The distribution and elimination of contrast agents is mainly determined by
their size. First-pass perfusion with the use of blood pool contrast agent
s (BPCAs) and/or rapid clearance blood-pool-like contrast agents may allow
quantitative myocardial perfusion evaluation in patients. This requires con
trast bolus injection with a very fast injection speed, A major profit from
BPCAs is expected for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), The persistent
signal-enhancing effects of BPCAs allow for a longer acquisition time wind
ow, which may be used to increase both the signal-to-noise ratio and/or ima
ge resolution, This is of paramount importance for coronary imaging, in whi
ch high-resolution imaging is desired. Moreover, the improved acquisition t
ime window can be used to make multiple scans after one contrast injection.
The role of ultrasmall paramagnetic iron oxide particles (USPIOs) for MRA
is not clear yet, as they are limited by T2* effects at higher doses, Sever
al safety aspects have to be taken into account before BPCAs are applied in
humans, for whom toxicity caused by the injection speed is a concern, (C)
1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.