DOI: 10.1097/01.rli.0000197981.66537.48

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PMID: 16523021

Issn Print: 0020-9996

Publication Date: 2006/04/01


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Time-Course Characterization of the Computed Tomography Contrast Enhancement of an Iodinated Blood-Pool Contrast Agent in Mice Using a Volumetric Flat-Panel Equipped Computed Tomography Scanner

Nancy L. Ford; Kevin C. Graham; Alan C. Groom; Ian C. MacDonald; Ann F. Chambers; David W. Holdsworth

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Abstract

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine the time-course of computed tomography (CT) contrast enhancement of an iodinated blood-pool contrast agent.

Methods:

Five C57BL/6 mice were anesthetized, imaged at baseline, and given an iodinated blood-pool contrast agent. Micro-CT scans were acquired at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after injection. The mean CT number was determined in a region of interest in 7 organs.

Results:

The CT contrast enhancement was plotted as a function of time for each organ. We identified an imaging window immediately after injection suitable for visualizing the vascular system and a second imaging window at 24 hours for visualizing liver and spleen.

Conclusions:

A single injection of the blood-pool contrast agent can be used for dual-phase investigations of the vasculature (t = 0 hours) and liver (t = 24 hours), which can be applied to studies of liver tumors or disease.

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