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MRI Contrast Agents Flashcards

6 cards from real MRI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What is the mechanism of action of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in MRI?

    Answer: They shorten T1 relaxation time of nearby water protons, increasing signal on T1-weighted images

    Gadolinium shortens the T1 relaxation time of surrounding water protons through dipole-dipole interactions, causing increased signal intensity on T1-weighted sequences.

  2. Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) is a serious complication associated with GBCA administration in patients with:

    Answer: Severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²)

    NSF occurs almost exclusively in patients with severe kidney disease (GFR <30) because impaired renal clearance prolongs gadolinium exposure, allowing transmetallation and tissue deposition.

  3. Which classification of GBCAs carries the LOWEST risk for NSF based on ACR guidance?

    Answer: Group III (macrocyclic)

    Macrocyclic GBCAs (Group III) have a more stable cage-like structure that resists transmetallation and are associated with the lowest NSF risk.

  4. The standard dose of a non-specific extracellular GBCA for most MRI examinations is:

    Answer: 0.1 mmol/kg

    The standard dose for most extracellular GBCAs is 0.1 mmol/kg body weight, which provides adequate contrast enhancement for most clinical applications.

  5. Which GBCA is approved by the FDA as a liver-specific agent taken up by hepatocytes?

    Answer: Gadoxetate disodium (Eovist/Primovist)

    Gadoxetate disodium (Eovist in the US, Primovist in Europe) is taken up by functioning hepatocytes via OATP transporters, providing hepatobiliary phase imaging for liver lesion characterization.

  6. A patient reports a prior allergic-like reaction to a GBCA. Which of the following is the recommended premedication protocol?

    Answer: Corticosteroid + antihistamine, with the first steroid dose 13 hours before injection

    The ACR-recommended premedication protocol for prior GBCA reactions includes corticosteroids given 13, 7, and 1 hour before contrast, combined with an antihistamine 1 hour before.