From the Guidelines
Clariscan (gadoterate meglumine) is a macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enhance visualization of abnormal structures or lesions in the body, whereas Eovist (gadoxetate disodium) is a liver-specific contrast agent that is partially taken up by hepatocytes and excreted into the bile, making it particularly valuable for detecting and characterizing liver lesions. The primary difference between Clariscan and Eovist lies in their clinical application and properties. Clariscan is used for general MRI applications, including brain, spine, and body imaging, and remains in the extracellular space without specific uptake by liver cells 1. On the other hand, Eovist is specifically used for detailed liver evaluation due to its hepatobiliary excretion pathway, which allows for the detection and characterization of liver lesions during the hepatobiliary phase of imaging.
Some key points to consider when choosing between Clariscan and Eovist include:
- Safety profiles: Clariscan is a macrocyclic agent considered more stable and less likely to release free gadolinium than linear agents, potentially reducing the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in at-risk patients 1.
- Dosage: The standard dose for Clariscan is 0.1 mmol/kg, while Eovist is typically administered at 0.025 mmol/kg, a quarter of the standard dose of most other gadolinium agents 1.
- Clinical application: Eovist is preferred for detailed liver evaluation, while Clariscan is suitable for more general MRI applications.
It is essential to consider the specific clinical question and the properties of each agent when deciding between Clariscan and Eovist for MRI imaging. The choice between these agents should be based on the specific clinical need, with Eovist being the preferred choice for liver-specific imaging and Clariscan being suitable for general MRI applications 1.
In terms of gadolinium deposition, research has shown that macrocyclic agents like Clariscan have a lower risk of gadolinium deposition in the brain compared to linear agents like Eovist 1. However, it is crucial to weigh the benefits and risks of each agent and consider the specific clinical context when making a decision.
Overall, the choice between Clariscan and Eovist should be based on the specific clinical question, with consideration of their differences in clinical application, safety profiles, and dosage.
From the FDA Drug Label
Gadoterate Meglumine Injection is a prescription medicine called a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). Gadoterate Meglumine Injection, like other GBCAs, is injected into your vein and used with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Gadolinium stays in the body more after Omniscan or Optimark than after Eovist, Magnevist or MultiHance. Gadolinium stays in the body the least after Gadoterate Meglumine Injection, Gadavist or ProHance.
MRI Clariscan (Gadoterate Meglumine) is a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
- It is injected into the vein and helps doctors see problems better than an MRI exam without a GBCA.
- Compared to Eovist (Gadoxetate Disodium), Gadoterate Meglumine Injection retains less gadolinium in the body 2.
- The amount of gadolinium retained in the body is different for different GBCAs, with Gadoterate Meglumine Injection retaining the least amount.
From the Research
Overview of MRI Clariscan and Eovist
- MRI Clariscan, also known as gadoterate meglumine, is a gadolinium-based contrast agent used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [ 3, 4 ].
- Eovist, also known as gadoxetate disodium, is another type of gadolinium-based contrast agent used for MRI [ 5 ].
Comparison of MRI Clariscan and Eovist
- A study comparing gadoxetate disodium (Eovist) and gadoterate meglumine (Clariscan) found that the arterial bolus of gadoxetate disodium arrived later than gadoterate meglumine [ 5 ].
- The same study found that respiratory motion occurred more frequently in participants who underwent gadoxetate-enhanced examinations (70.7%) compared to those who underwent gadoterate-enhanced examinations (28.9%) [ 5 ].
- Another study found that Clariscan (gadoterate meglumine) was well tolerated and effective in increasing diagnostic confidence and image quality in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced MRI [ 4, 6 ].
Safety and Efficacy of MRI Clariscan
- A post-marketing surveillance study found that gadoterate meglumine (Clariscan) was safe and effective, with a low incidence of adverse reactions (0.93%) and no serious adverse reactions reported [ 3 ].
- A multicenter European prospective study found that Clariscan (gadoterate meglumine) was safe and effective, with no adverse events reported in the cohort [ 4 ].
- A prospective, multicenter, observational study in Korea found that Clariscan (gadoterate meglumine) was well tolerated, with only 14 adverse events reported in 10 subjects, all of which were mild [ 6 ].