Contrast-enhanced MRI of tumors. Comparison of Gd-DTPA and a macromolecular agent.

The study aim was to define potential differences and advantages in magnetic resonance (MR) patterns of tumoral contrast enhancement using either a small molecular, extracellular fluid contrast enhancer [Gd-DTPA] or a macromolecular agent [albumin-(Gd-DTPA)20], designed for primary intravascular biodistribution. MR images of 25 mice with implanted fibrosarcomas were obtained before and repeatedly for up to 120 minutes after injection of either Gd-DTPA [0.2 mmol/kg, n = 11] or albumin-(Gd-DTPA) [0.0029 mmol/kg, n = 14]. Histologically, this hypovascular tumor contained zones of viable tissue and non-viable, necrotic tissue. Using either type of contrast media, the viable portions enhanced strongly, up to 152% and the necrotic portions enhanced poorly, less than 31%. However, the time-course of enhancement differed between contrast agents. Gd-DTPA tended to provide maximal enhancement soon after administration with no significant changes over two hours. Enhancement from albumin-(Gd-DTPA) was weak initially, corresponding to tumor hypovascularity, but over two hours the signal of the viable tumor zones progressively increased in intensity. This gradual tumoral accumulation of the macromolecular agent within the tumor was considered to reflect abnormal capillary permeability, associated with neovascularity. Thus, the increasing intensity within the neoplastic tissues over time, reflecting abnormal capillary permeability for macromolecules, may serve as a useful, albeit indirect, marker of neoplasia.