Ultrasmall NaGdF4 nanodots for efficient MR angiography and atherosclerotic plaque imaging.

Herein, ultrasmall NaGdF4 nanodots (similar to 2 nm) with DTPA conjugation have been synthesized for efficient MR angiography. Impressively, the r(1) value in MRI reaches up to 8.93 mM(-1).s(-1). The ultrasmall vessel lumen of a rabbit is lighted up remarkably. After 3 h, atherosclerotic plaques could be discriminated clearly. This is beneficial for the accurate early diagnosis of vascular pathema.