Chemistry of MRI Contrast Agents: Current Challenges and New Frontiers.

ABSTRACT: Tens of millions of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams are performed annually around the world. The contrast agents, which improve diagnostic accuracy, are almost exclusively small, hydrophilic gadolinium(III) based chelates. In recent years concerns have arisen surrounding the long-term safety of these compounds, and this has spurred research into alternatives. There has also been a push to develop new molecularly targeted contrast agents or agents that can sense pathological changes in the local environment. This comprehensive review describes the state of the art of clinically approved contrast agents, their mechanism of action, and factors influencing their safety. From there we describe different mechanisms of generating MR image contrast such as relaxation, chem

SUBMITTER: Wahsner J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6516866 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature