Signal intensity in the dentate nucleus after cumulative dose of Gd-EOB-DTPA: First results of a prospective longitudinal study.

Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) is a hepatocyte-specific, linear ionic contrast agent for MRI. In comparison to other linear contrast agents Gd-EOB-DTPA is excreted equally through liver and kidneys. This prospective longitudinal study investigates the signal intensity (SI) in the dentate nucleus (DN) on unenhanced T1-weighted images after repetitive application of Gd-EOB-DTPA. 46 patients were included into the study and 107 MRI examinations were performed. Statistical analysis of 25 patients showed no significant correlation between cumulative dose of Gd-EOB-DTPA and SI change and between the DN/Pons ratio_last and the mean DN/Pons ratio_first. Subgroup analysis however revealed a significant correlation for one out of two readers. Gd-EOB-DTPA deposition could not be proven in the framework of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]