Interstitial T1-weighted MR lymphography: lipophilic perfluorinated gadolinium chelates in pigs.

PURPOSE: To investigate the enhancement of the regional lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, and thoracic duct after interstitial administration of lymphotropic perfluorinated gadolinium chelates at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two perfluorinated gadolinium chelates, gadofluoramide and gadofluorine 8, were injected subcutaneously into the hind legs of 10 pigs, respectively. Both contrast media were studied at doses of 10 and 25 micromol per kilogram of body weight. T1-weighted three-dimensional gradient-echo and maximum intensity projection images were obtained at 1.5 T between 1 and 210 minutes and 24 hours after injection. The contrast agents were qualitatively compared regarding enhancement and depiction of the regional lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, and thoracic duct. RESULTS: The inguinal and iliac lymph nodes and lymphatic vasculature enhanced substantially within 10 minutes after subcutaneous administration of both lymphotropic contrast agents. Gadofluorine 8 showed a lymphographic effect superior to that of gadofluoramide. The paraaortic lymph nodes and thoracic duct were best visualized 10--50 minutes after injection of 25 micromol/kg of gadofluorine 8. Lymphatic system enhancement diminished after 2 hours, and the liver and bowel tract enhanced within 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Interstitial administration of perfluorinated gadolinium chelates offers great potential for T1-weighted MR lymphography with positive enhancement of the lymph nodes and lymphatic vasculature.