Equilibrium-Phase Thoracic MR Angiography with Gadofosveset in Healthy Volunteers: Feasibility and Minimal Practical Dose

Charles Y. Kim¹, Tobias J. Heye¹, Mustafa R. Bashir¹, Thomas Gebhard¹, Bjorn I. Engstrom¹, Elmar M. Merkle²

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and minimal practical dose of equilibrium-phase MR angiography of the thoracic vasculature using gadofosveset in healthy volunteers. Thirty healthy volunteers were randomized to receive one of three doses of gadofosveset. Two blinded radiologists assessed the central veins, the pulmonary arteries, and the thoracic aorta. Qualitative and quantitative assessment was performed on each vessel segment. Using a single equilibrium phase acquisition, the central veins, pulmonary arteries, and aorta were well-depicted, even when dose reduction was performed. This strategy may be useful for patients with impaired borderline renal function.