Improvement of image quality of non-invasive coronary artery imaging with magnetic resonance by the use of the intravascular contrast agent Clariscan (NC100150 injection) in patients with coronary artery disease

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2003 Jun;17(6):656-62. doi: 10.1002/jmri.10317.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of Clariscan, an intravascular contrast agent, for free breathing, navigator assisted, high resolution, three-dimensional-magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA) in patients, as extracellular contrast agents are unfavorable for the improvement of image quality.

Materials and methods: MRCA was performed in 10 patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD) with (1-5 mg Fe/kg body weight) and without contrast agent.

Results: Compared to unenhanced images, Clariscan did not improve signal-to-noise (SNR) or contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) compared to fat or myocardium in the proximal parts of the coronary arteries. However, when analyzing the peripheral parts (>4 cm from origin), CNR(fat) and CNR(myo) improved up to a factor of 1.81 and 5.85, respectively, at a dose of 3 mg Fe/kg body weight, while SNR did not reach statistical significance. The visible length of the coronary arteries was improved from 49 +/- 18 mm to 73 +/- 33 mm. The proximal diameter was reduced from 3.6 +/- 0.8mm to 3.2 +/- 0.8 mm, representing more closely the diameter of 3.1 +/- 0.7 mm measured by quantitative coronary angiography. Of 11 significant stenoses (>50%), eight were identified in the enhanced compared to six in the unenhanced images.

Conclusion: The use of Clariscan at a dose of 2-3 mg Fe/kg body weight improves image quality of three-dimensional-MRCA, especially in the peripheral segments, and, thus, the diagnostic accuracy for the detection of CAD.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnosis*
  • Coronary Vessels / pathology*
  • Dextrans
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Iron / administration & dosage*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / statistics & numerical data
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxides / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Dextrans
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles
  • Oxides
  • ferumoxtran-10
  • Iron
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide