In vitro investigation of poor cerebrospinal fluid suppression on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images in the presence of a gadolinium-based contrast agent

• Published in: Magnetic resonance in medicine Vol. 60; no. 1; pp. 220 - 223
• Main Authors: Bonzano, L., Roccatagliata, L., Levrero, F., Mancardi, G.L., Sardanelli, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.07.2008
• Subjects: cerebrospinal fluid; Cerebrospinal Fluid - physiology; Contrast Media; Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials; fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR); fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images; gadolinium chelate blood-brain barrier; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; T1-T2 relaxation
• ISSN: 0740-3194; 1522-2594
• DOI: 10.1002/mrm.21619

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enhancement on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images obtained post‐gadolinium (Gd)‐based agent injection is described in stroke and multiple sclerosis. Blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption with contrast agent extravasation into CSF shortens T1 relaxation times, reducing fluid suppression. Reduced fluid suppression on FLAIR images was investigated in vitro in the presence of escalating gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd‐DTPA) concentrations mixed with artificial CSF. Low Gd‐DTPA concentrations impair fluid suppression of FLAIR imaging in association with progressively reduced T1 values. At higher concentrations, the prevalent T2 shortening effect can explain signal intensity (SI) reduction. Post‐Gd FLAIR may be useful in detecting subtle BBB leakage. Magn Reson Med 60:220–223, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.