OVERVIEW OF MNDPDP AS A PANCREAS-SPECIFIC CONTRAST AGENT FOR MR-IMAGING

Purpose: To describe and discuss previous and ongoing clinical and exp erimental studies with MnDPDP (Teslascan) as a pancreas-specific contr ast agent for MR imaging. Material and Methods: All results, both expe rimental and clinical, applying MnDPDP as a pancreas-specific contrast agent for MR imaging, were collected. Results: An increase of up to 1 00% in signal intensity was seen in normal pancreatic parenchyma, reac hing its maximum approximately 25 min after the beginning of MnDPDP ad ministration. Maximal enhancement was sustained for 4 h. Enhancement w as only seen in the T1-weighted images. No enhancement was observed in tumours and an increase in contrast-to-noise of about 200% was obtain ed. The uptake of MnDPDP in pancreatitis compared with normal pancreat ic parenchyma was decreased in an animal model. Conclusion: Improved d epiction and demarcation of pancreatic tumours with MR imaging were ob tained after administration of MnDPDP. MR imaging with and without MnD PDP might be valuable for staging of pancreatitis.