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High‐resolution MRI characterization of human thrombus using a novel fibrin‐targeted paramagnetic nanoparticle contrast agent
Author(s) -
Yu Xin,
Song ShengKwei,
Chen Junjie,
Scott Michael J.,
Fuhrhop Ralph J.,
Hall Christopher S.,
Gaffney Patrick J.,
Wickline Samuel A.,
Lanza Gregory M.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/1522-2594(200012)44:6<867::aid-mrm7>3.0.co;2-p
Subject(s) - fibrin , thrombus , nanoparticle , mri contrast agent , chemistry , magnetic resonance imaging , biomedical engineering , biophysics , nuclear magnetic resonance , materials science , nanotechnology , medicine , radiology , surgery , immunology , biology , physics
In this study, the sensitivity of a novel fibrin‐targeted contrast agent for fibrin detection was defined in vitro on human thrombus. The contrast agent was a lipid‐encapsulated perfluorocarbon nanoparticle with numerous Gd‐DTPA complexes incorporated into the outer surface. After binding to fibrin clots, scanning electron microscopy of treated clots revealed dense accumulation of nanoparticles on the clot surfaces. Fibrin clots with sizes ranging from 0.5–7.0 mm were imaged at 4.7 T with or without treatment with the targeted contrast agent. Regardless of sizes, untreated clots were not detectable by T 1 ‐weighted MRI, while targeted contrast agent dramatically improved the detectability of all clots. Decreases in T 1 and T 2 relaxation times (20–40%) were measured relative to the surrounding media and the control clots. These results suggest the potential for sensitive and specific detection of microthrombi that form on the intimal surfaces of unstable atherosclerotic plaque. Magn Reson Med 44:867–872, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.