Molecular magnetic resonance imaging of deep vein thrombosis using a fibrin-targeted contrast agent: a feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the value of a fibrin-specific MR contrast agent (EP-2104R; EPIX Pharmaceuticals) for detection of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and monitoring of percutaneous intervention for treatment.


METHODS
In 6 domestic swine, DVT was induced in an iliac/femoral vein using an occlusion-balloon catheter and subsequent injection of thrombin. The occluded vessels were recanalized by mechanical thrombectomy using a Fogarty catheter and an Arrow rotating thrombectomy device. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis and lung was repeated 4 times (before and after DVT induction, after contrast agent administration, and after intervention) using a 1.5-T whole-body XMR system (ACS-NT, Philips Medical Systems, Best, NL). The visualization of the thrombi and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was assessed.


RESULTS
EP-2104R allowed selective visualization of thrombi with accurate determination of the extent of DVT with high contrast (CNR: 65.3 +/- 17.2). After intervention, dislodged thrombus fragments were selectively visualized in the lung (CNR: 27.9 +/- 9.3).


CONCLUSIONS
Molecular magnetic resonance imaging using fibrin-specific MR contrast agent EP-2104R allowed for selective visualization of DVT and monitoring of percutaneous intervention.
Katoh
Marcus
M
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany. marcus.katoh@uniklinikum-saarland.de
Haage
Patrick
P
Wiethoff
Andrea J
AJ
Günther
Rolf W
RW
Bücker
Arno
A
Tacke
Josef
J
Spuentrup
Elmar
E
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005682:Gadolinium; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques; D010455:Peptides; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013552:Swine; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000473:pathology*
D003287:Contrast Media; C503783:EP-2104R; D010455:Peptides; D005682:Gadolinium