[Multiphasic MR angiography as an intra-individual comparison between the contrast agents Gd-DTPA, Gd-BOPTA, and Gd-BT-DO3A]. 
The availability of new MR contrast agents having either a protein binding effect or higher concentration leads to the question if they differ from standard compounds in their vascular contrasting properties.  By intraindividual comparison five volunteers were examined (1.5 T MR system) with a multi-phasic MRA of the abdomen each receiving three different contrast agents (gadopentetate dimeglumine 0.5 M; gadobenate dimeglumine 0.5 M, and gadobutrol 1.0 M).  The dose (0.15 mmol/kg body weight) and flow rate (3.0 ml/s) were kept identical.  All images were quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated by blinded assessment.  Significantly higher maximum signal intensity was found in the arteries for the protein interacting gadobenate dimeglumine (p = 0.05).  No significant difference in vascular enhancement was demonstrated in the comparison of gadobutrol to gadopentetate dimeglumine.  Gadobenate dimeglumine was shown to be a favorable contrast agent for multi-phasic MRA.  A higher concentrated Gd-chelate does not automatically lead to improved vascular contrast if standard imaging protocols are used.