Benjamin Schmitt1, Pavol Szomolanyi, Toshiyuki Shiomi2, Siegfried Trattnig
1Centre for High-Field MR, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; 2Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
The study was performed to assess if the ionic X-ray contrast agent Hexabrix can be used as an agent for CEST MRI. In-vitro solutions with different concentrations of Hexabrix were examined with CEST imaging on 3 T and 7 T whole-body MR scanners. Results showed signals, which are attributed to exchangeable amide protons of Hexabrix. These signal seem to be well suited for CEST imaging as they showed dependency on agent concentration. Using an approved X-ray contrast agent could facilitate the usage as a designated agent for CEST MRI targeting, e.g., biomolecules with surface charge