Characterization of a Novel Gadolinium-Based High Molecular Weight Polymer as an Intravascular MR Contrast Agent

Anne Kirchherr¹, Danielle Franke¹, Detlef Stiller², Andreas Briel¹

In the present work a blood pool contrast agent (CA) composed of Gd-DTPA conjugated to a biodegradable polymer was synthesized and characterized. The CA showed high contrast efficiency with 2 - 3 times higher relaxivities compared to conventional contrast agents. in vivo experiments in mice showed that the CA remained within the vascular system for a prolonged period of time compared to Gd-DTPA and that it was cleared from the blood through renal excretion with a half-life of 1.9 h. The novel contrast agent can be of use in magnetic resonance angiography and in studies of renal structure and function.