Intra-individual crossover comparison of gadobenate dimeglumine and gadopentetate dimeglumine for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the supraaortic vessels at 3 Tesla

Objective: To compare gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) and gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of the supraaortic vessels at 3 Tesla. Materials and Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers each underwent two contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography examinations, one with Gd-BOPTA and one with Gd-DTPA each at a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg bodyweight. The 2 examinations were performed in randomized order and were separated by at least 72 hours. Imaging was performed in the coronal plane at 3T (Magnetom TIM Trio Siemens) using a 12-channel neurovascular array coil. The MR sequence parameters were identical for all examinations. Maximum intensity projection reconstructions were evaluated separately and in matched-pairs by a single independent blinded reviewer in terms of qualitative (5-point scales for technical quality and vessel delineation) and quantitative (relative contrast-to-noise ratio) contrast enhancement across 19 arteries/arterial segments comprising the internal carotid arteries; anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries; vertebral arteries; and basilar artery. Findings were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: The mean technical quality across all examinations was significantly (P = 0.031) greater after Gd-BOPTA. The overall median score for vessel delineation was also significantly higher for Gd-BOPTA than for Gd-DTPA (4.3 vs. 3.7; P = 0.005). Matched-pairs assessment revealed significant (P <= 0.026) preference for Gd-BOPTA both globally and for assessments of the extracranial arteries, Circle of Willis and vessels distal to the Circle of Willis. The relative contrast-to-noise ratio was significantly (P <= 0.021) greater after Gd-BOPTA, with overall increases of 23.3%, 26.7%, and 28.5% noted for the internal carotid, middle cerebral, and basilar arteries, respectively. Conclusion: Significantly improved image quality and contrast enhancement is achieved at 3T with 0.1 mmol/kg Gd-BOPTA compared with 0.1 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA.