title: First human Cerenkography.
abstract: Cerenkov luminescence imaging is an emerging optical preclinical modality based on the detection of Cerenkov radiation induced by beta particles when traveling though biological tissues with a velocity greater than the speed of light. We present the first human Cerenkography obtained by detecting Cerenkov radiation escaping the thyroid gland of a patient treated for hyperthyroidism. The Cerenkov light was detected using an electron multiplied charge coupled device and a conventional C-mount lens. The system set-up has been tested by using a slab of ex vivo tissue equal to a 1 cm slice of chicken breast in order to simulate optical photons attenuation. We then imaged for 2 min the head and neck region of a patient treated orally 24 h before with 550 MBq of I-131. Co-registration between photographic and Cerenkov images showed a good localization of the Cerenkov light within the thyroid region. In conclusion, we showed that it is possible to obtain a planar image of Cerenkov photons escaping from a human tissue. Cerenkography is a potential novel medical tool to image superficial organs of patients treated with beta minus radiopharmaceuticals and can be extended to the imaging of beta plus emitters.
authors: Antonello Enrico
authors: AE
authors: Spinelli
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Ferdeghini
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Cavedon
authors: Emanuele
authors: E
authors: Zivelonghi
authors: Riccardo
authors: R
authors: Calandrino
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Fenzi
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Sbarbati
authors: Federico
authors: F
authors: Boschi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001610:Beta Particles; D002645:Chickens; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy; D049449:Luminescence; D055096:Optical Devices; D055620:Optical Phenomena; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18