Serial MRI studies show progressive signal change in the dentate nuclei and globus pallidi of a patient who received multiple gadolinium-based contrast doses over several years. This finding is MOST strongly associated with which class of agents?
- A Macrocyclic agents such as gadobutrol
- B Hepatobiliary agents such as gadoxetate disodium
- C Linear agents such as gadodiamide ✓
- D Blood pool agents such as gadofosveset
Correct answer: C. Linear agents such as gadodiamide
Explanation
Repeated gadolinium administration leads to deposition of trace gadolinium in the dentate nucleus, globus pallidus and other neural tissues, seen as increased signal on unenhanced T1-weighted images. Deposition is far greater with linear agents because their weaker chelation allows gadolinium to dissociate and bind tissue macromolecules. Macrocyclic agents like gadobutrol and gadoterate are kinetically stable and show minimal or no measurable brain deposition, which is why they are preferred for repeat dosing.
Reference: Grainger and Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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