Comparison of aerosolized gadoteridol and gadopentetate dimeglumine for magnetic resonance ventilation imaging of the lung

The purpose of this study was to compare aerosolized gadoteridol and gadope ntetate dimeglumine in regard to homogeneity of aerosol distribution and re lative pulmonary signal intensity (SI) changes after a 10-min mechanical ve ntilation period. Twenty experimental procedures were performed in 10 intub ated domestic pigs that were mechanically aerosolized with the nebulized co ntrast medium. Images were obtained by using a respiratory-gated T-1-weight ed TSE sequence, Pulmonary SI increase for the right and left lung was 26% +/- 25% and 25% +/- 12%, respectively, for gadopentetate dimeglumine, and 4 5% +/- 12% and 43% +/- 10%, respectively, for gadoteridol. Aerosol distribu tion was rated homogeneous in all cases by two readers. It is concluded tha t both contrast agents in aerosolized form are capable of depicting pulmona ry ventilation in healthy animals with lung capacities comparable to those of humans. SI differences between gadoteridol and gadopentetate dimeglumine are explained by their considerable difference in viscosity. (C) 2001 Wile y-Liss, Inc.