A
contrast medium (or
contrast agent) is a chemical substance introduced to the anatomical or functional region being imaged, to increase the differences between different tissues or between normal and abnormal tissue, by altering the relaxation times.
The chemical composition of the
contrast media determines the specific usage. Similar to nuclear imaging is the intention in development of MR
contrast media a high affinity to different organs or even tumors (e.g.
necrosis avid contrast agent).
In 'contrast' to nuclear imaging
contrast agents MR
contrast media do not contain radiopharmaceuticals and the concentrations are about 100 times higher. Nuclear imaging
contrast agents are direct
contrast agents;; they are directly visible caused by their radioactivity. MR
contrast agents affect the targeted tissue; they are indirect
contrast agents.
See also
Contrast Agents, the info sheet gives an overview and more in-depth information about different types of
MRI contrast medium.