Accredited Symposium: Contrast

Bayer co-Developed Accredited Symposium:

The Changing Landscape of MRI Contrast

Saturday, April 18 | 12:10 PM – 1:10 PM EDT | Le Westin Montréal

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.

This session is included with CAR 2026 registration. Lunch will be provided.

Target Audience

This symposium is targeted for radiologists, technologists, and trainees with an interest in learning about new and innovative MRI contrast agents.

Needs Assessment

This accredited symposium was developed in response to a comprehensive assessment of CPD interests among Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) members. Expert consultations and input from the ASM planning committee further confirmed that targeted contrast agents have a variety of beneficial affects. With new products coming to market, there is an immediate need to discuss how these agents can improve image quality, lead to loser dosage requirements, and reduce scan times. All these factors positively impact environmental sustainability by lowering energy use and reducing chemical waste.

Learning Objectives

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

1. Describe the mechanisms underlying high-relaxivity, targeted, and non-gadolinium MRI contrast agents and how these differ from conventional gadolinium-based agents.
2. Compare the clinical performance, dosing considerations, and safety profiles of next-generation MRI contrast agents across common clinical applications.
3. 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

Accreditation and Designation Statement

This symposium was co-developed with Bayer and was planned to achieve scientific integrity, objectivity, and balance. This accredited symposium has been approved for a maximum of 1.0 credit, under Section 1 (Group Learning), as defined MOC program of the Royal College and approved by the CAR.

Participants should only claim the credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.