Gadobenic acid (in the form of gadobenate dimeglumine) is an MRI contrast agent used primarily for MR imaging of the liver. It can also be used for visualizing the CNS and heart. In contrast to conventional extracellular fluid contrast agents, gadobenate dimeglumine is characterized by a weak and transient binding capacity to serum proteins. This binding leads to an increased relaxivity of gadobenate dimeglumine and, consequently, to a considerably increased signal intensity over that of other agents. Gadobenate dimeglumine is indicated for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the central nervous system in adult and pediatric patients in order to visualize lesions with abnormal blood-brain barrier or abnormal vascularity of the brain, spine, and associated tissues. It is also indicated for use in magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to evaluate adults with known or suspected renal or aorto-ilio-femoral occlusive vascular disease. Gadobenate ion is eliminated predominately via the kidneys, with 78% to 96% of an administered dose recovered in the urine.

Gadobenic Metabolism References