Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance urography - First experimental results with a polymeric gadolinium bloodpool agent

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. The authors investigated the feasibility of contrast-enhanced excretory magnetic resonance urography to visualize the nonobstructed urinary tract with a macromolecular gadolinium-based bloodpool agent. METHODS. Excretory magnetic resonance imaging was performed in seven pigs using a T-1-weighted three dimensional fast-field-echo sequence before and up to 120 minutes after administration of a gadolinium bloodpool prototype agent. RESULTS. During the first 15 minutes after injection, the urographic effect was predominantly poor. Visualization of the entire urinary tract was excellent in four pigs and incomplete but satisfactory in three 105 minutes after injection. Furosemide application was tested in one case, which improved image quality effectively. Corresponding to the physiological excretion rate, signal measurements in the renal parenchyma revealed a gradual decrease of the initially distinct contrast enhancement. CONCLUSIONS. T-1-weighted contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance urography using a polymeric gadolinium blood-pool allows detailed visualization of the normal urinary tract, while information about the excretory function is obtained simultaneously. However, application of a diuretic seems to be essential to prevent lengthy examination duration.