Gadopentetate dimeglumine is potentially an alternative contrast agent for three-dimensional computed tomography angiography with multidetector-row helical scanning.

Objective: To demonstrate that gadopentetate dimeglumine is potentially an alternative contrast medium for computed tomographic angiography (CTA).

Methods: One 12.2-kg Beagle dog was studied as proof of principle; the cervical vessels of three adult human patients were imaged for presurgical planning of the neck. Gadopentetate dimeglumine, 0.5 mol/l (Berlex Laboratories, Wayne, NJ, U.S.A.), a LightSpeed QX/i CT (General Electric Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A.), and an Ultra Sparc II (SUN Microsystems, Santa Clara, CA, U.S.A.) running Advantage Windows 3.1 (General Electric Medical Systems) were used.

Results: Sufficient enhancement for CTA of the thoracic aorta, cervical vessels, and abdominal vessels was produced in the experimental dog, and the cervical vessels were clearly defined in all three patients.

Conclusion: In that subset of patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast medium and for whom magnetic resonance angiography is inappropriate, gadopentetate dimeglumine may be an alternative contrast medium for CTA.