CT imaging of intrathoracic lymph nodes in dogs with bronchoscopically administered iodinated nanoparticles.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to determine if airway instillation of iodinated nanoparticles results in contrast material enhancement of tracheobronchial lymph nodes in dogs.


METHODS
Eight dogs underwent intrabronchial instillation of iodinated nanoparticles; six dogs received 900 mg each, and two dogs received 450 mg each. Spiral computed tomography (CT) was then performed 2-34 days later.


RESULTS
CT scans obtained 2 days after instillation showed the presence of contrast material within the lung parenchyma but no nodal enhancement. Scans obtained 6-34 days after instillation showed enhancement of the right, left, and middle tracheobronchial lymph nodes (analogous to the mediastinal nodes in humans). Mean nodal attenuation on CT images was 117 HU +/- 43, and the mean nodal volume was 129 mm3 +/- 113. Histologic specimens of the nodes showed macrophage hyperplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
Iodinated nanoparticles instilled into small airways are transported to the tracheobronchial lymph nodes, where they result in contrast enhancement.
Ketai
L H
LH
Department of Radiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque 87131, USA.
Muggenberg
B A
BA
McIntire
G L
GL
Bacon
E R
ER
Rosenberg
R
R
Losco
P E
PE
Toner
J L
JL
Nikula
K J
KJ
Haley
P
P
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D001565:Benzoates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D001995:Bronchography; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D004285:Dogs; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007455:Iodine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000473:pathology; D010316:Particle Size; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014132:Trachea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
C116058:1-(ethoxycarbonyl)pentyl 3,5-bis(acetylamino)-2,4,6-triiodobenzoate; D001565:Benzoates; D003287:Contrast Media; D007455:Iodine