Assessing the Potential of Hexabrix as an Ionic X-Ray Contrast Agent to Be Used as an Agent for Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) MR Imaging at 3 T and 7 T

Benjamin Schmitt¹, Pavol Szomolanyi, Toshiyuki Shiomi², Siegfried Trattnig

The study was performed to assess if the ionic X-ray contrast agent Hexabrix can be used as an agent for CEST MRI. In-vitro solutions with different concentrations of Hexabrix were examined with CEST imaging on 3 T and 7 T whole-body MR scanners. Results showed signals, which are attributed to exchangeable amide protons of Hexabrix. These signal seem to be well suited for CEST imaging as they showed dependency on agent concentration. Using an approved X-ray contrast agent could facilitate the usage as a designated agent for CEST MRI targeting, e.g., biomolecules with surface charge