[Macromolecular contrast media for MR mammography. A new approach to characterizing breast tumors].

Abstract

The value of macromolecular contrast agents (MMCM) for the characterization of benign and malignant breast tumors will be demonstrated in this review. Animal studies suggest a high potential of MMCM to increase the specificity of MR-mammography. The concept of tumor differentiation is based on the pathological hyperpermeability of microvessels in malignant tumors. MMCM show a leak into the interstitium of carcinomas, whereas they are confined to the intravascular space in benign tumors. Capabilities and limitations of the MMCM-prototype. Albumin-Gd-DTPA, for breast tumor characterization will be summarized and compared to the standard low molecular weight contrast agent Gd-DTPA. Initial experience with new MMCM, such as Dendrimers, Gd-DTPA-Polylysine and MS-325 will be outlined. The potential of "blood-pool"-iron oxides, such as AMI-227 for the evaluation of tumor microvascular permeabilities will be discussed.

• Authors: H E Daldrup, T P Roberts, A Mühler, A Gossmann, H C Roberts, M Wendland, W Rosenau, R C Brasch
• Journal: Der Radiologe (Radiologe) Vol. 37 Issue 9 Pg. 733-40 (Sep 1997) ISSN: 0033-832X [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Makromolekulare Kontrastmittel für die MR-Mammographie. Ein neuer Ansatz für die Charakterisierung von Mammatumoren.
• PMID: 9424619 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Contrast Media

Topics

• Breast (pathology)
• Breast Neoplasms (diagnosis)
• Contrast Media
• Female
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Sensitivity and Specificity