Magnevist® is a paramagnetic ionic contrast agent for use in magnetic resonance imaging. Contrast enhanced MRI with Magnevist® allows additional diagnostic information of tumors, inflammation and vascular lesions and the determination or differentiation of such lesions.
The contrast enhancing effect is produced by the di-N-methylglucamine salt of gadopentetate (Gd-DTPA), the gadolinium complex of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. Magnevist® has the strongest effect on T1 weighted images, by increasing T1 signal intensity in tissues where Magnevist® has accumulated.

WARNING: NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS Gadolinium-based contrast agents increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with acute or chronic severe renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate less than 30 mL/min/1.73m²), or acute renal insufficiency of any severity due to the hepato-renal syndrome or in the perioperative liver transplantation period.

See also Ionic Intravenous Contrast Agents and Gadopentetate Dimeglumine.

Magnevist® enteral (Gadopentetate) is a Gd-DTPA solution for use as a gastrointestinal contrast agent to visualize the bowel in MRI scans.

See also Positive Oral Contrast Agents and Gadopentetate Gastrointestinal.

The Germany-based pharmaceutical company is the result of the take-over of Schering AG by Bayer AG in 2006. The Bayer Schering Pharma AG is part of the Bayer HealthCare AG, which represents the pharmaceutical part of the Bayer Group. Activities of the Bayer Schering Pharma AG are Diagnostic Imaging, Hematology and Cardiology, Oncology, Primary Care, Specialized Therapeutics and Women's Healthcare. The diagnostic imaging part's contrast agents for MRI, x-ray and computed tomography are 'world-market leaders'.

MRI Contrast Agents:

Short name: Gd-DTPA, generic name: Gadopentetate dimeglumine, chemical compound: Gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid
Gadopentetate dimeglumine was introduced in 1981, as the first paramagnetic MRI contrast agent (ionic). The Gd-induced dipole dipole interactions lead to shortening of T1, which results in contrast enhancement on T1 weighted images. The used metal ion Gd3+ (gadolinium) is toxic, and therefore bound in the renally excreted DTPA chelate, a very stable complex. The Gd-complex also induce susceptibility effects, as a result of the magnetic field gradient between the contrast agent in the blood vessels and the surrounding tissue, that lead to shortening of T2 or T2*.
Following intravenous administration, the compound is distributed rapidly in the extracellular space and is eliminated unchanged by glomerular filtration via the kidneys. Up to 6 hours, post injection an average of 83% of the dose is eliminated renal.

See also Magnevist®, Gadolinium and Contrast Agents.