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Measurement of porto‐systemic shunting in mice by novel three‐dimensional micro‐single photon emission computed tomography imaging enabling longitudinal follow‐up
Author(s) -
Van Steenkiste Christophe,
Staelens Steven,
Deleye Steven,
De Vos Filip,
Vandenberghe Stefaan,
Geerts Anja,
Van De Wiele Christophe,
De Vos Martine,
Van Vlierberghe Hans,
Colle Isabelle
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2010.02276.x
Subject(s) - nuclear medicine , medicine , in vivo , single photon emission computed tomography , gold standard (test) , common bile duct , scintigraphy , ligation , image resolution , radiology , pathology , physics , optics , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Background and aims: The reference method for diagnosing porto‐systemic shunting (PSS) in experimental portal hypertension involves measuring 51 Chrome ( 51 Cr)‐labelled microspheres. Unfortunately, this technique necessitates the sacrifice of animals. Alternatively, 99m technetium‐macroaggregated albumin ( 99m Tc‐MAA) has been used; however, planar scintigraphy imaging techniques are not quantitatively accurate and adequate spatial information is not attained. Here, we describe a reliable, minimally invasive and rapid in vivo imaging technique, using three‐dimensional single photon emission computed tomography (3D SPECT) modus, that allows more accurate quantification, serial measurements and spatial discrimination. Methodology: Partial portal vein ligation, common bile duct ligation and sham were induced in male mice. A mixture of 51 Cr microspheres and 99m Tc‐macroaggregated albumin particles was injected into the splenic pulpa. All mice were scanned in vivo with μSPECT (1 mm spatial resolution) and, when mandatory for localisation, a μSPECT‐CT was acquired. A relative quantitative analysis was performed based on the 3D reconstructed datasets. Additionally, 51 Cr was measured in the same animals to calculate the correlation coefficient between the 99m Tc detection and the gold standard 51 Cr. In each measuring modality, the PSS fraction was calculated using the formula: [(lung counts)/(lung counts+liver counts)] × 100. Results: A significant correlation between the 99m Tc detection and 51 Cr was demonstrated in partial portal vein ligation, common bile duct ligation and sham mice and there was a good agreement between the two modalities. μSPECT scanning delivers high spatial resolution and 3D image reconstructions. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that quantitative high‐resolution μSPECT imaging with 99m Tc‐MAA is useful for detecting the extent of PSS in a non‐sacrificing set‐up. This technology permits serial measurements and high‐throughput screening to detect baseline PSS, which is especially important in pharmacological studies.