Intravenous Ferumoxtran-10 MRI: a cellular MR contrast agent with high clinical potential for the detection of small metastases

摘要

Summary Using a macrophage, specific MR-contrast agent and high resolution MR imaging allows the detection of small and otherwise undetectable lymph node metastases in patients with cancer. This has an important clinical impactions, as the diagnosis will be more precise and less invasive to obtain. Subsequently this will reduce morbidity and health care costs. However, solid knowledge of sequence parameters and planes; lymph node anatomy; appearance of normal and abnormal nodes; and other pitfalls is essential when using this technique. A very important role for education by expert radiologists, MR-manufacturers, and contrast agent companies is therefore also required.