); and Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Health Systems, One Gustav L. Levy Place, Box 1234, New York, NY 10029 (N.M.R.)
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8
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Maier KB, Rust LN, Carniato F, Botta M, Woods M. α-Aryl substituted GdDOTA derivatives, the perfect contrast agents for MRI? Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:2898-2901. [PMID: 38234268 PMCID: PMC10919327 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc05989h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Enhancing the performance of Gd3+ chelates as relaxation agents for MRI has the potential to lower doses, improving safety and mitigating the environmental impact on our surface waters. More than three decades of research into manipulating the properties of Gd3+ have failed to develop a chelate that simultaneously optimizes all relevant parameters and affords maximal relaxivity. Introducing aryl substituents into the α-position of the pendant arms of a GdDOTA chelate affords chelates that, for the first time, simultaneously optimize all physico-chemical properties. Slowing tumbling by binding to human serum albumin affords a relaxivity of 110 ± 5 mM-1 s-1, close to the maximum possible. As discrete chelates, these α-aryl substituted GdDOTA chelates exhibit relaxivities that are 2-3 times higher than those of currently used agents, even at the higher fields (1.5 & 3.0 T) used in modern clinical MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karley B Maier
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, 1719 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
| | - Lauren N Rust
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, 1719 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
| | - Fabio Carniato
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Alessandria I-15121, Italy.
| | - Mauro Botta
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Alessandria I-15121, Italy.
| | - Mark Woods
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, 1719 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, 1381 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Dekker HM, Stroomberg GJ, Van der Molen AJ, Prokop M. Review of strategies to reduce the contamination of the water environment by gadolinium-based contrast agents. Insights Imaging 2024; 15:62. [PMID: 38411847 PMCID: PMC10899148 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-024-01626-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) are essential for diagnostic MRI examinations. GBCA are only used in small quantities on a per-patient basis; however, the acquisition of contrast-enhanced MRI examinations worldwide results in the use of many thousands of litres of GBCA per year. Data shows that these GBCA are present in sewage water, surface water, and drinking water in many regions of the world. Therefore, there is growing concern regarding the environmental impact of GBCA because of their ubiquitous presence in the aquatic environment. To address the problem of GBCA in the water system as a whole, collaboration is necessary between all stakeholders, including the producers of GBCA, medical professionals and importantly, the consumers of drinking water, i.e. the patients. This paper aims to make healthcare professionals aware of the opportunity to take the lead in making informed decisions about the use of GBCA and provides an overview of the different options for action.In this paper, we first provide a summary on the metabolism and clinical use of GBCA, then the environmental fate and observations of GBCA, followed by measures to reduce the use of GBCA. The environmental impact of GBCA can be reduced by (1) measures focusing on the application of GBCA by means of weight-based contrast volume reduction, GBCA with higher relaxivity per mmol of Gd, contrast-enhancing sequences, and post-processing; and (2) measures that reduce the waste of GBCA, including the use of bulk packaging and collecting residues of GBCA at the point of application.Critical relevance statement This review aims to make healthcare professionals aware of the environmental impact of GBCA and the opportunity for them to take the lead in making informed decisions about GBCA use and the different options to reduce its environmental burden.Key points• Gadolinium-based contrast agents are found in sources of drinking water and constitute an environmental risk.• Radiologists have a wide spectrum of options to reduce GBCA use without compromising diagnostic quality.• Radiology can become more sustainable by adopting such measures in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M Dekker
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Gerard J Stroomberg
- RIWA-Rijn - Association of River Water Works, Groenendael 6, 3439 LV, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Aart J Van der Molen
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias Prokop
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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10
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Li D, Kirberger M, Qiao J, Gui Z, Xue S, Pu F, Jiang J, Xu Y, Tan S, Salarian M, Ibhagui O, Hekmatyar K, Yang JJ. Protein MRI Contrast Agents as an Effective Approach for Precision Molecular Imaging. Invest Radiol 2024; 59:170-186. [PMID: 38180819 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer and other acute and chronic diseases are results of perturbations of common molecular determinants in key biological and signaling processes. Imaging is critical for characterizing dynamic changes in tumors and metastases, the tumor microenvironment, tumor-stroma interactions, and drug targets, at multiscale levels. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged to be a primary imaging modality for both clinical and preclinical applications due to its advantages over other modalities, including sensitivity to soft tissues, nondepth limitations, and the use of nonionizing radiation. However, extending the application of MRI to achieve both qualitative and quantitative precise molecular imaging with the capability to quantify molecular biomarkers for early detection, staging, and monitoring therapeutic treatment requires the capacity to overcome several major challenges including the trade-off between metal-binding affinity and relaxivity, which is an issue frequently associated with small chelator contrast agents. In this review, we will introduce the criteria of ideal contrast agents for precision molecular imaging and discuss the relaxivity of current contrast agents with defined first shell coordination water molecules. We will then report our advances in creating a new class of protein-targeted MRI contrast agents (ProCAs) with contributions to relaxivity largely derived from the secondary sphere and correlation time. We will summarize our rationale, design strategy, and approaches to the development and optimization of our pioneering ProCAs with desired high relaxivity, metal stability, and molecular biomarker-targeting capability, for precision MRI. From first generation (ProCA1) to third generation (ProCA32), we have achieved dual high r1 and r2 values that are 6- to 10-fold higher than clinically approved contrast agents at magnetic fields of 1.5 T, and their relaxivity values at high field are also significantly higher, which enables high resolution during small animal imaging. Further engineering of multiple targeting moieties enables ProCA32 agents that have strong biomarker-binding affinity and specificity for an array of key molecular biomarkers associated with various chronic diseases, while maintaining relaxation and exceptional metal-binding and selectivity, serum stability, and resistance to transmetallation, which are critical in mitigating risks associated with metal toxicity. Our leading product ProCA32.collagen has enabled the first early detection of liver metastasis from multiple cancers at early stages by mapping the tumor environment and early stage of fibrosis from liver and lung in vivo, with strong translational potential to extend to precision MRI for preclinical and clinical applications for precision diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjun Li
- From the Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Advanced Translational Imaging Facility, Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA (D.L., M.K., J.Q., Z.G., S.X., P.F., J.J., S.T., M.S., O.I., K.H., J.J.Y.); and InLighta BioSciences, LLC, Marietta, GA (Y.X., J.J.Y)
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11
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Hofmann BM, Riecke K, Klein S, Berse M, Rottmann A, Sutter G, Ebert W. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of the Novel Tetrameric, High-Relaxivity, Macrocyclic Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agent Gadoquatrane in Healthy Adults. Invest Radiol 2024; 59:140-149. [PMID: 37921759 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents are well established in clinical routine and have been proven safe and effective. However, there is a need for "next-generation" Gd-based contrast agents that would allow lowering the Gd dose used for routine contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging procedures. The objective of this first-in-human study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile, safety, and tolerability of gadoquatrane, a novel high-relaxivity Gd-based contrast agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted in 2018/2019 as a prospective, randomized, single-blind, single-dose, placebo-controlled, escalating-dose study. Healthy volunteers were randomly assigned (6:2) to intravenous administration of gadoquatrane (0.025 to 0.2 mmol Gd/kg body weight) or placebo. Study procedures included collection of blood samples and excreta for pharmacokinetic analyses and safety assessments. RESULTS Forty-nine healthy study participants (mean age ± SD, 35 ± 6.3 years; 24 female) were evaluated. The effective half-life of gadoquatrane in plasma was short and similar in all dose groups (1.4-1.7 hours). Plasma concentrations around the lower quantitation limit (0.0318 μmol Gd/L) were reached 15-72 hours after administration. The volume of distribution at steady state was ~0.2 L/kg in all dose groups. The clearance (total and renal) was ~0.1 L/h per kilogram in all groups. Across dose groups, the exposure of gadoquatrane increased dose-proportionally. Metabolite profiling revealed no hint of degradation in vivo or release of free Gd. Seven of 36 participants (19.4%) receiving gadoquatrane and 4 of 13 participants (30.8%) receiving placebo experienced mild or moderate treatment-emergent adverse events. No serious adverse events occurred. The analysis of the Gd concentration-QTc interval relationship indicated no risk of QT/QTc prolongation (>10 milliseconds) with gadoquatrane at clinical dose levels. CONCLUSIONS Gadoquatrane with its high-relaxivity, pharmacokinetic similarity to established Gd-based contrast agents and high tolerability is a promising "next-generation" contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Maria Hofmann
- From the Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany (B.M.H., K.R., S.K., A.R., G.S., W.E.); and CRS Clinical Research Services, Berlin GmbH, Berlin, Germany (M.B.)
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12
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Runge VM, Heverhagen JT. A New Era in Magnetic Resonance Contrast Media. Invest Radiol 2024; 59:105-107. [PMID: 37862104 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Next-generation gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), including both high relaxivity agents and targeted agents, and manganese-based agents with a high probably of commercial success are discussed in some depth. It is highly likely that gadopiclenol and gadoquatrane, both next-generation high relaxivity gadolinium-based compounds, will come in time to replace the current macrocyclic gadolinium chelates, despite the wide acceptance, very high safety profile, and high stability of the latter group. Current research has also made possible the development of 2 new targeted gadolinium chelates, which look very promising, with the potential to improve cancer detection (for both MT218 and ProCA32.collagen) as well as diseases of collagen (for the latter agent). Further work with manganese-based compounds, a topic left fallow for more than 20 years, has also now produced 2 agents with high potential for clinical use, one (manganese chloride tetrahydrate, administered orally) developed primarily for imaging of the liver and the other (Mn-PyC3A, administered intravenously) as a gadolinium-free replacement for the GBCAs. New detail has recently emerged regarding specific circumscribed subregions of the brain with specialized cytoarchitecture and functions in which high gadolinium concentrations are seen following injection of the linear agent gadodiamide. These findings pave the way for tailored functional neurological testing, specifically in patients at potential risk due to the continued wide use in many countries across the world of the linear GBCAs. The impact of artificial intelligence is also critically discussed, with its most likely applications being dose reduction and new clinical indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Val M Runge
- From the Department of Diagnostic, Interventional, and Pediatric Radiology, University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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13
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Parillo M, Mallio CA, Van der Molen AJ, Rovira À, Dekkers IA, Karst U, Stroomberg G, Clement O, Gianolio E, Nederveen AJ, Radbruch A, Quattrocchi CC. The role of gadolinium-based contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging structured reporting and data systems (RADS). MAGMA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 37:15-25. [PMID: 37702845 PMCID: PMC10876744 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-023-01113-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Among the 28 reporting and data systems (RADS) available in the literature, we identified 15 RADS that can be used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Performing examinations without using gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) has benefits, but GBCA administration is often required to achieve an early and accurate diagnosis. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current role of GBCA in MRI RADS. This overview suggests that GBCA are today required in most of the current RADS and are expected to be used in most MRIs performed in patients with cancer. Dynamic contrast enhancement is required for correct scores calculation in PI-RADS and VI-RADS, although scientific evidence may lead in the future to avoid the GBCA administration in these two RADS. In Bone-RADS, contrast enhancement can be required to classify an aggressive lesion. In RADS scoring on whole body-MRI datasets (MET-RADS-P, MY-RADS and ONCO-RADS), in NS-RADS and in Node-RADS, GBCA administration is optional thanks to the intrinsic high contrast resolution of MRI. Future studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the high T1 relaxivity GBCA on the assignment of RADS scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parillo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Augusto Mallio
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Aart J Van der Molen
- Department of Radiology, C-2S, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Àlex Rovira
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ilona A Dekkers
- Department of Radiology, C-2S, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Uwe Karst
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 48, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Gerard Stroomberg
- RIWA-Rijn-Association of River Water Works, Groenendael 6, 3439 LV, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier Clement
- Service de Radiologie, Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, DMU Imagina, 20 Rue LeBlanc, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Eliana Gianolio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health Science, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Aart J Nederveen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alexander Radbruch
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Carlo Cosimo Quattrocchi
- Centre for Medical Sciences-CISMed, University of Trento, Via S. Maria Maddalena 1, 38122, Trento, Italy.
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14
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Bendszus M, Laghi A, Munuera J, Tanenbaum LN, Taouli B, Thoeny HC. MRI Gadolinium-Based Contrast Media: Meeting Radiological, Clinical, and Environmental Needs. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024. [PMID: 38226697 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are routinely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They are essential for choosing the most appropriate medical or surgical strategy for patients with serious pathologies, particularly in oncologic, inflammatory, and cardiovascular diseases. However, GBCAs have been associated with an increased risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with renal failure, as well as the possibility of deposition in the brain, bones, and other organs, even in patients with normal renal function. Research is underway to reduce the quantity of gadolinium injected, without compromising image quality and diagnosis. The next generation of GBCAs will enable a reduction in the gadolinium dose administered. Gadopiclenol is the first of this new generation of GBCAs, with high relaxivity, thus having the potential to reduce the gadolinium dose while maintaining good in vivo stability due to its macrocyclic structure. High-stability and high-relaxivity GBCAs will be one of the solutions for reducing the dose of gadolinium to be administered in clinical practice, while the development of new technologies, including optimization of MRI acquisitions, new contrast mechanisms, and artificial intelligence may help reduce the need for GBCAs. Future solutions may involve a combination of next-generation GBCAs and image-processing techniques to optimize diagnosis and treatment planning while minimizing exposure to gadolinium. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bendszus
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Laghi
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Josep Munuera
- Advanced Medical Imaging, Artificial Intelligence, and Imaging-Guided Therapy Research Group, Institut de Recerca Sant Pau - Centre CERCA, Barcelona, Spain
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Bachir Taouli
- Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Harriet C Thoeny
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Fribourg Cantonal Hospital, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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15
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Iyad N, S.Ahmad M, Alkhatib SG, Hjouj M. Gadolinium contrast agents- challenges and opportunities of a multidisciplinary approach: Literature review. Eur J Radiol Open 2023; 11:100503. [PMID: 37456927 PMCID: PMC10344828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2023.100503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Contrast agents is used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve the visibility of the details of the organ structures. Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) has been used since 1988 in MRI for diagnostic and follow-up of patients, the gadolinium good properties make it an effective choice for enhance the signal in MRI by increase its intensity and shortening the relaxation time of the proton. Recently, many studies show a gadolinium deposition in different human organs due to release of free gadolinium various body organs or tissue, which led to increased concern about the use of gadolinium agents, in this study, the potential diseases that may affect the patient and side effects that appear on the patient and related to accumulation of gadolinium were clarified, the study focused on the organs such as brain and bones in which gadolinium deposition was found and the lesions associated with it, and the diseases associated with gadolinium retention includes Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) and Gadolinium deposition disease (GDD). Some studies tended to improve the contrast agents by developing a new non-gadolinium agents or development of next-generation gadolinium agents. In this review article the latest knowledge about MRI contrast agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebal Iyad
- Ibn Rushd Radiology Centre, Hebron, Palestine
| | - Muntaser S.Ahmad
- Ibn Rushd Radiology Centre, Hebron, Palestine
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Allied Medical Health, Palestine Ahliya University, Dheisha, Bethlehem, Palestine
| | - Sanaa G. Alkhatib
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Allied Medical Health, Palestine Ahliya University, Dheisha, Bethlehem, Palestine
| | - Mohammad Hjouj
- Medical Imaging Department, Faculty of Health Professions, Al-Quds University, Abu Deis - Main Campus, Jerusalem, Palestine
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16
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Peng Y, Li Y, Li L, Xie M, Wang Y, Butch CJ. Coating influence on inner shell water exchange: An underinvestigated major contributor to SPIONs relaxation properties. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 54:102713. [PMID: 37839694 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are heavily studied as potential MRI contrast enhancing agents. Every year, novel coatings are reported which yield large increases in relaxivity compared to similar particles. However, the reason for the increased performance is not always well understood mechanistically. In this review, we attempt to relate these advances back to fundamental models of relaxivity, developed for chelated metal ions, primarily gadolinium. We focus most closely on the three-shell model which considers the relaxation of surface-bound, entrained, and bulk water molecules as three distinct contributions to total relaxation. Because SPIONs are larger, more complex, and entrain significantly more water than gadolinium-based contrast agents, we consider how to adapt the application of classical models to SPIONs in a predictive manner. By carefully considering models and previous results, a qualitative model of entrained water interactions emerges, based primarily on the contributions of core size, coating thickness, density, and hydrophilicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusong Peng
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunlong Li
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Manman Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221006, China.
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Christopher J Butch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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17
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Starekova J, Pirasteh A, Reeder SB. Update on Gadolinium Based Contrast Agent Safety, From the AJR Special Series on Contrast Media. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2023. [PMID: 37850581 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.23.30036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Since its introduction 35 years ago, gadolinium-enhanced MRI has fundamentally changed medical practice. While extraordinarily safe, gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) may have side effects. Four distinct safety considerations include: acute allergic-like reactions, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), gadolinium deposition, and symptoms associated with gadolinium exposure. Acute reactions after GBCA administration are uncommon-far less than with iodinated contrast agents-and, while rare, serious reactions can occur. NSF is a rare, but serious, scleroderma-like condition occurring in patients with kidney failure after exposure to American College of Radiology (ACR) Group 1 GBCAs. Group 2 and 3 GBCAs are considered lower risk, and, through their use, NSF has largely been eliminated. Unrelated to NSF, retention of trace amounts of gadolinium in the brain and other organs has been recognized for over a decade. Deposition occurs with all agents, although linear agents appear to deposit more than macrocyclic agents. Importantly, to date, no data demonstrate any adverse biologic or clinical effects from gadolinium deposition, even with normal kidney function. This article summarizes the latest safety evidence of commercially available GBCAs with a focus on new agents, discusses updates to the ACR NSF GBCA safety classification, and describes approaches for strengthening the evidence needed for regulatory decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Starekova
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ali Pirasteh
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Scott B Reeder
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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18
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Rizzo R, Capozza M, Carrera C, Terreno E. Bi-HPDO3A as a novel contrast agent for X-ray computed tomography. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16747. [PMID: 37798332 PMCID: PMC10556142 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43031-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A new bismuth-based CT agent was synthesized through a facile synthesis strategy. The in vitro stability, toxicity and CT performance were evaluated. The in vivo imaging performance was investigated using three different doses (0.5, 1.2 and 5 mmol/kg) and the result obtained at 1.2 mmol/kg was compared with the clinically approved CT agent iopamidol at the same dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rizzo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Capozza
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Carrera
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Enzo Terreno
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Turin, Italy.
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Haase R, Pinetz T, Kobler E, Paech D, Effland A, Radbruch A, Deike-Hofmann K. Artificial Contrast: Deep Learning for Reducing Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents in Neuroradiology. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:539-547. [PMID: 36822654 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Deep learning approaches are playing an ever-increasing role throughout diagnostic medicine, especially in neuroradiology, to solve a wide range of problems such as segmentation, synthesis of missing sequences, and image quality improvement. Of particular interest is their application in the reduction of gadolinium-based contrast agents, the administration of which has been under cautious reevaluation in recent years because of concerns about gadolinium deposition and its unclear long-term consequences. A growing number of studies are investigating the reduction (low-dose approach) or even complete substitution (zero-dose approach) of gadolinium-based contrast agents in diverse patient populations using a variety of deep learning methods. This work aims to highlight selected research and discusses the advantages and limitations of recent deep learning approaches, the challenges of assessing its output, and the progress toward clinical applicability distinguishing between the low-dose and zero-dose approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Pinetz
- Institute of Applied Mathematics, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Erich Kobler
- From the Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
| | | | - Alexander Effland
- Institute of Applied Mathematics, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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20
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Haase R, Pinetz T, Bendella Z, Kobler E, Paech D, Block W, Effland A, Radbruch A, Deike-Hofmann K. Reduction of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents in MRI Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Different Input Protocols: Limited Interchangeability of Synthesized Sequences With Original Full-Dose Images Despite Excellent Quantitative Performance. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:420-430. [PMID: 36735399 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to implement a state-of-the-art convolutional neural network used to synthesize artificial T1-weighted (T1w) full-dose images from corresponding noncontrast and low-dose images (using various settings of input sequences) and test its performance on a patient population acquired prospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this monocentric, institutional review board-approved study, a total of 138 participants were included who received an adapted imaging protocol with acquisition of a T1w low dose after administration of 10% of the standard dose and acquisition of a T1w full dose after administration of the remaining 90% of the standard dose of a gadolinium-containing contrast agent. A total of 83 participants formed the training sample (51.7 ± 16.5 years, 36 women), 25 the validation sample (55.3 ± 16.4 years, 11 women), and 30 the test sample (55.0 ± 15.0 years, 9 women). Four input settings were differentiated: only the T1w noncontrast and T1w low-dose images (standard setting), only the T1w noncontrast and T1w low-dose images with a prolonged postinjection time of 5 minutes (5-minute setting), multiple noncontrast sequences (T1w, T2w, diffusion) and the T1w low-dose images (extended setting), and only noncontrast sequences (T1w, T2w, diffusion) were used (zero-dose setting). For each setting, a deep neural network was trained to synthesize artificial T1w full-dose images, which were assessed on the test sample using an objective evaluation based on quantitative metrics and a subjective evaluation through a reader-based study. Three readers scored the overall image quality, the interchangeability in regard to the clinical conclusion compared with the true T1w full-dose sequence, the contrast enhancement of lesions, and their conformity to the respective references in the true T1w full dose. RESULTS Quantitative analysis of the artificial T1w full-dose images of the standard setting provided a peak signal-to-noise ratio of 33.39 ± 0.62 (corresponding to an average improvement of the low-dose sequences of 5.2 dB) and a structural similarity index measure of 0.938 ± 0.005. In the 4-fold cross-validation, the extended setting yielded similar performance to the standard setting in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio ( P = 0.20), but a slight improvement in structural similarity index measure ( P < 0.0001). For all settings, the reader study found comparable overall image quality between the original and artificial T1w full-dose images. The proportion of scans scored as fully or mostly interchangeable was 55%, 58%, 43%, and 3% and the average counts of false positives per case were 0.42 ± 0.83, 0.34 ± 0.71, 0.82 ± 1.15, and 2.00 ± 1.07 for the standard, 5-minute, extended, and zero-dose setting, respectively. Using a 5-point Likert scale (0 to 4, 0 being the worst), all settings of synthesized full-dose images showed significantly poorer contrast enhancement of lesions compared with the original full-dose sequence (difference of average degree of contrast enhancement-standard: -0.97 ± 0.83, P = <0.001; 5-minute: -0.93 ± 0.91, P = <0.001; extended: -0.96 ± 0.97, P = <0.001; zero-dose: -2.39 ± 1.14, P = <0.001). The average scores of conformity of the lesions compared with the original full-dose sequence were 2.25 ± 1.21, 2.22 ± 1.27, 2.24 ± 1.25, and 0.73 ± 0.93 for the standard, 5-minute, extended, and zero-dose setting, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The tested deep learning algorithm for synthesis of artificial T1w full-dose sequences based on images after administration of only 10% of the standard dose of a gadolinium-based contrast agent showed very good quantitative performance. Despite good image quality in all settings, both false-negative and false-positive signals resulted in significantly limited interchangeability of the synthesized sequences with the original full-dose sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Pinetz
- Institute of Applied Mathematics, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Zeynep Bendella
- From the Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
| | - Erich Kobler
- From the Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
| | | | - Wolfgang Block
- From the Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
| | - Alexander Effland
- Institute of Applied Mathematics, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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