Intracranial Distribution of Intravenously Administered Gadolinium-based Contrast Agent over a Period of 24 Hours: Evaluation with 3D-real IR Imaging and MR Fingerprinting

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility for the detection of slight contrast effects after intravenous administration of single dose gadolinium-based contrast agent (IV-SD-GBCA), the time course of the GBCA distribution up to 24 h was examined in various fluid spaces and brain parenchyma using 3D-real IR imaging and MR fingerprinting (MRF). Methods: Twenty-four patients with a suspicion of endolymphatic hydrops were scanned at pre-administration and at 10 min, 4 and 24 h post-IV-SD-GBCA. 3D-real IR images and MRF at the level of the internal auditory canal were obtained. The signal intensity on the 3D-real IR image of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cerebellopontine angle cistern (CPA), Sylvian fissure (Syl), lateral ventricle (LV), and cochlear perilymph (CPL) was measured. The T-1 and T-2 values of cerebellar gray (GM) and white matter (WM) were measured using MRF. Each averaged value at the various time points was compared using an analysis of variance. Results: The signal intensity on the 3D-real IR image in each CSF region peaked at 4 h, and was decreased significantly by 24 h (P < 0.05). All patients had a maximum signal intensity at 4 h in the CPA, and Syl. The mean CPL signal intensity peaked at 4 h and decreased significantly by 24 h (P < 0.05). All patients but two had a maximum signal intensity at 4 h. Regarding the T-1 value in the cerebellar WM and GM, the T-1 value at 10 min post-IV-GBCA was significantly decreased compared to the pre-contrast scan, but no significant difference was observed at the other time points. There was no significant change in T-2 in the gray or white matter at any of the time points. Conclusion: Time course of GBCA after IV-SD-GBCA could be evaluated by 3D-real IR imaging in CSF spaces and in the brain by MRF.