Comparison of gadolinium dose and acquisition time for late gadolinium enhancement at 3.0 T

Methods 34 patients with chronic myocardial infarction were randomized to 0.1 (n = 12), 0.15 (n = 11) and 0.2 (n = 11) mmol/ Kg of gadolinium contrast (gadobenate dimeglumine MultiHance). T1-weighted inversion recovery gradient echo sequences were performed at 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes post-administration of contrast in all groups, with an individually adapted trigger delay at every single time point. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the scar, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the scar in comparison to healthy myocardium and the percentage of enhanced area volume relative to the global myocardium were quantified. A 4-point score was used to assess image quality in all studies.