Gadofosveset trisodium

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Gadofosveset trisodium (also known as Ablavaror Vasovist) is an intravenous blood pool contrast agent used in magnetic resonance imaging. The manufacturer discontinued production in 2017 due to poor sales.

It was designed as an agent for contrast-enhanced MR angiography since it exhibits strong binding to plasma proteins, thus remaining in the bloodstream. Other available extracellular gadolinium chelates extravasate into the extracellular space and are relatively quickly excreted with each pass through the kidneys. Gadobenate dimeglumine (MultiHance) can also be used as an MR angiography contrast agent because it also binds to plasma proteins, but the percentage binding of gadofosveset is higher than that of gadobenate.

  • linear, ionic molecule 
  • 95% renal excretion, 5% hepatic excretion
  • T1 relaxivity at 1.5 T: 18-20 
    • the relaxivity of gadofosveset is higher than other commercially-available gadolinium contrast agents (r1 = 7.3 for gadoxetate disodium (Eovist), the next highest gadolinium chelate). 
  • concentration: 0.25 mmol/mL
  • recommended dosage: 0.03 mmol/kg

The extended acquisition time and increased relaxivity of gadofosveset allow for longer steady-state acquisition times, and potentially submillimeter voxels. Overlay of veins in steady-state MR angiography is less of a problem in multiplanar reformats with this level of resolution. This is particularly promising for MRI evaluation of the peripheral vasculature .

In the United States, gadofosveset is FDA-approved only for use in aortoiliac disease, with other uses being off-label.  It currently does not have a role in hepatic imaging.

The suggested dose is 0.03 mmol/kg, smaller than other extracellular contrast agents (such as MultiHance), resulting in a different bolus profile.