title: Improved visualization of vessels and hepatic tumors by micro-computed tomography (CT) using iodinated liposomes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study was to determine whether iodinated liposomes are a suitable tracer for mice microvessel and liver imaging by preclinical computed tomography (CT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Iodinated liposomes were evaluated for vessel and liver imaging. A first group of nude mice was imaged by micro-CT after i.v. injection of liposomes at 1 or 2 gI/kg body weight (b.w.) for intervals up to 24 hours. A second group of mice bearing liver micrometastases was imaged after injection of liposomes at 2 gI/kg b.w. for intervals up to 24 hours.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vascular enhancements of 120 +/- 8 and 322 +/- 20 Hounsfield unit (HU) were obtained after injection of liposomes at 1 or 2 gI/kg b.w., respectively. This enhancement decreased with a blood half-life of 135 +/- 10 and 86 +/- 9 minutes, respectively. Liver enhancement of 157 +/- 5 and 235 +/- 23 HU were obtained after injection of iodinated liposomes at 1 and 2 gI/kg b.w., respectively. Liver micrometastases (250 microm) were detectable after injection of iodinated liposomes at 2 gI/kg b.w.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Iodinated liposomes are a suitable contrast agent for vessels and liver imaging by micro-CT allowing clear vascular enhancement and detection of small liver metastases.
authors: Department of Radiology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. xavier.montet@medecine.unige.ch
authors: Xavier
authors: X
authors: Montet
authors: Catherine M
authors: CM
authors: Pastor
authors: Jean-Paul
authors: JP
authors: Vallée
authors: Christoph D
authors: CD
authors: Becker
authors: Antoine
authors: A
authors: Geissbuhler
authors: Denis R
authors: DR
authors: Morel
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Meda
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007455:Iodine / Q000737:chemistry; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D008081:Liposomes; D007455:Iodine