NC100150-enhanced 3D-SPGR MR angiography of the common carotid artery in apig vascular stenosis model - Quantification of stenosis and dose optimization

Purpose. NC100150 is a new type of ultra-small iron oxide (USPIO) blood poo l agent. The aim of this study was to compare NC100150-enhanced MR angiogra phy (MRA) to time-of-flight (TOF) MRA, phase-contrast (PC) MRA, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in experimental stenoses in pigs, and furthe rmore to determine the optimal dose of the contrast agent. Material and Methods. An experimental stenosis of the right and left common carotid artery (CCA) was applied surgically in 6 Yorkshire pigs. DSA was p erformed as the gold standard, followed by 3D-TOF, 3D-PC, and NC100150-enha nced MRA. Results. Eleven stenoses of the CCA were successfully applied. The degree o f the stenosis, determined by NC100150-enhanced MRA, did not differ signifi cantly from DSA, whereas TOF and PC MRA underestimated it. The image qualit y of the NC100150-enhanced MRA was superior to both TOF and PC MRA. The opt imal dose of NC100150 was 5-6 mg Fe/kg, since higher doses did not further increase signal-to-noise ratio or contrast-to-noise ratio. There was a line ar relationship between blood relaxation rate and contrast dose. Conclusion. NC100150-enhanced MRA has the potential for quantification of c arotid stenoses and provides an alternative to DSA. The optimal dose of NC1 00150 was 5-6 mg Fe/kg.