Improved visualization of vessels and hepatic tumors by micro-computed tomography (CT) using iodinated liposomes.
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.
Montet
Xavier
X
Department of Radiology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. xavier.montet@medecine.unige.ch
Pastor
Catherine M
CM
Vallée
Jean-Paul
JP
Becker
Christoph D
CD
Geissbuhler
Antoine
A
Morel
Denis R
DR
Meda
Paolo
P
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*
D004337:Drug Carriers; D008081:Liposomes; D007455:Iodine