Iodinated nanoparticles for indirect computed tomography lymphography of the craniocervical and thoracic lymph nodes in normal dogs.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the imaging characteristics of an interstitially or intraperitoneally delivered iodinated particulate contrast agent for computed tomography (CT) lymphography of the craniocervical and thoracic lymph nodes.


METHODS
We injected 2-4 ml of 15% wt/vol iodinated nanoparticle suspension subcutaneously, submucosally, or intraperitoneally in eight normal dogs. CT and plain radiographic images were obtained prior to contrast administration and 4 hr, 24 hr, and 7 days after injection. Correlation was made to detailed postmortem assessment.


RESULTS
CT images showed enhancement of regional nodes draining injection sites. Mean attenuation of opacified nodes was 313 +/- 297 (mean +/- standard deviation), 536 +/- 453, and 492 +/- 372 Hounsfield units at 4 hr, 24 hr, and 7 days postinjection, respectively. Lymph node opacification on CT images correlated well with node location found at postmortem.


CONCLUSIONS
Craniocervical and thoracic lymph nodes can be effectively opacified from interstitial or intraperitoneal delivery of this iodinated nanoparticulate contrast agent.
Wisner
E R
ER
Department of Radiology, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento 95817, USA.
Katzberg
R W
RW
Koblik
P D
PD
Shelton
D K
DK
Fisher
P E
PE
Griffey
S M
SM
Drake
C
C
Harnish
P P
PP
Vessey
A R
AR
Haley
P J
PJ
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003973:Diatrizoate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004285:Dogs; D006257:Head; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008220:Lymphography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009333:Neck; D010316:Particle Size; D013909:Thorax; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D003973:Diatrizoate; C089670:ethyl diatrizoate