Uso de agentes de contraste a base de gadolínio em imagens via ressonância magnética

Abstract

In this end-of-course study, a literature review was carried out on the use of contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition to dealing with the physical principles involved in the MRI technique, this study also focused on identifying the main contrast agents frequently used in MRI, with a view to understanding the effects of these contrast agents on T1 and T2 relaxation times and on MRI images. As is common in other imaging methods applied in medicine, contrast agents have also been developed specifically for MRI, especially those using the gadolinium ion. The contrast agents commonly used in MRI tend to selectively affect the T1 relaxation times of the different tissues, although they can also influence T2 relaxation times. These contrast agents are designed to enhance only the MRI signals from injured tissues, preserving the signal from normal tissues. The use of contrast agents not only enables the precise localization of affected tissues, but also allows for a more differentiated and accurate diagnosis.