Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most important tools in clinical diagnostics and biomedical research. The number of MRI scanners operating around the world is estimated to be approximately 20,000, and the development of contrast agents, currently used in about a third of the 50 million clinical MRI examinations performed every year, has largely contributed to this significant achievement. This completely revised and extended second edition: Includes new chapters on targeted, responsive, PARACEST and nanoparticle MRI contrast agents. Covers the basic chemistries, MR physics and the most important techniques used by chemists in the characterization of MRI agents from every angle from synthesis to safety considerations. Is written for all of those involved in the development and application of contrast agents in MRI. Presented in colour, it provides readers with true representation and easy interpretation of the images. A word from the Authors: Twelve years after the first edition published, we are convinced that the chemistry of MRI agents has a bright future. By assembling all important information on the design principles and functioning of magnetic resonance imaging probes, this book intends to be a useful tool for both experts and newcomers in the field. We hope that it helps inspire further work in order to create more efficient and specific imaging probes that will allow materializing the dream of seeing even deeper and better inside the living organisms. Reviews of the First Edition: "...attempts, for the first time, to review the whole spectrum of involved chemical disciplines in this technique..."—Journal of the American Chemical Society "...well balanced in its scope and attention to detail...a valuable addition to the library of MR scientists..."—NMR in Biomedicine

This revised edition of Contrast Media: Safety Issues and Guidelines, updates the successful first edition and contains new chapters. It provides an invaluable, unique and unparalleled source of information on the safety issues relating to contrast media.

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Extracellular MRI and X-ray contrast agents are characterized by their phar- cokinetic behaviour.After intravascular injection their plasma-level time curve is characeterized by two phases. The agents are rapidly distributed between plasma and interstitial spaces followed by renal elimination with a terminal half-live of approximatly 1–2 hours. They are excreted via the kidneys in unchanged form by glomerular filtration. Extracellular water-soluble contrast agents to be applied for X-ray imaging were introduced into clinical practice in 1923. Since that time they have proved to be most valuable tools in diagnostics.They contain iodine as the element of choice with a sufficiently high atomic weight difference to organic tissue. As positive contrast agents their attenuation of radiation is higher compared with the attenuation of the surrounding tissue. By this contrast enhancement X-ray diagnostics could be improved dramatically. In 2,4,6-triiodobenzoic acid derivatives iodine is firmly bound. Nowadays diamides of the 2,4,6-triiodo-5-acylamino-isophthalic acid like iopromide (Ultravist, Fig. 1) are used as non-ionic (neutral) X-ray contrast agents in most cases [1].

with contributions by numerous experts

Journalists, always very direct and in search of sensation, essentially asked me two questions on the occasion of this workshop: What were the goals of the meeting? With the improvement of diagnosis through the development of image techniques, didn't the contrast media already have their future behind them? Many answers were provided during the course of the workshop, and in order to best answer the journalists I proposed the following synopsis. 1. Since the 1979 Colorado Springs workshop organized by E. Lasser, progress has been so rapid and the newly available works so numerous that another meeting on an international level for the purpose of pre senting and discussing these advances appeared indispensable. Why not then in Europe and why not in Lyon? To expand on this progress, by 1981 the new contrast media with less-hyperosmolar molecules, still in the trial stage in 1979, were al most all available commercially for angiography, albeit at prohibitive prices. The advantages of these various media are becoming better known; moreover, in the wake of Lasser's work, our understanding of the pathophysiology of their noxious effects is also advancing rapidly owing to the use of models (for the target organs: heart, vessel wall, nervous system, kidney; and for the more general reactions: blood cells, coagulation, complement system, circulating enzymatic systems). In addition, further new molecules are currently being studied in re search laboratories. 2.

This volume highlights and broadens our understanding of the correct use and the possible contraindications of contrast agents applied in radiology. Written by experts in the field, it not only focuses on the chemistry, physiochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of both iodinated and gadolinium-containing contrast agents, but also on the relevant safety issues such as frequency of their short- and long-term side effects and ways to avoid them nephrotoxicity risk related to the iodinated contrast agents NSF (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis) accumulation of gadolinium in the brain use of contrast agents in pediatric patients and pregnancy It also includes essential data on the use of contrast agents, such as scanning protocols, in the context of various clinical conditions. This comprehensive manual addresses all professionals involved in radiological imaging and is an invaluable tool for radiologists and technologists, as well as for residents and clinicians.