Gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced three-dimensional MR-angiography: Dosing, safety, and efficacy

Noninvasiveness, inherent three-dimensionality allowing reformations in any desired plane and safe contrast agents, coupled with high diagnostic accuracy have driven the rise in popularity of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) within the medical community. Reflecting its dominant market share as a paramagnetic contrast agent, gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) has been used for the majority of clinically performed MRA exams. Over the period January 1994 to February 2003, a total of 172 original studies describing the use of gadolinium-enhanced MRA in more than three human subjects were identified. Of these, 117 described the use of Gd-DTPA as the contrast agent for MRA. A total of 4046 subjects who received Gd-DTPA for MRA are described in these studies. Analysis of these data demonstrate Gd-DTPA to be a safe contrast agent for MRA when applied in a dose ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 mmol/kg of bodyweight. The documented clinical results show Gd-DTPA to be <LF>efficacious in the assessment of the arterial system. The effectiveness of Gd-DTPA enhanced MRA extends beyond the detection, localization and characterization of arterial disease and encompasses choice and planning of appropriate therapy, as well as evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness.