by Dr Evelyn Ho

Gadobutrol is a second generation MRI contrast media. This second generation contrast has been already in use in some countries for quite a few years and has finally arrived on the shores of Malaysia.

To introduce this product, on 27 Oct 2007 afternoon, two eminent speakers had been invited to speak on how Gadovist^® 1.0 had enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures and share their experience with Gadovist. The strengths and limitations, if any were presented.

Dr Seung-Koo Lee is Associate Professor of Radiology at the Yonsei University College of Medicine, in Seoul, Korea. He is a member of the Korean Society of Radiology, Korean Soceity of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Korean Society of Neuroradiology and Head & Neck Radiology as well as a member of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. He has many publications and is a reviewer for several journals. He spoke on “High Molar MR Contrast: Clinical application of perfusion MRI and Contrast Enhanced MR Angiography.” This was Dr Lee’s fourth time in Malaysia.

Dr Barkhausen is Professor of Radiology in the Dept of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen in Germany. His areas of interest are cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, whole body MR imaging and ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging. He has published extensively as well. He spoke on “Gadovist for Cardiovascular Imaging – See More with Less Contrast!” He shared his experience with Gadovist and how it had replaced the previous MRI contrast media that was used in his department. Dr Barkhausen previously spoke at a College of Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting in Penang in 2001.

There was active discussion over the use of this product, including the “volume size” which was being sold in Malaysia and naturally cost was an issue. Gadovist is at a higher concentration, and dealing with smaller volumes was an advantage. In addition, there were thus far, no known side effects including nephrogenic systemic sclerosis which was currently associated with the use of gadolinium based contrast media.
 

Gadovist was best used in the following major fields of clinical application - Contrast Enhanced MR Angiography and Perfusion MRI. There was better contrast to noise ratio of the vessels of interest even with a smaller amount (volume) and shorter duration of injection. Gadovist currently boasts the highest available T1- shortening, optimised bolus geometry and improved handling with small injection volumes. In the case of cardiovascular MR imaging, Gadovist appeared to be perfect for dynamic MR angiography as it helped to detect very small areas of late enhancement and also well suited for first pass myocardial perfusion imaging. In dynamic MRA, timing issues were minimised using very low dose of contrast at high flow rates, enabling good arterial enhancement with no venous overlay. It gave morphologic and functional information.

The lectures and discussions were followed by Mr Ashraf Al-Ouf’s short and sweet address to the audience. Gadovist® 1.0’s launch gimmick was enabled by both the speakers, Dr Evelyn Ho, presenting the College of Radiology and Mr Ashraf Al-Ouf. Helium filled balloons were released, together with “white smoke” as a large mock bottle of Gadovist® 1.0 appeared!

The launch was the effort of Mr Ashraf Al-Ouf, Country Manager and his team at Bayer Schering Pharma. The venue was Prince Hotel & Residence, Kuala Lumpur.