Evaluation of different magnetic resonance imaging contrast materials to be used as dummy markers in image-guided brachytherapy for gynecologic malignancies

• Published in: Radiologia brasileira 2016-05, Vol.49 (3), p.165-169
• Main Authors: Sales, Camila Pessoa, Carvalho, Heloisa de Andrade, Taverna, Khallil Chaim, Pastorello, Bruno Fraccini, Rubo, Rodrigo Augusto, Borgonovi, Arthur Felipe, Stuart, Silvia Radwanski, Rodrigues, Laura Natal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original; RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING
• ISSN: 0100-3984; 1678-7099; 0100-3984; 1678-7099
• DOI: 10.1590/0100-3984.2015.0004

To identify a contrast material that could be used as a dummy marker for magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance images were acquired with six different catheter-filling materials-water, glucose 50%, saline, olive oil, glycerin, and copper sulfate (CuSO4) water solution (2.08 g/L)-inserted into compatible computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging ring applicators placed in a phantom made of gelatin and CuSO4. The best contrast media were tested in four patients with the applicators in place. In T2-weighted sequences, the best contrast was achieved with the CuSO4-filled catheters, followed by saline- and glycerin-filled catheters, which presented poor visualization. In addition (also in T2-weighted sequences), CuSO4 presented better contrast when tested in the phantom than when tested in the patients, in which it provided some contrast but with poor identification of the first dwell position, mainly in the ring. We found CuSO4 to be the best solution for visualization of the applicator channels, mainly in T2-weighted images in vitro, although the materials tested presented low signal intensity in the images obtained in vivo, as well as poor precision in determining the first dwell position.