title: Reduction of image artifacts in mice by bladder flushing with a novel double-lumen urethral catheter.
abstract: In electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI), the accumulation of contrast agent in the bladder can create a very large source of signal, often far greater than that of the organ of interest. Mouse model images have become increasingly important in preclinical testing. To minimize bladder accumulation on mouse images, we developed a novel, minimally invasive, MRI/EPRI-friendly procedure for flushing a female mouse bladder. It is also applicable to other imaging techniques, for example, PET, SPECT, etc., where contrast agent accumulation in the bladder is also undesirable. A double-lumen urethral catheter was developed, using a standard IV catheter with a silicone tube extension, having a polyethylene tube threaded into the IV catheter. Flushing of the bladder provides a substantial reduction in artifacts, as shown in images of tumors in mice.
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago, IL 60637-1463, USA.
authors.forename: Chad R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Haney
authors.forename: Adrian D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Parasca
authors.forename: Kazuhiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ichikawa
authors.forename: Benjamin B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Martyna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elas
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Pelizzari
authors.forename: Howard J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Halpern
mesh_terms: D000283:Administration, Intravesical; D000818:Animals; D016477:Artifacts; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000187:drug effects; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D023041:Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays