Synchrotron-based intra-venous K-edge digital subtraction angiography in a pig model: a feasibility study.
BACKGROUND
K-edge digital subtraction angiography (KEDSA) combined with the tunability of synchrotron beam yields an imaging technique that is highly sensitive to low concentrations of contrast agents. Thus, contrast agent can be administered intravenously, obviating the need for insertion of a guided catheter to deliver a bolus of contrast agent close to the target tissue. With the high-resolution detectors used at synchrotron facilities, images can be acquired at high spatial resolution. Thus, the KEDSA appears particularly suited for studies of neurovascular pathology in animal models, where the vascular diameters are significantly smaller than in human patients.


METHODS
This feasibility study was designed to test the suitability of KEDSA after intravenous injection of iodine-based contrast agent for use in a pig model. Four adult male pigs were used for our experiments. Neurovascular angiographic images were acquired using KEDSA with a solid state Germanium (Ge) detector at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France.


RESULTS
After intravenous injection of 0.9 ml/kg iodinated contrast agent (Xenetix), the peak iodine concentrations in the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries reached 35 mg/ml. KEDSA images in radiography mode allowed the visualization of intracranial arteries of less than 1.5mm diameter.
Schültke
Elisabeth
E
Department of Surgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. e.schultke@usask.ca
Fiedler
Stefan
S
Nemoz
Christian
C
Ogieglo
Lissa
L
Kelly
Michael E
ME
Crawford
Paul
P
Esteve
Francois
F
Brochard
Thierry
T
Renier
Michel
M
Requardt
Herwig
H
Le Duc
Geraldine
G
Juurlink
Bernhard
B
Meguro
Kotoo
K
D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005857:Germanium; D007472:Iohexol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D013552:Swine; D017356:Synchrotrons
D003287:Contrast Media; D005857:Germanium; C093233:iobitridol; D007472:Iohexol