INTRAARTICULAR TOLERABILITY AND KINETICS OF GADOLINIUM TETRA-AZACYCLODODECANE TETRAACETIC ACID

Rationale and Objectives. We assessed the tolerability and the intraar ticular kinetics of gadolinium tetra-azacyclododecane tetraacetic acid (Gd-DOTA) using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Methods. Twelve of 1 8 dogs received an intraarticular injection of Gd-DOTA solution, Patho logic examination of all joints was performed with assessment of Gd-DO TA bone absorption. Effects of Gd-DOTA on chondrocyte viability and pr oliferation in vitro were determined using cultures of rabbit chondroc ytes. Four dogs underwent MR imaging of the stifle joint before and af ter intraarticular injection of 0.8 ml Gd-DOTA at a concentration of 2 mmol/l (300 mOsm/l), Intraarticular kinetics of Gd-DOTA were determin ed from quantitative measurements using repeated sagittal spin-echo T1 -weighted images. Results. No microscopic changes of the joints or Gd- DOTA bone absorption were detected, No cytotoxicity for chondrocytes w as observed at a concentration of 5 mmol/l, but a decreased cell count was observed at a high concentration (50 mmol/l), The intraarticular Gd-DOTA concentration decreased with time according to a logarithmic c urve with an intraarticular half-life of 103-152 min (M = 127 min). Co nclusion. Gd-DOTA is a safe intraarticular contrast agent with a long half-life in the joint cavity,