Overview of transition metal and lanthanide complexes as diagnostic tools

This review presents an overview of various elements used in the preparation of imaging contrast agents. After a brief introduction to the history of the development of labelling agents, a review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radio labelled imaging (RI) agents is presented. On the one hand, transition metals were investigated, allowing more special attention to manganese, iron and technetium. Classification of the metal chelates is done taking into account the chemical structure of the compounds. information on stability, lipophilicity and toxicity of the chelates is given. On the other hand, lanthanide complexes, especially Gadolinium chelates, were investigated, taking into account the chemical structure, the stability, the lipophilicity and the toxicity of the compounds. The various techniques for labelling were analysed and information presented about peptides, antibody and cell labelling. Finally, the authors carry out a brief review of the imaging contrast agents used in the study of several organ systems, i.e. vascular structures, liver, spine and brain, heart, kidneys, skeleton, lungs and abdominal diseases. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.