PITFALLS WHEN USING A CONTRAST-MEDIUM INJECTOR IN MRI

Purpose: Using a power injector to applicate Gd-DTPA we found a contra st enhancement of the pyelo-caliceal system even in the native studies , and hence we analysed pitfalls when using power injectors in MRI. Ma terial and methods: We used a power injector Spectris(R) (MedRad, Maas tricht, Netherlands). In vitro artifacts were achieved by the mixture of contrast media and saline solution. We substituted contrast media b y red water, NaCl by clear water. Results: Using power injectors in MR I, some pitfalls must be avoided, which can render investigations usel ess, especially dynamic contrast-enhanced investigations. Conclusion: In our study we showed an easy way to overcome some pitfalls and use a power injector in MRI in a diagnostically helpful way. The simple use of valves inhibits the mixture of contrast media and saline solution.