Impact of concentration and dilution of three macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agents on MRI signal intensity at 1.5T and 3T and different pulse sequences: results of a phantom study in human plasma.

SIs measured in phantoms using three macrocyclic GBCAs strongly depend on their relaxivity and on the local concentration. The latter can be influenced-when comparing dilutions-by their initial concentration in their formulation. Furthermore, the pulse sequences and the chosen parameters have essential influence. At steady-state concentrations (≤2 mM) and first-pass bolus dilutions (up to 10 ml/L), gadobutrol showed highest SIs, followed by gadoterate and gadoteridol.