Duration Of Contrast Enhancement Research Articles

Development of a Novel MR Colonography via Iron-Based Solid Lipid Nanoparticles.

PurposeTo develop an iron-based solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) absorbable by the intestinal wall and assess the differential diagnostic value of intestinal lesions in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsSLNs were prepared with the simultaneous loading of trivalent Fe ions (Fe3+), levodopa methyl ester (DM), and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). We evaluated the particle size, loading rate, encapsulation efficiency, and cytotoxicity of SLNs. The T1 contrast effects of the FeDM-FITC-SLNs and gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) were compared in different mouse models: acute ulcerative colitis (AUC), chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC), colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), and normal control. MRI was performed in the same mouse with intravenous injection of GBCA on day 1 and enema of FeDM-FITC-SLNs on day 2. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were compared using one-way analysis of variance. Tissues were then collected for histology.ResultsThe average particle size of FeDM-FITC-SLN was 220 nm. The mean FeDM loading rate was 94.3%, and the encapsulation efficiency was 60.3%. The relaxivity was 4.02 mM−1·s−1. After enema with FeDM-FITC-SLNs, MRI showed the following contrast enhancement duration: AUC = COAD > normal > CUC. Confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed that FeDM-FITC-SLNs were mainly distributed in the intestinal mucosa and tumor capsule.ConclusionIron-based SLNs are promising alternatives for contrast enhancement at T1-weighted MRI and will help in the differential diagnosis of intestinal bowel diseases (IBDs).

Adding contrast-enhanced ultrasound markers to conventional axillary ultrasound improves specificity for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with conventional ultrasound of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) in predicting metastatic ALNs in patients with breast cancer. This retrospective study included 259 patients with breast cancer who underwent conventional ultrasound and CEUS. The parameters and patterns evaluated on conventional ultrasound included short axis diameter (S), long axis/short axis (L/S) ratio, cortical thickness, resistive index (RI), lymph node (LN) morphology of greyscale ultrasound, hilum and vascular pattern. Meanwhile, enhancement pattern, wash-in time, time to peak (TP), maximum signal intensity, and duration of contrast enhancement were evaluated on CEUS. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors of ALN status. Three models (conventional ultrasound, CEUS, and combined parameters) were established. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the accuracy of the three predictive models. On conventional axillary ultrasound, LN morphology and vascular pattern were independent factors in predicting metastatic ALNs. On CEUS, maximum signal intensity, duration of contrast enhancement, and TP were independent factors in predicting metastatic ALNs. When combining conventional ultrasound and CEUS features, five independent factors obtained from the conventional ultrasound and CEUS were associated with ALN status. ROC curve analysis showed that the use of CEUS markers combined with conventional ultrasound features (AUC = 0.965) was superior to the use of CEUS markers (AUC = 0.936) and conventional ultrasound features alone (AUC = 0.851). Combining conventional ultrasound and CEUS features can enable discrimination of ALN status better than the use of CEUS and conventional ultrasound features alone. The axillary lymph node status in breast cancer patients impacts the treatment decision. Our ultrasonic data demonstrated that CEUS features of ALNs in breast cancer patients could be image markers for predicting ALN status. Combining conventional ultrasound and CEUS features of ALNs can improve specificity discrimination of ALN status better than the use of CEUS and the conventional ultrasound features alone, which will help the treatment planning optimization.

Feasibility of percutaneous contrast ultrasound-guided cholecystography in dogs.

Differentiating hepatocellular disease versus biliary obstruction can be challenging in dogs presented for icterus. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the feasibility of percutaneous contrast ultrasound-guided cholecystography in dogs. Ten normal dogs weighing 7.6-13.0 kg (median 9.8 kg) were recruited. All dogs were considered normal based on complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, ultrasound examination, and percutaneous radiographic cholecystography. Percutaneous contrast ultrasound-guided cholecystography was performed using 0.5 ml of commercially available contrast agent and two conventional ultrasound machines for simultaneous scanning at two different locations. Two observers independently evaluated the time to initial detection of contrast in the proximal duodenum and duration of contrast enhancement via visual monitoring. Dynamic contrast enhancement was calculated using time-intensity curves. Mean (± SD) and median (range) of time to initial detection were 8.60 s (± 3.35) and 8.0 s (2.0-11.0), respectively, and mean and median duration were 50.45 s (± 23.24) and 53.0 s (20.0 - 70.0), respectively. Mean, median, and range of peak intensity were 114.1 mean pixel value (MPV) (SD ± 30.7), 109.2 MPV, and 79.7-166.7, respectively, and mean, median, and range of time to peak intensity were 26.1 s (SD ± 7.1 s), 24.0 s, and 19.0-41.0 s, respectively. Findings indicated that percutaneous contrast ultrasound-guided cholecystography is a feasible technique for detecting and quantifying patency of the bile duct in normal dogs. Future studies are needed to assess the diagnostic utility of this technique for dogs with biliary obstruction.

Experimental study on preparation and in vivo enhanced effect of a novel lipid perfluorooctylbromide nanoparticles

Objective To prepare a kind of new lipid perfluorooctylbromide(PFOB) nanoparticles and to explore its potential application as an ultrasound contrast agent. Methods Lipid PFOB nanoparticles were prepared by microfluidization techniques. The morphology and distribution were observed with optical microscope and transmission electron microscope. Particle size and electric potential were determined with Malvern laser light scattering analyzer. Twelve normal Wistar rats were performed directly contrast imaging after injection of PFOB nanoparticles via caudal vein. Vital signs of the rats were monitored during the whole study. And eehogenie intensity of the liver was dynamically quantified through DFY ultrasound quantified analysis system. The mechanism of enhancement was studied by the frozen sections of rat's liver and spleen. Results The nanoparticles size and distribution were highly uniformed. The grey scale ultrasound imaging of the rat's liver and spleen were enhanced by PFOB nanoparticles. Ten seconds after PFOB nanoparticles injected,enhancement of liver began, the peak time was approximately 3 - 4 min, the duration of contrast enhancement was nearly up to 1 h, The enhancement of spleen was more significant and the duration was much longer. No abnormal changes of the rat's vital signs appeared during the study. Frozen sections suggested that PFOB nanoparticles accumulated in the liver and spleen was the potential mechanism of enhancement. Conclusions This novel and safe lipid PFOB nanoparticles could make prolonged enhancement of rat's liver and spleen,which has a good potency for ultrasound application. Key words: Uhrasonography; Microbubbles; Fluorocarbons; Nanoeomposites

3519: Effects of high molecular polymer ultrasound contrast agents on ultrasound imaging of rabbit

Objectives: To explore the effects of the novel high molecular polymer ultrasound contrast agents on enhancing ultrasound imaging and Doppler blood flow signal in vivo experiment. At the same time, experiment was done to explore its safety. Methods: Five percent (g/ml) GAOJUXIAN saline water was injected into the ear vein of rabbit (0.25 ml/kg). Vivid-7 color Doppler ultrasound machine with a 12L probe was used to dynamically observe the ultrasound gray scale imaging and Doppler flow signals of rabbits’ livers and kidneys under different mechanic index (MI) and different models, such as harmonic, color Doppler and power Doppler models; echogenic intensity of the livers was dynamically quantified. Results: GAOJUXIAN can enhance the gray scale ultrasound imaging and Doppler flow signals of liver and kidney under high or low mechanic index; the enhancement of peak echogenic intensity of the livers after injecting GAOJUXIAN was up to 12.4 ± 2.7dB. The duration of contrast enhancement was longer than 30 minutes. No death or abnormal behaviors of rabbits were observed within 2 weeks. Conclusions: GAOJUXIAN is a kind of safe new ultrasound contrast agent that can enhance ultrasound imaging greatly at different mechanical index, and has a long duration time.

Contrast optimization and scan timing for single and multidetector-row computed tomography.

Various complex pharmacokinetic interrelationships affect the use of contrast media for computed tomography (CT) imaging. These include factors related to each patient's unique body habitus and their degree of health, such as their age, gender, height, weight, and cardiovascular status. Of equal importance are factors related to the contrast material injection. The volume, concentration, and rate of injection all affect the degree of enhancement that is achieved with an injection of contrast material. In addition, the injection technique--whether the contrast is infused at a constant injection rate (uniphasic injection) or whether the rate is altered during the injection (multiphasic injection)--also affects the magnitude and duration of contrast enhancement. In body CT imaging, the liver poses unique challenges in managing the use of intravenous contrast material because of its dual blood supply and the need to complete imaging before equilibrium occurs between the intravascular and extravascular compartments. The magnitude of hepatic enhancement that is ultimately achieved is related primarily to the amount of iodinated contrast material that accumulates in the extravascular space within the target organ, independent of the speed of the CT scanner. The key determinant of the onset of the equilibrium phase is the injection duration. Given that a high injection flow rate (4-5 ml/s) is desirable for arterial phase imaging, the injection duration is maintained by using an appropriate contrast volume. Thus, modifications of the total iodine dose are best performed by altering the contrast concentration. Use of a high contrast concentration (400 mg iodine/ml) may be advantageous in heavy patients, or in patients in whom routine imaging is married with a need for high-detail imaging of the vasculature with high resolution CT angiography. The magnitude of arterial enhancement that is achieved is related to both the concentration of contrast and the rate of administration. The speed of the scanner determines its ability to record image data during the most advantageous time period, the peak of arterial enhancement. Thus, rapid imaging is particularly advantageous for optimal contrast use in CT angiography as well as in multiphasic imaging of the parenchymal organs.

Use of high concentration contrast media (HCCM): principles and rationale—body CT

Numerous complex pharmacokinetic interrelationships affect the use of contrast media for computed tomography (CT) imaging. The volume, concentration, and rate of injection, all affect the degree of enhancement that is achieved with an injection of contrast material. In addition, the injection technique, whether the contrast is infused with a constant injection rate (uniphasic injection) or whether the rate is altered during the injection (multiphasic injection) also affect the magnitude and duration of contrast enhancement. In body CT imaging, the liver poses unique challenges in managing the use of intravenous contrast material because of its dual blood supply and the need to complete imaging before equilibrium occurs between the intravascular and extravascular compartments. The magnitude of hepatic enhancement that is ultimately achieved is related primarily to the amount of iodinated contrast material that accumulates in the extravascular space within the target organ, independent of the speed of the CT scanner. The key determinant of the onset of the equilibrium phase is the injection duration. Given that a high injection flow rate (4–5 ml/s) is desirable for arterial phase imaging, the injection duration is maintained with use of an appropriate contrast volume. Thus, modifications of total iodine dose are best done with alterations in contrast concentration. The magnitude of arterial enhancement that is achieved is related to both the concentration and rate of contrast administration. The speed of the scanner determines its ability to record image data during the most advantageous time period, the peak of arterial enhancement. Thus, rapid imaging is particularly advantageous for optimal contrast use in CT angiography as well as in multiphasic imaging of the parenchymal organs.

Elliptical Centric法を用いた造影三次元MR Angiographyにおける造影効果持続時間および撮像タイミングに関する検討

In the present study, we quantitatively investigated the relationship between the signal intensity in a vessel and the duration of contrast enhancement as well as scan timing in 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography using an elliptical centric phase-encoding technique. A tube phantom filled with Gd-DTPA, acting as a vessel, was taken out from the field of view during data acquisition, by using the "pause" function of our MR scanner (GE Signa, 1.5 Tesla), thereby simulating the presence and absence of a vessel. The shortening of the duration of enhancement corresponds to the delay of scan timing from the optimal point in the phase-encoding of the centric-ordering system. The signal intensity in a vessel (1-5 mm in diameter) decreased as the duration of enhancement became shorter and the diameter of the vessel decreased. When the number of partitions was 16 or 32 in a 128-mm-thick slab, the signal intensity obtained by the elliptical centric phase-encoding technique was almost the same as that obtained by the conventional centric phase-encoding technique. However, when the number of partitions was increased (64-124), and if the duration of enhancement was short, the signal intensity obtained by the elliptical centric phase-encoding technique was higher than that obtained by the conventional centric phase-encoding technique. In conclusion, in terms of the duration of enhancement and the delay of scan timing, the elliptical centric phase-encoding technique is superior to the conventional centric phase-encoding technique when the number of partitions in a slab for 3D MR angiography is increased.

Comparison of the efficacy of two air-based contrast agents in dogs

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences of the in vivo efficacies of Levovist® (SH U 508 A) and Albunex®, air-based contrast agents (CAs) with different shell materials, by direct comparison. Methods: SH U 508 A, 300 mg/ml, and Albunex® were injected intravenously at doses of 0.1 and 0.15 ml/kg, respectively, into the same dogs ( n=6). Contrast enhancement in the left ventricle was evaluated visually and by off-line measurement of brightness. Results: Both CAs yielded good peak contrast, while the duration of contrast enhancement with SH U 508 A was seven times that with Albunex®. With Albunex®, reduction of contrast enhancement at end-systole and in the late phase of diastole during one heartbeat was observed, and a positive correlation was observed between contrast enhancement and heart rate. Contrast enhancement was nearly constant during one heartbeat with SH U 508 A. Conclusion: SH U 508 A yielded consistent and longer contrast enhancement in the left ventricle than Albunex® under the same conditions.

Effect of filling gases on the backscatter from contrast microbubbles: theory and in vivo measurements

Two surfactant-based contrast agents, ST44 and ST68, were produced according to US Patent # 5,352,436 and filled with either air, C 4F 10 (perfluorobutane) or SF 6 (sulfur hexaflouride). Ten rabbits received IV injections of each agent/gas combination with 5 repetitions of each dose (range: 0.005–0.13 mL/kg). A custom-made 10-MHz cuff transducer was placed around the surgically exposed distal aorta and audio Doppler signals were acquired in vivo. Quantitative in vivo dose responses were calculated off-line using spectral power analysis and compared to a theoretical model of microbubble dissolution and enhancement. For qualitative comparisons, 10 rabbits were imaged pre- and postcontrast administration (dose: 0.1 mL/kg) in gray-scale and colour. All agent/gas combinations produced marked Doppler enhancement with air bubbles enhancing least of all ( p < 0.0001) and ST68-SF 6 best of all (maximum: 27.6 ± 2.04 dB; p < 0.012). There were no significant differences between other agent/gas combinations (0.30 < p < 0.70). Theoretical enhancement was within 1 order of magnitude of the experimental observations ( i.e., deviations of up to 10 dB). The duration of contrast enhancement was 1–2 min for air-filled bubbles, 3–5 min for SF 6-filled bubbles and more than 7 min for C 4F 10-filled bubbles. In conclusion, ST68-SF 6 microbubbles produced most in vivo enhancement of the agent/gas combinations studied. Theory matched the measurements within an order of magnitude.

Contrast enhancement in the craniopharyngioma cyst wall caused by irradiation.

To report the occurrence, degree, frequency, and duration of contrast enhancement in the craniopharyngioma cyst wall as caused by irradiation. Eight patients with cystic craniopharyngiomas had comparable CT or MR studies before and after either external irradiation of the cyst (n = 5) or 32P instillation into the cyst (n = 3). A minimal to marked increase in cyst-wall enhancement was seen at 66-157 days after 32P instillation in 3/3 cases and at 112-495 days after external irradiation in 3/5 cases. The increased enhancement was always associated with a variable interim increase in the thickness of the enhanced cyst wall. CT or MR imaging after the irradiation of cystic craniopharyngiomas usually demonstrated an increase in thickness and enhancement in the cyst wall. Such changes may be due to the irradiation alone and do not necessarily represent infection or increased neoplastic activity. The timing is uncertain as to the earliest possible development of such changes and their maximum duration, but they were seen as early as 66 days post-irradiation and as late as 495 days post-irradiation.

On the feasibility of real-time, in vivo harmonic imaging with proteinaceous microspheres.

Harmonic imaging is a new contrast-specific imaging modality, which utilizes the nonlinear properties of microbubble-based sonographic contrast agents by transmitting at the fundamental frequency but receiving at the second harmonic frequency. The feasibility of improving the detection of slow, small-volume blood flow using real-time harmonic imaging has been investigated in vivo. Proteinaceous microspheres (FS069) were administrated to four dogs, two woodchucks (with multiple hepatomas), and one rabbit. Three different scanners were used to obtain real-time images of kidneys and liver (including vessels) in harmonic and conventional gray scale and color flow modes. The duration of contrast enhancement lasted significantly longer in harmonic than in conventional modes (on average 87 s; P = 0.008). Harmonic images were less susceptible to artifacts, such as acoustic shadowing, and a clear increase in the (flow) signal-to-noise ratio was observed. These preliminary in vivo results demonstrate the feasibility of performing real-time, contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging, but further studies are required to establish clinical efficacy.

Contrast perfusion echocardiography: Distribution and reproducibility of myocardial contrast enhancement in coronary artery disease

A qualitative assessment was undertaken of the echocardiographic distribution of myocardial contrast enhancement after selective intracoronary injections of 2 ml of hand-agitated Urografin ® solution. The reproducibility and duration of contrast enhancement has also been examined. Forty-five contrast injections were given, 36 into the left and 6 into the right coronary arteries and 3 into bypass grafts of 28 patients undergoing diagnostic arteriography. Myocardial contrast enhancement occurred in 91% of cases. Although contrast enhancement appeared within the expected area of distribution of the artery infused, in no case was enhancement homogeneous. In 4 patients (1 of whom had undergone coronary bypass surgery), contrast enhancement also appeared in areas remote from the expected perfusion territory, in each case due to well established collateral supply seen angiographically. The contrast effect persisted for 71 ± 26 seconds. Repeat injection in 5 patients (using identical echocardiographic windows) confirmed the reproducibility of the technique. No patient had symptoms related to the injections, although transient left ventricular wall motion abnormalities were observed in 3 cases. High-grade coronary stenoses did not affect distribution of myocardial contrast enhancement, although coronary occlusions produced well defined deficits. Thus, selective intracoronary injections of hand-agitated echocardiographic contrast medium produce regional myocardial enhancement, which probably reflects the perfusion territory of the artery. The technique is safe and reproducible in human subjects. Nevertheless, because regional enhancement after selective coronary injections is not homogeneous, analysis of enhancement deficits is unlikely to provide a clinically useful means of evaluating the functional significance of coronary stenoses.