Moderator: Adnan Sheikh

Bayer co-Developed Accredited Symposium: The Changing Landscape of MRI Contrast
Kate Hanneman

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents are undergoing rapid evolution, driven by advances in molecular design, increasing attention to patient safety, and a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability. This symposium will review the changing landscape of MRI contrast agents, with a focus on next-generation high-relaxivity gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), targeted MRI contrast agents, and non-gadolinium alternatives such as manganese-based agents.
Using a clinically focused, evidence-based approach, the session will examine how newer contrast agents can achieve equivalent or improved diagnostic performance at lower administered doses, with the potential to reduce gadolinium exposure, shorten scan times, and lessen environmental impact. Practical considerations related to relaxivity, dosing strategies, safety, and stability will be discussed, along with emerging directions in MRI contrast development.
The 45-minute presentation will be followed by a 15-minute question and answer segment with the audience.

At the end of this symposium, delegates will be able to:

• Describe the mechanisms underlying high-relaxivity, targeted, and non-gadolinium MRI contrast agents and how these differ from conventional gadolinium-based agents.
• Compare the clinical performance, dosing considerations, and safety profiles of next-generation MRI contrast agents across common clinical applications.
• Apply evidence-based principles to optimize MRI contrast agent selection and dosing in clinical practice, including consideration of patient safety and environmental sustainability.

CanMEDS:

• Medical Expert
• Scholar
• Leader
• Health Advocate

Target Audience:

• Radiologist
• Resident
• Fellow
• Technologist

COI: None Declared