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PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to systematically compare the intra-individual image quality, signal parameters, and aortic dimensions between equal doses of gadobutrol (GB) and gadoterate meglumine (GM) in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced MRA of the thoracic aorta. METHODS 33 patients (50 ± 12 years, 30M) with aortic disease who underwent GB-enhanced thoracic aortic MRA were prospectively recruited to undergo a GM-enhanced MRA within 8 weeks. MRAs were obtained after administration of 0.2mL/kg of 1.0M GB and 0.4mL/kg of 0.5M GM at flow rate of 2mL/s. Aortic luminal signal intensities (SI) and contrast ratios (CR) with respect to trapezius were measured at three regions. Aortic orthogonal diameters were measured at six regions. Overall image quality, vessel wall conspicuity, and artifacts were scored by two radiologists. RESULTS GB demonstrated significantly higher SI at all regions when compared to GM (AAo: 234 ± 97 vs. 116 ± 29, p < 0.001; Arch: 206 ± 92 vs. 99 ± 24, p < 0.001; DAo: 265 ± 132 vs. 102 ± 28, p < 0.001). CR at all regions (AAo: 3.0 ± 1.1 vs. 2.7 ± 1.0, p = 0.503; Arch: 2.7 ± 1.0 vs. 2.8 ± 1.1, p = 0.599; DAo: 3.3 ± 1.5 vs. 3.0 ± 1.1, p = 0.099) and aortic diameters at all regions did not show any significant difference between GB and GM. Overall image quality, vessel wall conspicuity, and artifact scores did not significantly differ between GB and GM. CONCLUSION This intra-individual study found that for contrast-enhanced MRA of the thoracic aorta, CR, aortic diameter measurements, overall image quality, vessel wall conspicuity, and artifact scores were comparable between equal doses of GB and GM. However, GB showed significantly higher aortic luminal SI when compared to GM.

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