LAUSR

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the transient artifact augmentation of microtubes in magnetic resonance imaging by fluid injection. Methods Twenty‐one fluorinated ethylene propylene catheters (inner diameter 760 μm) were filled with three different contrast media at various concentrations (Ferucarbotran, Resovist®, Bayer Schering Pharma; Manganese dichloride, MnCl2, Sigma‐Aldrich; Gadobutrol, Gadovist®, Bayer Schering Pharma). Artifact appearance was determined in an ex vivo phantom at 1.5 T using three different sequences: T1‐weighted three‐dimensional volume interpolated breath‐hold examination, T2‐weighted turbo spin echo, and T1‐weighted fast low angle shot. Catheter angulation to the main magnetic field (B0) was varied. Influence of parameters on artifact diameters was assessed with a multiple linear regression similar to an analysis of variance. Results Artifact diameter was significantly influenced by the contrast agent (p < 0.001), concentration of the contrast agent (p < 0.001), angulation of the phantom to B0 with the largest artifact at 90° (p < 0.001), and encoding direction with a larger diameter in phase encoding direction (PED, p < 0.001). Mean artifact diameters at 90° angulation to B0 in PED were 18.5 ± 5.4 mm in 0.5 mmol/ml Ferucarbotran, 8.7 ± 2.5 mm in 1 mmol/ml Gadobutrol, and 11.6 ± 4.6 mm in 5 mmol/ml MnCl2. Conclusions Fluid‐based contrast agents might be applied to interventional devices and thus temporarily augment the artifact ensuring both visibility and safe navigation.