Comparison of Delayed Gadolinium-Enhanced MRI with Magnetization Transfer after Injection of Single-Dose and Immediate Image without MT after Injection of Double Dose Gadolinium Chelates for Detecting

Background/Objective: To determine whether the use of single dose gadolinium chelate in combination of MTC and delay of 20-30 minute brain imaging is useful in detecting MS lesions."nPatients and Methods: T1W spin echo images with and without MTC were obtained before contrast administration followed by T1W images with MTC starting and 20-30 minutes after contrast administration. After 24-72 hours T1W images without MTC were obtained immediately after injection of 0.2 mmol/Kg contrast material. All images were evaluated in a blinded route by two readers. Outcome parameters included the number of enhancing lesions."nResults: Single dose in combination with MTC and delay of 20-30 minutes showed 16 enhancing lesions and double dose showed 44. Differences between the two methods were significant (p=0.003). Thirteen lesions enhanced with both methods."nConclusion: The use of single dose in combination with MTC and delay of 20-30 minutes enables us to detect an increase of enhancing lesions."nKeywords: Magnetic Resonance, Magnetization Transfer, Multiple Sclerosis, Delay