Magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents.

Abstract

Intravenous contrast enhancement has assumed a prominent position in clinical MR imaging, particularly for studies of the head and spine. New chelates such as gadoteridol are likely to be approved in the near future; gadopentetate dimeglumine is the only agent approved for clinical use in the United States. Clinical applications have rapidly expanded for the gadolinium chelates with extracellular distribution. Within the next decade, approval is anticipated for a variety of additional agents that may help assess tissue function.