Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography Using a Novel Elastin-Specific Molecular Probe in an Experimental Animal Model

Figure 2

Signal-to-noise ratios and contrast-to-noise ratios in the first-pass MR angiography (TWIST) following the administration of the elastin-specific molecular agent and the clinically used agent gadobutrol. (a, b) Signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios of the first-pass and the early phases following the administration of the elastin-specific molecular agent and the clinically used gadobutrol (). A contrast enhancement curve, typical for extravascular imaging agents, was visualized. Signal-to-noise in contrast-to-noise measurements were performed in the left ventricle. Directly after administration, the peak enhancement was measured during the first-pass. The signal-to-noise in contrast-to-noise ratio derived from the elastin-specific agent was slightly, however not significantly (), higher compared to the enhancement derived from gadobutrol. This can be explained by the slightly higher relaxivity of the elastin-specific agent compared to gadobutrol. Following the first-pass, both agents show a comparable biokinetic of the reduction in signal. Inj.: injection of the respective probe.

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