title: 4-D micro-CT of the mouse heart.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Demonstrate noninvasive imaging methods for in vivo characterization of cardiac structure and function in mice using a micro-CT system that provides high photon fluence rate and integrated motion control.
  
  
  METHODS
  Simultaneous cardiac- and respiratory-gated micro-CT was performed in C57BL/6 mice during constant intravenous infusion of a conventional iodinated contrast agent (Isovue-370), and after a single intravenous injection of a blood pool contrast agent (Fenestra VC). Multiple phases of the cardiac cycle were reconstructed with contrast to noise and spatial resolution sufficient for quantitative assessment of cardiac function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Contrast enhancement with Isovue-370 increased over time with a maximum of approximately 500 HU (aorta) and 900 HU (kidney cortex). Fenestra VC provided more constant enhancement over 3 hr, with maximum enhancement of approximately 620 HU (aorta) and approximately 90 HU (kidney cortex). The maximum enhancement difference between blood and myocardium in the heart was approximately 250 HU for Isovue-370 and approximately 500 HU for Fenestra VC. In mice with Fenestra VC, volumetric measurements of the left ventricle were performed and cardiac function was estimated by ejection fraction, stroke volume, and cardiac output.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Image quality with Fenestra VC was sufficient for morphological and functional studies required for a standardized method of cardiac phenotyping of the mouse.
authors.affiliation: Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Cristian T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Badea
authors.forename: Boma
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fubara
authors.forename: Laurence W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Hedlund
authors.forename: G Allan
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D006321:Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007455:Iodine; D007479:Iopamidol; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D007455:Iodine; D007479:Iopamidol