GdDTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the aqueous flow in the rabbit eye.

Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid complex (GdDTPA) as the contrast agent was used to image the aqueous chamber of the eye. This method, in addition to providing spatial information, permits quantitative study of the aqueous flow. GdDTPA solution was applied either topically or intravenously, entering the anterior chamber via different pathways. The wash-in and wash-out of GdDTPA follow a two-compartment model which enables determination of the aqueous flow rate by multiplying the aqueous chamber volume by the wash-out rate constant. Rabbit eyes showed a flow rate of 1.5-2 microliters/min which was retarded by the systemic administration of acetazolamide (Diamox).