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Patel A, Lalwani N, Kielar A. Use of oral contrast in 2024: primer for radiologists. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2024; 49:2953-2959. [PMID: 38955880 PMCID: PMC11300474 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04409-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Aaroh Patel
- Virgina Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Neeraj Lalwani
- Section of Abdominal Imaging, Virgina Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Ania Kielar
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto, Canada
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2
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Ataei A, Vasan V, Soesbe TC, Brewington CC, Zhou Z, Yu L, Hallam KA, Ren L. Visual and Quantitative Evaluation of Low-Concentration Bismuth in Dual-Contrast Imaging of Iodine and Bismuth Using Clinical Photon-Counting CT. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:3567. [PMID: 38894358 PMCID: PMC11175174 DOI: 10.3390/s24113567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Simultaneous dual-contrast imaging of iodine and bismuth has shown promise in prior phantom and animal studies utilizing spectral CT. However, it is noted that in previous studies, Pepto-Bismol has frequently been employed as the source of bismuth, exceeding the recommended levels for human subjects. This investigation sought to assess the feasibility of visually differentiating and precisely quantifying low-concentration bismuth using clinical dual-source photon-counting CT (PCCT) in a scenario involving both iodinated and bismuth-based contrast materials. Four bismuth samples (0.6, 1.3, 2.5, and 5.1 mg/mL) were prepared using Pepto-Bismol, alongside three iodine rods (1, 2, and 5 mg/mL), inserted into multi-energy CT phantoms with three different sizes, and scanned on a PCCT system at three tube potentials (120, 140, and Sn140 kV). A generic image-based three-material decomposition method generated iodine and bismuth maps, with mean mass concentrations and noise levels measured. The root-mean-square errors for iodine and bismuth determined the optimal tube potential. The tube potential of 140 kV demonstrated optimal quantification performance when both iodine and bismuth were considered. Distinct differentiation of iodine rods with all three concentrations and bismuth samples with mass concentrations ≥ 1.3 mg/mL was observed across all phantom sizes at the optimal kV setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afrouz Ataei
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Vasantha Vasan
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Todd C. Soesbe
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | | | - Zhongxing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Lifeng Yu
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | - Liqiang Ren
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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3
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Ghosh S, Patra S, Younis MH, Chakraborty A, Guleria A, Gupta SK, Singh K, Rakhshit S, Chakraborty S, Cai W, Chakravarty R. Brachytherapy at the nanoscale with protein functionalized and intrinsically radiolabeled [ 169Yb]Yb 2O 3 nanoseeds. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:1558-1573. [PMID: 38270686 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06612-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Classical brachytherapy of solid malignant tumors is an invasive procedure which often results in an uneven dose distribution, while requiring surgical removal of sealed radioactive seed sources after a certain period of time. To circumvent these issues, we report the synthesis of intrinsically radiolabeled and gum Arabic glycoprotein functionalized [169Yb]Yb2O3 nanoseeds as a novel nanoscale brachytherapy agent, which could directly be administered via intratumoral injection for tumor therapy. METHODS 169Yb (T½ = 32 days) was produced by neutron irradiation of enriched (15.2% in 168Yb) Yb2O3 target in a nuclear reactor, radiochemically converted to [169Yb]YbCl3 and used for nanoparticle (NP) synthesis. Intrinsically radiolabeled NP were synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of Yb3+ ions in gum Arabic glycoprotein medium. In vivo SPECT/CT imaging, autoradiography, and biodistribution studies were performed after intratumoral injection of radiolabeled NP in B16F10 tumor bearing C57BL/6 mice. Systematic tumor regression studies and histopathological analyses were performed to demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in the same mice model. RESULTS The nanoformulation was a clear solution having high colloidal and radiochemical stability. Uniform distribution and retention of the radiolabeled nanoformulation in the tumor mass were observed via SPECT/CT imaging and autoradiography studies. In a tumor regression study, tumor growth was significantly arrested with different doses of radiolabeled NP compared to the control and the best treatment effect was observed with ~ 27.8 MBq dose. In histopathological analysis, loss of mitotic cells was apparent in tumor tissue of treated groups, whereas no significant damage in kidney, lungs, and liver tissue morphology was observed. CONCLUSIONS These results hold promise for nanoscale brachytherapy to become a clinically practical treatment modality for unresectable solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Ghosh
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Sourav Patra
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Muhsin H Younis
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Avik Chakraborty
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Radiation Medicine Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Apurav Guleria
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Radiation and Photochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Santosh K Gupta
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Khajan Singh
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Sutapa Rakhshit
- Radiation Medicine Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Sudipta Chakraborty
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA.
| | - Rubel Chakravarty
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India.
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4
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Meloni A, Maffei E, Clemente A, De Gori C, Occhipinti M, Positano V, Berti S, La Grutta L, Saba L, Cau R, Bossone E, Mantini C, Cavaliere C, Punzo B, Celi S, Cademartiri F. Spectral Photon-Counting Computed Tomography: Technical Principles and Applications in the Assessment of Cardiovascular Diseases. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2359. [PMID: 38673632 PMCID: PMC11051476 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Spectral Photon-Counting Computed Tomography (SPCCT) represents a groundbreaking advancement in X-ray imaging technology. The core innovation of SPCCT lies in its photon-counting detectors, which can count the exact number of incoming x-ray photons and individually measure their energy. The first part of this review summarizes the key elements of SPCCT technology, such as energy binning, energy weighting, and material decomposition. Its energy-discriminating ability represents the key to the increase in the contrast between different tissues, the elimination of the electronic noise, and the correction of beam-hardening artifacts. Material decomposition provides valuable insights into specific elements' composition, concentration, and distribution. The capability of SPCCT to operate in three or more energy regimes allows for the differentiation of several contrast agents, facilitating quantitative assessments of elements with specific energy thresholds within the diagnostic energy range. The second part of this review provides a brief overview of the applications of SPCCT in the assessment of various cardiovascular disease processes. SPCCT can support the study of myocardial blood perfusion and enable enhanced tissue characterization and the identification of contrast agents, in a manner that was previously unattainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Bioengineering Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (V.P.)
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.G.); (M.O.)
| | - Erica Maffei
- Department of Radiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico SYNLAB SDN, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.M.); (C.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Alberto Clemente
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.G.); (M.O.)
| | - Carmelo De Gori
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.G.); (M.O.)
| | - Mariaelena Occhipinti
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.G.); (M.O.)
| | - Vicenzo Positano
- Bioengineering Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (V.P.)
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.G.); (M.O.)
| | - Sergio Berti
- Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology Department, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy;
| | - Ludovico La Grutta
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (L.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Riccardo Cau
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (L.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Eduardo Bossone
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedale Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Cesare Mantini
- Department of Radiology, “G. D’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- Department of Radiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico SYNLAB SDN, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.M.); (C.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Bruna Punzo
- Department of Radiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico SYNLAB SDN, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.M.); (C.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Simona Celi
- BioCardioLab, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy;
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.G.); (M.O.)
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Delemeester M, Pawelec KM, Hix JML, Siegenthaler JR, Lissy M, Douek P, Houmeau A, Si-Mohamed S, Shapiro EM. Device Design and Diagnostic Imaging of Radiopaque 3D Printed Tissue Engineering Scaffolds. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.26.582070. [PMID: 38464166 PMCID: PMC10925229 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.582070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
3D printed biomaterial implants are revolutionizing personalized medicine for tissue repair, especially in orthopedics. In this study, a radiopaque Bi 2 O 3 doped polycaprolactone ( PCL ) composite is developed and implemented to enable the use of diagnostic X-ray technologies, especially photon counting X-ray computed tomography ( PCCT ), for comprehensive in vivo device monitoring. PCL filament with homogeneous Bi 2 O 3 nanoparticle ( NP ) dispersion (0.8 to 11.7 wt%) are first fabricated. Tissue engineered scaffolds ( TES ) are then 3D printed with the composite filament, optimizing printing parameters for small feature size and severely overhung geometries. These composite TES are characterized via micro-computed tomography ( µ CT ), tensile testing, and a cytocompatibility study, with Bi 2 O 3 mass fractions as low as 2 wt% providing excellent radiographic distinguishability, improved tensile properties, and equivalent cytocompatibility of neat PCL. The excellent radiographic distinguishability is validated in situ by imaging 4 and 7 wt% TES in a mouse model with µCT, showing excellent agreement with in vitro measurements. Subsequently, CT image-derived swine menisci are 3D printed with composite filament and re-implanted in their corresponding swine legs ex vivo . Re-imaging the swine legs via clinical CT allows facile identification of device location and alignment. Finally, the emergent technology of PCCT unambiguously distinguishes implanted menisci in situ.
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Owens TC, Anton N, Attia MF. CT and X-ray contrast agents: Current clinical challenges and the future of contrast. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:19-36. [PMID: 37739244 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) is a powerful and widely used imaging technique in modern medicine. However, it often requires the use of contrast agents to visualize structures with similar radiographic density. Unfortunately, current clinical contrast agents (CAs) for CT have remained largely unchanged for decades and come with several significant drawbacks, including serious nephrotoxicity and short circulation half-lives. The next generation of CT radiocontrast agents should strive to be long-circulating, non-toxic, and non-immunogenic. Nanoparticle contrast agents have shown promise in recent years and are likely to comprise the majority of next-generation CT contrast agents. This review highlights the fundamental mechanism and background of X-ray and contrast agents. It also focuses on the challenges associated with current clinical contrast agents and provides a brief overview of potential future agents that are based on various materials such as lipids, polymers, dendrimers, metallic, and non-metallic inorganic nanoparticles (NPs). STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We realized a need for clarification on a number of concerns related to the use of iodinated contrast material as debates regarding the safety of these agents with patients with kidney disease, shellfish allergies, and thyroid dysfunction remain ongoing in medical practice. This review was partially inspired by debates witnessed in medical practice regarding outdated misconceptions of contrast material that warrant clarification in translational and clinical arenas. Given that conversation around currently available agents is at somewhat of a high water mark, and nanoparticle research has now reached an unprecedented number of readers, we find that this review is timely and unique in the context of recent discussions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C Owens
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Nicolas Anton
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, Regenerative Nanomedicine UMR 1260, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg (CRBS), F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mohamed F Attia
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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7
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Douek PC, Boccalini S, Oei EHG, Cormode DP, Pourmorteza A, Boussel L, Si-Mohamed SA, Budde RPJ. Clinical Applications of Photon-counting CT: A Review of Pioneer Studies and a Glimpse into the Future. Radiology 2023; 309:e222432. [PMID: 37787672 PMCID: PMC10623209 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.222432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
CT systems equipped with photon-counting detectors (PCDs), referred to as photon-counting CT (PCCT), are beginning to change imaging in several subspecialties, such as cardiac, vascular, thoracic, and musculoskeletal radiology. Evidence has been building in the literature underpinning the many advantages of PCCT for different clinical applications. These benefits derive from the distinct features of PCDs, which are made of semiconductor materials capable of converting photons directly into electric signal. PCCT advancements include, among the most important, improved spatial resolution, noise reduction, and spectral properties. PCCT spatial resolution on the order of 0.25 mm allows for the improved visualization of small structures (eg, small vessels, arterial walls, distal bronchi, and bone trabeculations) and their pathologies, as well as the identification of previously undetectable anomalies. In addition, blooming artifacts from calcifications, stents, and other dense structures are reduced. The benefits of the spectral capabilities of PCCT are broad and include reducing radiation and contrast material dose for patients. In addition, multiple types of information can be extracted from a single data set (ie, multiparametric imaging), including quantitative data often regarded as surrogates of functional information (eg, lung perfusion). PCCT also allows for a novel type of CT imaging, K-edge imaging. This technique, combined with new contrast materials specifically designed for this modality, opens the door to new applications for imaging in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edwin H. G. Oei
- From the University of Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1
University, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, Villeurbanne, France (P.C.D., L.B.,
S.A.S.M.); Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Louis Pradel
Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
(P.C.D., S.B., L.B., S.A.S.M.); Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne,
France (S.B.); Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical
Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (E.H.G.O., R.P.J.B.); Department of
Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (D.P.C.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.); Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.);
and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
| | - David P. Cormode
- From the University of Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1
University, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, Villeurbanne, France (P.C.D., L.B.,
S.A.S.M.); Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Louis Pradel
Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
(P.C.D., S.B., L.B., S.A.S.M.); Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne,
France (S.B.); Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical
Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (E.H.G.O., R.P.J.B.); Department of
Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (D.P.C.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.); Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.);
and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
| | - Amir Pourmorteza
- From the University of Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1
University, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, Villeurbanne, France (P.C.D., L.B.,
S.A.S.M.); Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Louis Pradel
Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
(P.C.D., S.B., L.B., S.A.S.M.); Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne,
France (S.B.); Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical
Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (E.H.G.O., R.P.J.B.); Department of
Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (D.P.C.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.); Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.);
and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
| | - Loic Boussel
- From the University of Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1
University, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, Villeurbanne, France (P.C.D., L.B.,
S.A.S.M.); Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Louis Pradel
Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
(P.C.D., S.B., L.B., S.A.S.M.); Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne,
France (S.B.); Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical
Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (E.H.G.O., R.P.J.B.); Department of
Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (D.P.C.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.); Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.);
and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
| | - Salim A. Si-Mohamed
- From the University of Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1
University, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, Villeurbanne, France (P.C.D., L.B.,
S.A.S.M.); Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Louis Pradel
Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
(P.C.D., S.B., L.B., S.A.S.M.); Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne,
France (S.B.); Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical
Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (E.H.G.O., R.P.J.B.); Department of
Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (D.P.C.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.); Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.);
and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
| | - Ricardo P. J. Budde
- From the University of Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1
University, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, Villeurbanne, France (P.C.D., L.B.,
S.A.S.M.); Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Louis Pradel
Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
(P.C.D., S.B., L.B., S.A.S.M.); Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne,
France (S.B.); Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical
Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (E.H.G.O., R.P.J.B.); Department of
Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (D.P.C.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.); Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.);
and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
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Meloni A, Cademartiri F, Positano V, Celi S, Berti S, Clemente A, La Grutta L, Saba L, Bossone E, Cavaliere C, Punzo B, Maffei E. Cardiovascular Applications of Photon-Counting CT Technology: A Revolutionary New Diagnostic Step. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:363. [PMID: 37754792 PMCID: PMC10531582 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10090363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is an emerging technology that can potentially transform clinical CT imaging. After a brief description of the PCCT technology, this review summarizes its main advantages over conventional CT: improved spatial resolution, improved signal and contrast behavior, reduced electronic noise and artifacts, decreased radiation dose, and multi-energy capability with improved material discrimination. Moreover, by providing an overview of the existing literature, this review highlights how the PCCT benefits have been harnessed to enhance and broaden the diagnostic capabilities of CT for cardiovascular applications, including the detection of coronary artery calcifications, evaluation of coronary plaque extent and composition, evaluation of coronary stents, and assessment of myocardial tissue characteristics and perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.C.); (E.M.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Vicenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.C.); (E.M.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Celi
- BioCardioLab, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy;
| | - Sergio Berti
- Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology Department, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 54100 Massa, Italy;
| | - Alberto Clemente
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Ludovico La Grutta
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy;
| | - Eduardo Bossone
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedale Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- Department of Radiology, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico SynLab-SDN, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Bruna Punzo
- Department of Radiology, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico SynLab-SDN, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Erica Maffei
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.C.); (E.M.)
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Jost G, McDermott M, Gutjahr R, Nowak T, Schmidt B, Pietsch H. New Contrast Media for K-Edge Imaging With Photon-Counting Detector CT. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:515-522. [PMID: 37068840 PMCID: PMC10259215 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The recent technological developments in photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) and the introduction of the first commercially available clinical PCD-CT unit open up new exciting opportunities for contrast media research. With PCD-CT, the efficacy of available iodine-based contrast media improves, allowing for a reduction of iodine dosage or, on the other hand, an improvement of image quality in low contrast indications. Virtual monoenergetic image reconstructions are routinely available and enable the virtual monoenergetic image energy to be adapted to the diagnostic task.A key property of PCD-CT is the ability of spectral separation in combination with improved material decomposition. Thus, the discrimination of contrast media from intrinsic or pathological tissues and the discrimination of 2 or more contrasting elements that characterize different tissues are attractive fields for contrast media research. For these approaches, K-edge imaging in combination with high atomic number elements such as the lanthanides, tungsten, tantalum, or bismuth plays a central role.The purpose of this article is to present an overview of innovative contrast media concepts that use high atomic number elements. The emphasis is on improving contrast enhancement for cardiovascular plaque imaging, stent visualization, and exploring new approaches using 2 contrasting elements. Along with the published research, new experimental findings with a contrast medium that incorporates tungsten are included.Both the literature review and the new experimental data demonstrate the great potential and feasibility for new contrast media to significantly increase diagnostic performance and to enable new clinical fields and indications in combination with PCD-CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Jost
- From the MR and CT Contrast Media Research, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael McDermott
- From the MR and CT Contrast Media Research, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ralf Gutjahr
- Computed Tomography, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany
| | - Tristan Nowak
- Computed Tomography, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany
| | | | - Hubertus Pietsch
- From the MR and CT Contrast Media Research, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
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10
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Si-Mohamed SA, Boccalini S, Villien M, Yagil Y, Erhard K, Boussel L, Douek PC. First Experience With a Whole-Body Spectral Photon-Counting CT Clinical Prototype. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:459-471. [PMID: 36822663 PMCID: PMC10259214 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Spectral photon-counting computed tomography (SPCCT) technology holds great promise for becoming the next generation of computed tomography (CT) systems. Its technical characteristics have many advantages over conventional CT imaging. For example, SPCCT provides better spatial resolution, greater dose efficiency for ultra-low-dose and low-dose protocols, and tissue contrast superior to that of conventional CT. In addition, SPCCT takes advantage of several known approaches in the field of spectral CT imaging, such as virtual monochromatic imaging and material decomposition imaging. In addition, SPCCT takes advantage of a new approach in this field, known as K-edge imaging, which allows specific and quantitative imaging of a heavy atom-based contrast agent. Hence, the high potential of SPCCT systems supports their ongoing investigation in clinical research settings. In this review, we propose an overview of our clinical research experience of a whole-body SPCCT clinical prototype, to give an insight into the potential benefits for clinical human imaging on image quality, diagnostic confidence, and new approaches in spectral CT imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim A. Si-Mohamed
- From the University Lyon, INSA-Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Radiology, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Sara Boccalini
- From the University Lyon, INSA-Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Radiology, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | | | | | | | - Loic Boussel
- From the University Lyon, INSA-Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Radiology, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Philippe C. Douek
- From the University Lyon, INSA-Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Radiology, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
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11
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Layer YC, Kravchenko D, Dell T, Kütting D. [CT technology: photon-counting detector computed tomography]. RADIOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00117-023-01166-z. [PMID: 37289254 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-023-01166-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) is a CT technology that overcomes many limitations of conventional detectors. Direct conversion of photons hitting the detector into electrical signals combined with more sensitive and accurate photon detection simultaneously allows spectral evaluation and also potential reduction in radiation exposure to the patient. The combination of energy thresholds and elimination of detector septa allows for a reduction of electronic noise, an increase of spatial resolution, and an improvement of dose efficiency. ACHIEVEMENTS Recent research has confirmed significantly reduced image noise, reduced radiation dose, increased spatial resolution, improved iodine signal, and a reduction in artifacts. Spectral imaging potentiates these effects and also allows retrospective calculation of virtual monoenergetic images, virtual noncontrast images or iodine maps. Thus, the photon-counting technique offers the possibility of using various contrast agents, with the prospect of single-scan multiphase imaging or visualization of specific metabolic processes. Therefore, further research and complementary approval processes are necessary for clinical application. Likewise, further research is needed to develop and validate optimal settings and reconstructions for a wide variety of situations, as well as to test new application possibilities. CONCLUSIONS The only photon-counting detector CT device available on the market to date received clinical approval in 2021. It remains to be seen which other applications will become possible through improvements in hardware and software. This technology has already demonstrated an impressive superiority compared with the current standard of CT imaging, especially regarding high-resolution imaging of detailed structures and examinations with high radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannik Christian Layer
- Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.
| | - Dmitrij Kravchenko
- Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Tatjana Dell
- Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Daniel Kütting
- Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland
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Meloni A, Cademartiri F, Pistoia L, Degiorgi G, Clemente A, De Gori C, Positano V, Celi S, Berti S, Emdin M, Panetta D, Menichetti L, Punzo B, Cavaliere C, Bossone E, Saba L, Cau R, La Grutta L, Maffei E. Dual-Source Photon-Counting Computed Tomography-Part III: Clinical Overview of Vascular Applications beyond Cardiac and Neuro Imaging. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113798. [PMID: 37297994 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is an emerging technology that is expected to radically change clinical CT imaging. PCCT offers several advantages over conventional CT, which can be combined to improve and expand the diagnostic possibilities of CT angiography. After a brief description of the PCCT technology and its main advantages we will discuss the new opportunities brought about by PCCT in the field of vascular imaging, while addressing promising future clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Bioengineering, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Degiorgi
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Clemente
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carmelo De Gori
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Bioengineering, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Celi
- BioCardioLab, Department of Bioengineering, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Sergio Berti
- Cardiology Unit, Ospedale del Cuore, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- Department of Cardiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniele Panetta
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Menichetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Bruna Punzo
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS SynLab-SDN, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS SynLab-SDN, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Eduardo Bossone
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedale Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cau
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Ludovico La Grutta
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties-ProMISE, Department of Radiology, University Hospital "P. Giaccone", 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Erica Maffei
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Cademartiri F, Meloni A, Pistoia L, Degiorgi G, Clemente A, Gori CD, Positano V, Celi S, Berti S, Emdin M, Panetta D, Menichetti L, Punzo B, Cavaliere C, Bossone E, Saba L, Cau R, Grutta LL, Maffei E. Dual-Source Photon-Counting Computed Tomography-Part I: Clinical Overview of Cardiac CT and Coronary CT Angiography Applications. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113627. [PMID: 37297822 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The photon-counting detector (PCD) is a new computed tomography detector technology (photon-counting computed tomography, PCCT) that provides substantial benefits for cardiac and coronary artery imaging. Compared with conventional CT, PCCT has multi-energy capability, increased spatial resolution and soft tissue contrast with near-null electronic noise, reduced radiation exposure, and optimization of the use of contrast agents. This new technology promises to overcome several limitations of traditional cardiac and coronary CT angiography (CCT/CCTA) including reduction in blooming artifacts in heavy calcified coronary plaques or beam-hardening artifacts in patients with coronary stents, and a more precise assessment of the degree of stenosis and plaque characteristic thanks to its better spatial resolution. Another potential application of PCCT is the use of a double-contrast agent to characterize myocardial tissue. In this current overview of the existing PCCT literature, we describe the strengths, limitations, recent applications, and promising developments of employing PCCT technology in CCT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Bioengineering, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Degiorgi
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Clemente
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carmelo De Gori
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Bioengineering, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Celi
- BioCardioLab, Department of Bioengineering, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Sergio Berti
- Cardiology Unit, Ospedale del Cuore, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- Department of Cardiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniele Panetta
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Menichetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Bruna Punzo
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS SynLab-SDN, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS SynLab-SDN, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Eduardo Bossone
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedale Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cau
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Ludovico La Grutta
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital "P. Giaccone", 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Erica Maffei
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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14
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Sawall S. [New contrast agents for photon-counting computed tomography]. RADIOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00117-023-01135-6. [PMID: 37069237 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-023-01135-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of energy-selective photon-counting detectors into clinical practice represents the next milestone in computed tomography (CT). In addition to significantly higher resolution, these detectors allow the implicit acquisition of dual or multispectral data in a single measurement through the use of typically freely selectable thresholds. This capability reignited the interest in new contrast agents based on heavy elements, so-called high‑z elements, for clinical CT. OBJECTIVE The present article aims to investigate the potential suitability of different chemical elements as contrast agents and to discuss possible clinical applications, for example, K‑edge imaging or simultaneous application of different contrast agents. CONCLUSION First preclinical experiments as well as experiments in large animals could demonstrate potential advantages of contrast agents based on heavy elements. For example, such contrast agents promise a significant increase in image contrast compared to conventional iodine-based agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Sawall
- Röntgenbildgebung und CT (E025), Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Deutschland.
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
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15
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Hsu JC, Tang Z, Eremina OE, Sofias AM, Lammers T, Lovell JF, Zavaleta C, Cai W, Cormode DP. Nanomaterial-based contrast agents. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2023; 3:30. [PMID: 38130699 PMCID: PMC10732545 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-023-00211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Medical imaging, which empowers the detection of physiological and pathological processes within living subjects, has a vital role in both preclinical and clinical diagnostics. Contrast agents are often needed to accompany anatomical data with functional information or to provide phenotyping of the disease in question. Many newly emerging contrast agents are based on nanomaterials as their high payloads, unique physicochemical properties, improved sensitivity and multimodality capacity are highly desired for many advanced forms of bioimaging techniques and applications. Here, we review the developments in the field of nanomaterial-based contrast agents. We outline important nanomaterial design considerations and discuss the effect on their physicochemical attributes, contrast properties and biological behaviour. We also describe commonly used approaches for formulating, functionalizing and characterizing these nanomaterials. Key applications are highlighted by categorizing nanomaterials on the basis of their X-ray, magnetic, nuclear, optical and/or photoacoustic contrast properties. Finally, we offer our perspectives on current challenges and emerging research topics as well as expectations for future advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C. Hsu
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zhongmin Tang
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Olga E. Eremina
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alexandros Marios Sofias
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jonathan F. Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Cristina Zavaleta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David P. Cormode
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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16
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Photon-Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT): Technical Background and Cardio-Vascular Applications. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13040645. [PMID: 36832139 PMCID: PMC9955798 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is a new advanced imaging technique that is going to transform the standard clinical use of computed tomography (CT) imaging. Photon-counting detectors resolve the number of photons and the incident X-ray energy spectrum into multiple energy bins. Compared with conventional CT technology, PCCT offers the advantages of improved spatial and contrast resolution, reduction of image noise and artifacts, reduced radiation exposure, and multi-energy/multi-parametric imaging based on the atomic properties of tissues, with the consequent possibility to use different contrast agents and improve quantitative imaging. This narrative review first briefly describes the technical principles and the benefits of photon-counting CT and then provides a synthetic outline of the current literature on its use for vascular imaging.
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17
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Cosset B, Sigovan M, Boccalini S, Farhat F, Douek P, Boussel L, Si-Mohamed SA. Bicolor K-edge spectral photon-counting CT imaging for the diagnosis of thoracic endoleaks: A dynamic phantom study. Diagn Interv Imaging 2023; 104:235-242. [PMID: 36646587 DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of identifying and characterizing the three most common types of endoleaks within a thoracic aorta aneurysm model using bicolor K-edge imaging with a spectral photon-counting computing tomography (SPCCT) system in combination with a biphasic contrast agent injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three types of thoracic endoleaks (type 1, 2 and 3) were created in a dynamic anthropomorphic thoracic aorta phantom. Protocol consisted in an injection of an iodinated contrast material followed 80 seconds after an injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). The phantom was scanned using a clinical prototype SPCCT during bicolor phase imaging consisting in an early distribution of GBCA and a late distribution of iodine. Conventional and spectral images were reconstructed for differentiating between the contrast agents and measuring their respective attenuation values and concentrations inside and outside the stent graft. RESULTS Conventional images failed to provide specific dynamic imaging contrast agents in the aneurysmal sac and outside the stent graft while spectral images differentiated their specific distribution. In type 1 and 3 thoracic endoleaks, GBCA concentration was measured outside the stent graft at 6.1 ± 3.7 (standard deviation [SD]) mg/mL and 6.0 ± 4.0 (SD) mg/mL, respectively, in favor of an early blood flow. In type 2 thoracic endoleak, iodine was measured outside the stent graft at 24.3 ± 5.5 (SD) mg/mL in favor of a late blood flow in the aneurysmal sac. CONCLUSION Bicolor K-edge imaging enabled SPCCT allows a bicolor characterization of thoracic aorta endoleaks in a single acquisition in combination with a biphasic contrast agent injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Cosset
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France; University Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, F-69621, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Monica Sigovan
- University Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, F-69621, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Sara Boccalini
- University Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, F-69621, 69100 Villeurbanne, France; Department of Radiology, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Fadi Farhat
- Department of Cardio-vascular Surgery, Infirmerie Protestante de Lyon, 69300 Caluire-et-Cuire, France
| | - Philippe Douek
- University Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, F-69621, 69100 Villeurbanne, France; Department of Radiology, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Loic Boussel
- University Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, F-69621, 69100 Villeurbanne, France; Department of Radiology, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Salim Aymeric Si-Mohamed
- University Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, F-69621, 69100 Villeurbanne, France; Department of Radiology, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France.
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Wiart M, Tavakoli C, Hubert V, Hristovska I, Dumot C, Parola S, Lerouge F, Chauveau F, Canet-Soulas E, Pascual O, Cormode DP, Brun E, Elleaume H. Use of metal-based contrast agents for in vivo MR and CT imaging of phagocytic cells in neurological pathologies. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 383:109729. [PMID: 36272462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The activation of phagocytic cells is a hallmark of many neurological diseases. Imaging them in their 3-dimensional cerebral environment over time is crucial to better understand their role in disease pathogenesis and to monitor their potential therapeutic effects. Phagocytic cells have the ability to internalize metal-based contrast agents both in vitro and in vivo and can thus be tracked by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). In this review article, we summarize the different labelling strategies, contrast agents, and in vivo imaging modalities that can be used to monitor cells with phagocytic activity in the central nervous system using MRI and CT, with a focus on clinical applications. Metal-based nanoparticle contrast agents such as gadolinium, gold and iron are ideal candidates for these applications as they have favourable magnetic and/or radiopaque properties and can be fine-tuned for optimal uptake by phagocytic cells. However, they also come with downsides due to their potential toxicity, especially in the brain where they might accumulate. We therefore conclude our review by discussing the pitfalls, safety and potential for clinical translation of these metal-based neuroimaging techniques. Early results in patients with neuropathologies such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, trauma, cerebral aneurysm and glioblastoma are promising. If the challenges represented by safety issues are overcome, phagocytic cells imaging will be a very valuable tool for studying and understanding the inflammatory response and evaluating treatments that aim at mitigating this response in patients with neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlène Wiart
- Univ. Lyon, CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRA, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69003 Lyon, France; CNRS, Lyon, France.
| | - Clément Tavakoli
- Univ. Lyon, CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRA, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69003 Lyon, France; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM UA7 STROBE, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Violaine Hubert
- Univ. Lyon, CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRA, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69003 Lyon, France
| | | | - Chloé Dumot
- Univ. Lyon, CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRA, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69003 Lyon, France; Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Parola
- Université de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5182, Université Lyon 1, Laboratoire de Chimie, 46 allée d'Italie, 69364 Lyon, France
| | - Frédéric Lerouge
- Université de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5182, Université Lyon 1, Laboratoire de Chimie, 46 allée d'Italie, 69364 Lyon, France
| | - Fabien Chauveau
- CNRS, Lyon, France; Univ. Lyon, Lyon Neurosciences Research Center, CNRS UMR5292, INSERM U1028, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Emmanuelle Canet-Soulas
- Univ. Lyon, CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRA, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69003 Lyon, France
| | | | - David P Cormode
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Emmanuel Brun
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM UA7 STROBE, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Hélène Elleaume
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM UA7 STROBE, 38000 Grenoble, France
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Suslova EV, Kozlov AP, Shashurin DA, Rozhkov VA, Sotenskii RV, Maximov SV, Savilov SV, Medvedev OS, Chelkov GA. New Composite Contrast Agents Based on Ln and Graphene Matrix for Multi-Energy Computed Tomography. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:4110. [PMID: 36500733 PMCID: PMC9737213 DOI: 10.3390/nano12234110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The subject of the current research study is aimed at the development of novel types of contrast agents (CAs) for multi-energy computed tomography (CT) based on Ln-graphene composites, which include Ln (Ln = La, Nd, and Gd) nanoparticles with a size of 2-3 nm, acting as key contrasting elements, and graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) acting as the matrix. The synthesis and surface modifications of the GNFs and the properties of the new CAs are presented herein. The samples have had their characteristics determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. Multi-energy CT images of the La-, Nd-, and Gd-based CAs demonstrating their visualization and discriminative properties, as well as the possibility of a quantitative analysis, are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniya V. Suslova
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexei P. Kozlov
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis A. Shashurin
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Sergei V. Maximov
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Serguei V. Savilov
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg S. Medvedev
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Cardiology, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, 121552 Moscow, Russia
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Li Y, Younis MH, Wang H, Zhang J, Cai W, Ni D. Spectral computed tomography with inorganic nanomaterials: State-of-the-art. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 189:114524. [PMID: 36058350 PMCID: PMC9664656 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Recently, spectral computed tomography (CT) technology has received great interest in the field of radiology. Spectral CT imaging utilizes the distinct, energy-dependent X-ray absorption properties of substances in order to provide additional imaging information. Dual-energy CT and multi-energy CT (Spectral CT) are capable of constructing monochromatic energy images, material separation images, energy spectrum curves, constructing effective atomic number maps, and more. However, poor contrast, due to neighboring X-ray attenuation of organs and tissues, is still a challenge to spectral CT. Hence, contrast agents (CAs) are applied for better differentiation of a given region of interest (ROI). Currently, many different kinds of inorganic nanoparticulate CAs for spectral CT have been developed due to the limitations of clinical iodine (I)-based contrast media, leading to the conclusion that inorganic nanomedicine applied to spectral CT will be a powerful collaboration both in basic research and in clinics. In this review, the underlying principles and types of spectral CT techniques are discussed, and some evolving clinical diagnosis applications of spectral CT techniques are introduced. In particular, recent developments in inorganic CAs used for spectral CT are summarized. Finally, the challenges and future developments of inorganic nanomedicine in spectral CT are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, No. 99 Shangda Rd, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Muhsin H Younis
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197, Ruijin 2nd Rd, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, No. 99 Shangda Rd, Shanghai 200444, PR China; Shanghai Universal Medical Imaging Diagnostic Center, Bldg 8, No. 406 Guilin Rd, Shanghai 200233, PR China.
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53705, United States.
| | - Dalong Ni
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197, Ruijin 2nd Rd, Shanghai 200025, PR China.
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21
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Wu M, FitzGerald P, Zhang J, Segars WP, Yu H, Xu Y, De Man B. XCIST-an open access x-ray/CT simulation toolkit. Phys Med Biol 2022; 67:10.1088/1361-6560/ac9174. [PMID: 36096127 PMCID: PMC10151073 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac9174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective. X-ray-based imaging modalities including mammography and computed tomography (CT) are widely used in cancer screening, diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and therapy response monitoring. Over the past few decades, improvements to these modalities have resulted in substantially improved efficacy and efficiency, and substantially reduced radiation dose and cost. However, such improvements have evolved more slowly than would be ideal because lengthy preclinical and clinical evaluation is required. In many cases, new ideas cannot be evaluated due to the high cost of fabricating and testing prototypes. Wider availability of computer simulation tools could accelerate development of new imaging technologies. This paper introduces the development of a new open-access simulation environment for x-ray-based imaging. The main motivation of this work is to publicly distribute a fast but accurate ray-tracing x-ray and CT simulation tool along with realistic phantoms and 3D reconstruction capability, building on decades of developments in industry and academia.Approach. The x-ray-based Cancer Imaging Simulation Toolkit (XCIST) is developed in the context of cancer imaging, but can more broadly be applied. XCIST is physics-based, written in Python and C/C++, and currently consists of three major subsets: digital phantoms, the simulator itself (CatSim), and image reconstruction algorithms; planned future features include a fast dose-estimation tool and rigorous validation. To enable broad usage and to model and evaluate new technologies, XCIST is easily extendable by other researchers. To demonstrate XCIST's ability to produce realistic images and to show the benefits of using XCIST for insight into the impact of separate physics effects on image quality, we present exemplary simulations by varying contributing factors such as noise and sampling.Main results. The capabilities and flexibility of XCIST are demonstrated, showing easy applicability to specific simulation problems. Geometric and x-ray attenuation accuracy are shown, as well as XCIST's ability to model multiple scanner and protocol parameters, and to attribute fundamental image quality characteristics to specific parameters.Significance. This work represents an important first step toward the goal of creating an open-access platform for simulating existing and emerging x-ray-based imaging systems. While numerous simulation tools exist, we believe the combined XCIST toolset provides a unique advantage in terms of modeling capabilities versus ease of use and compute time. We publicly share this toolset to provide an environment for scientists to accelerate and improve the relevance of their research in x-ray and CT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hengyong Yu
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA
| | - Yongshun Xu
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA
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22
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Dong YC, Kumar A, Rosario-Berríos DN, Si-Mohamed S, Hsu JC, Nieves LM, Douek P, Noël PB, Cormode DP. Ytterbium Nanoparticle Contrast Agents for Conventional and Spectral Photon-Counting CT and Their Applications for Hydrogel Imaging. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:39274-39284. [PMID: 35975982 PMCID: PMC9513702 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c12354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Significant work has been done to develop nanoparticle contrast agents for computed tomography (CT), with a focus on identifying safer and more effective formulations. Contrast agents for spectral photon-counting computed tomography (SPCCT), a fast-growing imaging modality derived from conventional CT, have also recently gained considerable attention. In this study, we explored the synthesis of ultrasmall ytterbium nanoparticles (YbNP) and demonstrated that, potentially, they can be used as conventional CT and SPCCT contrast agents. These nanoparticles were tested in vitro for their cytotoxicity and contrast-generating properties with a variety of imaging systems. When scanned with conventional CT and SPCCT at clinically relevant energies, YbNP are significantly more attenuating than gold nanoparticles (AuNP), the contrast agents that have been most well studied. Furthermore, YbNP were studied for their potential application for labeling and monitoring hydrogels. The presence of the YbNP payload in hydrogels allowed for hydrogel localization and tracking in vivo. Additionally, the in vivo imaging results revealed that YbNP generate higher contrast when compared to AuNP used as a label. In summary, this is the first research study to examine ultrasmall YbNP as conventional CT and SPCCT contrast agents, as well as using them in a hydrogel system to make it radiopaque. These findings underscore YbNP's utility as CT and SPCCT contrast agents, as well as their potential for tracking hydrogels in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi C Dong
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ananyaa Kumar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Derick N Rosario-Berríos
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Salim Si-Mohamed
- CREATIS, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1206, INSA, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F69621 Lyon, France
| | - Jessica C Hsu
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Lenitza M Nieves
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Philippe Douek
- CREATIS, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1206, INSA, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F69621 Lyon, France
| | - Peter B Noël
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - David P Cormode
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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Behrends C, Bäcker CM, Schilling I, Zwiehoff S, Weingarten J, Kröninger K, Rehbock C, Barcikowski S, Wulff J, Bäumer C, Timmermann B. The radiosensitizing effect of platinum nanoparticles in proton irradiations is not caused by an enhanced proton energy deposition at the macroscopic scale. Phys Med Biol 2022; 67. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac80e6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective. Due to the radiosensitizing effect of biocompatible noble metal nanoparticles (NPs), their administration is considered to potentially increase tumor control in radiotherapy. The underlying physical, chemical and biological mechanisms of the NPs’ radiosensitivity especially when interacting with proton radiation is not conclusive. In the following work, the energy deposition of protons in matter containing platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) is experimentally investigated. Approach. Surfactant-free monomodal PtNPs with a mean diameter of (40 ± 10) nm and a concentration of 300 μg ml−1, demonstrably leading to a substantial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), were homogeneously dispersed into cubic gelatin samples serving as tissue-like phantoms. Gelatin samples without PtNPs were used as control. The samples’ dimensions and contrast of the PtNPs were verified in a clinical computed tomography scanner. Fields from a clinical proton machine were used for depth dose and stopping power measurements downstream of both samples types. These experiments were performed with a variety of detectors at a pencil beam scanning beam line as well as a passive beam line with proton energies from about 56–200 MeV. Main results. The samples’ water equivalent ratios in terms of proton stopping as well as the mean proton energy deposition downstream of the samples with ROS-producing PtNPs compared to the samples without PtNPs showed no differences within the experimental uncertainties of about 2%. Significance. This study serves as experimental proof that the radiosensitizing effect of biocompatible PtNPs is not due to a macroscopically increased proton energy deposition, but is more likely caused by a catalytic effect of the PtNPs. Thus, these experiments provide a contribution to the highly discussed radiobiological question of the proton therapy efficiency with noble metal NPs and facilitate initial evidence that the dose calculation in treatment planning is straightforward and not affected by the presence of sensitizing PtNPs.
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Spectral Photon-Counting CT Technology in Chest Imaging. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245757. [PMID: 34945053 PMCID: PMC8704215 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The X-ray imaging field is currently undergoing a period of rapid technological innovation in diagnostic imaging equipment. An important recent development is the advent of new X-ray detectors, i.e., photon-counting detectors (PCD), which have been introduced in recent clinical prototype systems, called PCD computed tomography (PCD-CT) or photon-counting CT (PCCT) or spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) systems. PCD allows a pixel up to 200 microns pixels at iso-center, which is much smaller than that can be obtained with conventional energy integrating detectors (EID). PCDs have also a higher dose efficiency than EID mainly because of electronic noise suppression. In addition, the energy-resolving capabilities of these detectors allow generating spectral basis imaging, such as the mono-energetic images or the water/iodine material images as well as the K-edge imaging of a contrast agent based on atoms of high atomic number. In recent years, studies have therefore been conducted to determine the potential of PCD-CT as an alternative to conventional CT for chest imaging.
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25
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Dong YC, Bouché M, Uman S, Burdick JA, Cormode DP. Detecting and Monitoring Hydrogels with Medical Imaging. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4027-4047. [PMID: 33979137 PMCID: PMC8440385 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels, water-swollen polymer networks, are being applied to numerous biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering, due to their potential tunable rheologic properties, injectability into tissues, and encapsulation and release of therapeutics. Despite their promise, it is challenging to assess their properties in vivo and crucial information such as hydrogel retention at the site of administration and in situ degradation kinetics are often lacking. To address this, technologies to evaluate and track hydrogels in vivo with various imaging techniques have been developed in recent years, including hydrogels functionalized with contrast generating material that can be imaged with methods such as X-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging, and nuclear imaging systems. In this review, we will discuss emerging approaches to label hydrogels for imaging, review the advantages and limitations of these imaging techniques, and highlight examples where such techniques have been implemented in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi C Dong
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Mathilde Bouché
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, L2CM UMR 7053, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Selen Uman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - David P Cormode
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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Sartoretti T, Eberhard M, Nowak T, Gutjahr R, Jost G, Pietsch H, Schmidt B, Flohr T, Alkadhi H, Euler A. Photon-Counting Multienergy Computed Tomography With Spectrally Optimized Contrast Media for Plaque Removal and Stenosis Assessment. Invest Radiol 2021; 56:563-570. [PMID: 33660630 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the potential to combine investigational contrast media with spectrally optimized energy-thresholding of photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCCT) for subtraction of calcified plaques in a coronary artery stenosis phantom. METHODS A small vessel phantom containing 3 fillable tubes (diameter, 3 mm each) with calcified plaques was placed into an anthropomorphic chest phantom. The plaques had incremental thicknesses ranging from 0.3 to 2.7 mm, simulating vessel stenoses ranging from 10% to 90% of the lumen diameter. The phantom was filled with 5 different investigational contrast media (iodine, bismuth, hafnium, holmium, and tungsten) at equal mass concentrations (15 mg/mL) and was imaged on a prototype PCCT at 140 kVp using optimized, contrast media-dependent energy thresholds. Contrast maps (CMs) were reconstructed for each contrast medium by applying a linear 2-material decomposition algorithm. Image noise magnitude and noise texture of CM were compared among the contrast media using the noise power spectrum. Two blinded readers independently rated the vessel lumen visualization on short-axis and the overall subjective image quality on long-axis CM relative to iodine as the reference standard. Four readers determined the highest degree of stenosis that could be assessed with high diagnostic confidence on long-axis CM. RESULTS Average image noise on CM was lower for tungsten (49 HU) and hafnium (62 HU) and higher for bismuth (81 HU) and holmium (165 HU) compared with iodine (78 HU). Noise texture of CM was similar among the contrast media. Interreader agreement for vessel lumen visualization on short-axis CM ranged from moderate to excellent (k = 0.567-0.814). Compared with iodine, lumen visualization of each reader was improved using tungsten (P < 0.001 for both readers), similar to improved using hafnium (P = 0.008, P = 0.29), similar using bismuth (P = 0.38, P = 0.69), and decreased using holmium (both, P < 0.001). Overall subjective image quality was similar for holmium and superior for tungsten, hafnium, and bismuth as compared with iodine. Higher-degree stenoses were evaluable with high confidence using tungsten (mean, 70%; interquartile range, 70%-70%), bismuth (70%; 60%-70%), and hafnium (75%; 70%-80%) compared with iodine (50%; 50%-60%) and holmium (50%; 50%-60%). CONCLUSIONS Spectral optimization in PCCT combined with investigational contrast media can improve calcium subtraction and stenosis assessment in small vessels. Contrast maps of tungsten and, to a lesser extent, hafnium as contrast media yielded superior image noise properties and improved vessel lumen visualization, along with a higher subjective image quality compared with the reference standard iodine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Sartoretti
- From the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Eberhard
- From the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hatem Alkadhi
- From the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - André Euler
- From the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Marfo E, Anderson NG, Butler APH, Schleich N, Carbonez P, Damet J, Lowe C, Healy J, Chernoglazov AI, Moghiseh M, Raja AY. Assessment of Material Identification Errors, Image Quality, and Radiation Doses Using Small Animal Spectral Photon-Counting CT. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON RADIATION AND PLASMA MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1109/trpms.2020.3003260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Koshevaya E, Krivoshapkina E, Krivoshapkin P. Tantalum oxide nanoparticles as an advanced platform for cancer diagnostics: a review and perspective. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:5008-5024. [PMID: 34113950 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00570g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The development of new safe and effective contrast agents (CAs) is a crucial factor to increase the effectiveness of computed tomography (CT). For now, tantalum oxide-based nanoparticles (TaOx NPs) are among the most promising CAs for CT due to their superior properties: high X-ray attenuation coefficient, excellent biocompatibility, and easily modifiable surface chemistry. Compared to the commercially available analogs (iodine-based CAs), TaOx NPs provide better contrast performance, long-circulation, and high safety profiles (reduced exposure of X-rays and CA dosage). Among the investigated nanoparticulate CAs they afford higher cost-effectiveness (Au, Pt, Lu). TaOx NPs can also be easily modified to include other imaging or therapeutic modalities. This review aims to summarize the current state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of tantalum oxide-based CAs used for single or multimodal imaging and theranostic purposes. The design specification of TaOx NPs in terms of size, surface functionalization, composition, and their influence on the contrast performance, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics are discussed. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges of TaOx NPs used as CT CAs are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Koshevaya
- Institute of Chemistry of Federal Research Center "Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences", Syktyvkar 167000, Russia and State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 123182, Russia
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Longo E, Sancey L, Cedola A, Barbier EL, Bravin A, Brun F, Bukreeva I, Fratini M, Massimi L, Greving I, Le Duc G, Tillement O, De La Rochefoucauld O, Zeitoun P. 3D Spatial Distribution of Nanoparticles in Mice Brain Metastases by X-ray Phase-Contrast Tomography. Front Oncol 2021; 11:554668. [PMID: 34113554 PMCID: PMC8185349 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.554668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterizing nanoparticles (NPs) distribution in multiple and complex metastases is of fundamental relevance for the development of radiological protocols based on NPs administration. In the literature, there have been advances in monitoring NPs in tissues. However, the lack of 3D information is still an issue. X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) is a 3D label-free, non-invasive and multi-scale approach allowing imaging anatomical details with high spatial and contrast resolutions. Here an XPCT qualitative study on NPs distribution in a mouse brain model of melanoma metastases injected with gadolinium-based NPs for theranostics is presented. For the first time, XPCT images show the NPs uptake at micrometer resolution over the full brain. Our results revealed a heterogeneous distribution of the NPs inside the melanoma metastases, bridging the gap in spatial resolution between magnetic resonance imaging and histology. Our findings demonstrated that XPCT is a reliable technique for NPs detection and can be considered as an emerging method for the study of NPs distribution in organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Longo
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Materials Physics, Geesthacht, Germany.,Laboratoire d'Optique Appliquée UMR7639, ENSTA-CNRS-Ecole Polytechnique IP Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Lucie Sancey
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences U1209 UMR5309 UGA, Allée des Alpes-Site Santé, La Tronche, France
| | | | - Emmanuel L Barbier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, GIN, Grenoble, France
| | - Alberto Bravin
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Inna Bukreeva
- Institute of Nanotechnology-CNR, Rome-Unit, Rome, Italy.,P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute, RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Michela Fratini
- Institute of Nanotechnology-CNR, Rome-Unit, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Massimi
- Institute of Nanotechnology-CNR, Rome-Unit, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Imke Greving
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Materials Physics, Geesthacht, Germany
| | | | - Olivier Tillement
- Institut lumière-matière, UMR5306, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1-CNRS, Université de Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Philippe Zeitoun
- Laboratoire d'Optique Appliquée UMR7639, ENSTA-CNRS-Ecole Polytechnique IP Paris, Palaiseau, France
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Simultaneous Dual-Contrast Imaging of Small Bowel With Iodine and Bismuth Using Photon-Counting-Detector Computed Tomography: A Feasibility Animal Study. Invest Radiol 2021; 55:688-694. [PMID: 32530868 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dual-energy and multienergy computed tomography (DECT/MECT) has the potential to simultaneously visualize two contrast agents in the small bowel: arterial enhancement of iodine in the bowel wall and enteric enhancement of bismuth in the bowel lumen. The purpose of this study was to explore its feasibility in a swine study using a research whole-body photon-counting-detector (PCD) computed tomography (CT) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS A phantom study was initially performed to evaluate the quantification accuracy of iodine and bismuth separation from a single PCD-CT scan, which also served as the calibration reference for material decomposition of in vivo swine PCD-CT data. In the animal study, a test bolus scan was first performed to determine the time-attenuation curve for the arterial enhancement, based on which the timing of the PCD-CT dual-contrast scan was determined. A 600 mL homogeneous bismuth-saline solution (180 mL Pepto-Bismol + 420 mL normal saline) was orally administered to the pig using esophageal intubation. Approximately 1 hour after bismuth administration, 40 mL iodine contrast (Omnipaque 350, 5 mL/s) was injected intravenously. A PCD-CT scan was performed 13 seconds after the initiation of the contrast injection to simultaneously capture the arterial enhancement of iodine and the enteric enhancement of bismuth. To provide optimal material separation and quantification, all PCD-CT scans in both phantom and animal studies were operated at 140 kV with 4 energy thresholds of 25, 50, 75, and 90 keV. RESULTS Using a generic image-based material decomposition method, the iodine and bismuth samples were successfully delineated and quantified in the phantom images with a root-mean-square-error of 1.32 mg/mL in iodine measurement and 0.64 mg/mL in bismuth measurement. In the pig study, the enhancing bowel wall containing iodine and the small bowel loop containing bismuth were not differentiable in the original PCD-CT images. However, they were clearly distinctive from each other in the iodine- and bismuth-specific images after material decomposition, as reviewed by an abdominal radiologist. In addition, quantitative analysis showed that the misclassification between the two contrast materials was less than 1.0 mg/mL. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the feasibility of simultaneous imaging of iodine and bismuth in small bowel of swine using PCD-CT.
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Si-Mohamed SA, Sigovan M, Hsu JC, Tatard-Leitman V, Chalabreysse L, Naha PC, Garrivier T, Dessouky R, Carnaru M, Boussel L, Cormode DP, Douek PC. In Vivo Molecular K-Edge Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaque Using Photon-counting CT. Radiology 2021; 300:98-107. [PMID: 33944628 PMCID: PMC8217298 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2021203968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Macrophage burden is a major factor in the risk of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, and its evaluation remains challenging with molecular noninvasive imaging approaches. Photon-counting CT (PCCT) with k-edge imaging aims to allow for the specific detection of macrophages using gold nanoparticles. Purpose To perform k-edge imaging in combination with gold nanoparticles to detect and quantify the macrophage burden within the atherosclerotic aortas of rabbits. Materials and Methods Atherosclerotic and control New Zealand white rabbits were imaged before and at several time points up to 2 days after intravenous injection of gold nanoparticles (3.5 mL/kg, 65 mg gold per milliliter). Aortic CT angiography was performed at the end of the follow-up using an intravenous injection of an iodinated contrast material. Gold k-edge and conventional CT images were reconstructed for qualitative and quantitative assessment of the macrophage burden. PCCT imaging results were compared with findings at histologic examination, quantitative histomorphometry, transmission electron microscopy, and quantitative inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Pearson correlations between the macrophage area measured in immunostained sections and the concentration of gold and attenuation measured in the corresponding PCCT sections were calculated. Results Seven rabbits with atherosclerosis and four control rabbits without atherosclerosis were analyzed. In atherosclerotic rabbits, calcifications were observed along the aortic wall before injection. At 2 days after injection of gold nanoparticles, only gold k-edge images allowed for the distinction of plaque enhancement within calcifications and for lumen enhancement during angiography. A good correlation was observed between the gold concentration measured within the wall and the macrophage area in 35 plaques (five per rabbit) (r = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.91; P < .001), which was higher than that observed on conventional CT images (r = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.65; P = .01). Transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry analyses confirmed the gold k-edge imaging findings. Conclusion Photon-counting CT with gold nanoparticles allowed for the noninvasive evaluation of both molecular and anatomic information in vivo in rabbits with atherosclerotic plaques. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Leiner in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim A Si-Mohamed
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
| | - Monica Sigovan
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
| | - Jessica C Hsu
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
| | - Valérie Tatard-Leitman
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
| | - Lara Chalabreysse
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
| | - Pratap C Naha
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
| | - Thibaut Garrivier
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
| | - Riham Dessouky
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
| | - Miruna Carnaru
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
| | - Loic Boussel
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
| | - David P Cormode
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
| | - Philippe C Douek
- From the University of Lyon, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Jean Monnet University-Saint Etienne, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé Unité mixte de recherche 5220, U1206, F-69621, Lyon, France (S.A.S.M., M.S., V.T.L., R.D., L.B., P.C.D.); Departments of Radiology (S.A.S.M., T.G., L.B., P.C.D.) and Pathology (L.C.), Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (J.C.H., P.C.N., D.P.C.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt (R.D.); and Department of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn (M.C.)
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Investigating new CT contrast agents: a phantom study exploring quantification and differentiation methods for high-Z elements using dual-energy CT. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:8060-8067. [PMID: 33856524 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-07886-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop a dual-energy CT method for differentiating and quantifying high-Z contrast elements and to evaluate the limitations based on element concentration and atomic number by using an anthropomorphic phantom study. METHODS Mass spectrometry standards for iodine, barium, gadolinium, ytterbium, tantalum, gold, and bismuth were diluted from 10.0 to 0.3 mg/mL, placed inside 7-mL vials, and scanned with dual-energy CT using an abdominal phantom and cylindrical water-filled insert. This procedure was repeated with all seven high-Z elements at six isoattenuating values from 250 to 8 HU. Quantification accuracy was measured using a linear regression model and residual error analysis with 90% limits of agreement. The limit of detection for each element was evaluated using the limit of blank of water. Pairwise differentiation of isoattenuating vials was evaluated using AUC values and the difference in fit angles between the two elements. RESULTS Each high-Z element had a unique concentration vector in a two-dimensional plot of Compton scattering versus photoelectric effect attenuations. Mean quantification values were within ± 0.1 mg/mL of the true values for each element with no proportional bias. Limits of detection ranged from 0.35 to 0.56 mg/mL. Pairwise differentiations were proportional to the isoattenuating HU and the angle between the linear fits with mean AUC values increasing from 0.61 to 0.98 at 8 to 250 HU, respectively. CONCLUSION Dual-energy CT can differentiate and quantify isoattenuating high-Z elements. The high-attenuation characteristics and unique concentration vectors of ytterbium, tantalum, gold, and bismuth are well suited for new dual-energy CT contrast agents especially when simultaneously imaged with iodine, barium, or gadolinium. KEY POINTS • Dual-energy CT can accurately quantify high-Z contrast elements and readily differentiate iodine, barium, and gadolinium from ytterbium, tantalum, gold, and bismuth. • The differentiation and quantification capabilities for high-Z contrast elements are largely unaffected by phantom size and transaxial location within the phantom. • Potential benefits of new CT contrast agents based on these high-Z elements include alternatives for patients with iodine sensitivity, high conspicuity at both 120 and 140 kVp, simultaneous imaging of two contrast agents, and reduced injection volume.
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Wehrse E, Klein L, Rotkopf LT, Wagner WL, Uhrig M, Heußel CP, Ziener CH, Delorme S, Heinze S, Kachelrieß M, Schlemmer HP, Sawall S. Photon-counting detectors in computed tomography: from quantum physics to clinical practice. Radiologe 2021; 61:1-10. [PMID: 33598788 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-021-00812-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, a fundamentally new type of computed tomography (CT) detectors has proved its superior capabilities in both physical and preclinical evaluations and is now approaching the stage of clinical practice. These detectors are able to discriminate single photons and quantify their energy and are hence called photon-counting detectors. Among the promising benefits of this technology are improved radiation dose efficiency, increased contrast-to-noise ratio, reduced metal artifacts, improved spatial resolution, simultaneous multi-energy acquisitions, and the prospect of multi-phase imaging within a single acquisition using multiple contrast agents. Taking the conventional energy-integrating detectors as a reference, the authors demonstrate the technical principles of this new technology and provide phantom and patient images acquired by a whole-body photon-counting CT. These images serve as a basis for discussing the potential future of clinical CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Wehrse
- Division of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Medical Faculty, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - L Klein
- Division of X-Ray Imaging and Computed Tomography, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - L T Rotkopf
- Division of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - W L Wagner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Uhrig
- Division of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C P Heußel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology with Nuclear Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C H Ziener
- Division of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - S Delorme
- Division of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - S Heinze
- Institute of Forensic and Traffic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Voßstraße 2, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Kachelrieß
- Medical Faculty, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of X-Ray Imaging and Computed Tomography, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - H-P Schlemmer
- Division of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - S Sawall
- Medical Faculty, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of X-Ray Imaging and Computed Tomography, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
The introduction of photon-counting detectors is expected to be the next major breakthrough in clinical x-ray computed tomography (CT). During the last decade, there has been considerable research activity in the field of photon-counting CT, in terms of both hardware development and theoretical understanding of the factors affecting image quality. In this article, we review the recent progress in this field with the intent of highlighting the relationship between detector design considerations and the resulting image quality. We discuss detector design choices such as converter material, pixel size, and readout electronics design, and then elucidate their impact on detector performance in terms of dose efficiency, spatial resolution, and energy resolution. Furthermore, we give an overview of data processing, reconstruction methods and metrics of imaging performance; outline clinical applications; and discuss potential future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Danielsson
- Department of Physics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden. Prismatic Sensors AB, AlbaNova University Center, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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Sandfort V, Persson M, Pourmorteza A, Noël PB, Fleischmann D, Willemink MJ. Spectral photon-counting CT in cardiovascular imaging. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2020; 15:218-225. [PMID: 33358186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is an emerging technology promising to substantially improve cardiovascular imaging. Recent engineering and manufacturing advances by several vendors are expected to imminently launch this new technology into clinical reality. Photon-counting detectors (PCDs) have multiple potential advantages over conventional energy integrating detectors (EIDs) such as the absence of electronic noise, multi-energy capability, and increased spatial resolution. These developments will have different timescales for implementation and will affect different clinical scopes. We describe the technical aspects of PCCT, explain the current developments, and finally discuss potential advantages of PCCT in cardiovascular imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veit Sandfort
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mats Persson
- Department of Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amir Pourmorteza
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Peter B Noël
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dominik Fleischmann
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Martin J Willemink
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Perez JVD, Jacobsen MC, Damasco JA, Melancon A, Huang SY, Layman RR, Melancon MP. Optimization of the differentiation and quantification of high-Z nanoparticles incorporated in medical devices for CT-guided interventions. Med Phys 2020; 48:300-312. [PMID: 33216978 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Material differentiation has been made possible using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), in which the unique, energy-dependent attenuating characteristics of materials can provide new diagnostic information. One promising application is the clinical integration of biodegradable polymers as temporary implantable medical devices impregnated with high-atomic number (high-Z) materials. The purpose of this study was to explore the incorporation of high atomic number (high-Z) contrast materials in a bioresorbable inferior vena cava filter for advanced CT-based monitoring of its location and differentiating from surrounding materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS Imaging optimization and calibration studies were performed using a body phantom. The dual-energy CT (DECT) ratios for iron, zirconium, barium, gadolinium, ytterbium, tantalum, tungsten, gold, and bismuth were generated for peak kilovoltage combinations of 80/150Sn, 90/150Sn, and 100/150Sn kVp in dual-source CT via linear regression of the CT numbers at low and high energies. A secondary calibration of the material map to the nominal material concentration was generated to correct for use of materials other than iodine. CT number was calibrated to the material concentration based on single-energy CT (SECT) with additional filtration (150Sn kVp). These quantification methods were applied to monitoring of biodegradable inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) made of braided poly(p-dioxanone) sutures infused with ultrasmall bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) implanted in an adult domestic pig. RESULTS Qualitative material differentiation was optimal for high-Z (>73) contrast agents in DECT. However, quantification became nonlinear and inaccurate as the K-edge of the material increased. Using the high-energy (150Sn kVp) data component as a SECT scan, the linearity of quantification curves was maintained with lower limits of detection than with DECT. Among the materials tested, bismuth had optimal differentiation from iodine in DECT while maintaining increased contrast in high-energy SECT for quantification (11.5% error). Coating the IVCF with BiNPs resulted in markedly greater radiopacity (maximum CT number, 2028 HU) than that of an uncoated IVCF (maximum CT number, 127 HU). Using DECT imaging and processing, the BiNP-IVCF could be clearly differentiated from iodine contrast injected into the inferior vena cava of the pig. CONCLUSIONS These findings may improve widespread integration of medical devices incorporated with high-Z materials into the clinic, where technical success, possible complications, and device integrity can be assessed intraoperatively and postoperatively via DECT imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Vanessa D Perez
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Megan C Jacobsen
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jossana A Damasco
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Adam Melancon
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steven Y Huang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rick R Layman
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marites P Melancon
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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Spectral photon-counting CT imaging of colorectal peritoneal metastases: initial experience in rats. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13394. [PMID: 32770125 PMCID: PMC7414131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70282-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Computed tomography imaging plays a major role in the preoperative assessment of tumor burden by providing an accurate mapping of the distribution of peritoneal metastases (PM). Spectral Photon Counting Computed Tomography (SPCCT) is an innovative imaging modality that could overcome the current limitations of conventional CT, offering not only better spatial resolution but also better contrast resolution by allowing the discrimination of multiple contrast agents. Based on this capability, we tested the feasibility of SPCCT in the detection of PM at different time of tumor growth in 16 rats inoculated with CC531 cells using dual-contrast injection protocols in two compartments (i.e. intravenous iodine and intraperitoneal gadolinium or the reverse protocol), compared to surgery. For all peritoneal regions and for both protocols, sensitivity was 69%, specificity was 100% and accuracy was 80%, and the correlation with surgical exploration was strong (p = 0.97; p = 0.0001). No significant difference was found in terms of diagnostic performance, quality of peritoneal opacification or diagnostic quality between the 2 injection protocols. We also showed poor vascularization of peritoneal metastases by measuring low concentrations of contrast agent in the largest lesions using SPCCT, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical analyses. In conclusion, SPCCT using dual-contrast agent injection protocols in 2 compartments is a promising imaging modality to assess the extent of PM in a rat model.
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Sartoretti T, Eberhard M, Rüschoff JH, Pietsch H, Jost G, Nowak T, Schmidt B, Flohr T, Euler A, Alkadhi H. Photon-counting CT with tungsten as contrast medium: Experimental evidence of vessel lumen and plaque visualization. Atherosclerosis 2020; 310:11-16. [PMID: 32861961 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We aimed to investigate the potential of a preclinical photon-counting detector CT (PCT) scanner with an experimental tungsten-based contrast medium for carotid artery imaging. METHODS A carotid artery specimen was imaged on a PCT system using the multi-energy bin option (pixel size 0.5 × 0.5 mm2; tube voltage 140 kVp, contrast media-dependent energy thresholds: iodine 20, 75 keV; tungsten 20, 68 keV) at two radiation doses (CTDIvol of 100 mGy and 10 mGy) with iodine and tungsten as contrast media at equal mass-concentrations. Standard CT, virtual non-calcium (VNCa) and calcium-only images were reconstructed. Subjective image quality (4-point Likert scale) was rated using histology as reference. Noise and attenuation measurements were performed. Simulations were conducted to assess the material-decomposition efficiency for different object diameters. RESULTS Image quality on VNCa images was significantly higher for tungsten at lower dose (reader 1/reader 2: 2, [2,2]/2, [2,2] vs 1.5, [2,1]/1, [1,1.75], p < 0.05). Noise was significantly lower at both dose levels for tungsten VNCa images as compared to iodine images (higher dose: tungsten 24 vs iodine 31; lower dose: tungsten 60 vs iodine 82; both p < 0.01). Simulations indicated improved material-decomposition efficiency for tungsten than for iodine pronounced at smaller object diameters. CONCLUSIONS PCT employing the multi-energy bin option in combination with tungsten as contrast media enables improved carotid artery imaging with respect to lumen and plaque visualization and image noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Sartoretti
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Eberhard
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hendrik Rüschoff
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - André Euler
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hatem Alkadhi
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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Neufeld MJ, Winter H, Landry MR, Goforth AM, Khan S, Pratx G, Sun C. Lanthanide Metal-Organic Frameworks for Multispectral Radioluminescent Imaging. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:26943-26954. [PMID: 32442367 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c06010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this report, we describe the X-ray luminescent properties of two lanthanide-based nanoscale metal-frameworks (nMOFs) and their potential as novel platforms for optical molecular imaging techniques such as X-ray excited radioluminescence (RL) imaging. Upon X-ray irradiation, the nMOFs display sharp tunable emission peaks that span the visible to near-infrared spectral region (∼400-700 nm) based on the identity of the metal (Eu, Tb, or Eu/Tb). Surface modification of the nMOFs with polyethylene glycol (PEG) resulted in nanoparticles with enhanced aqueous stability that demonstrated both cyto- and hemo-compatibility important prerequisites for biological applications. Importantly, this is the first report to document and investigate the radioluminescent properties of lanthanide nMOFs. Taken together, the observed radioluminescent properties and low in vitro toxicity demonstrated by the nMOFs render them promising candidates for in vivo translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Neufeld
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Hayden Winter
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, 1719 SW 10th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Madeleine R Landry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Andrea M Goforth
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, 1719 SW 10th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Syamantak Khan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, California94305, United States
| | - Guillem Pratx
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, California94305, United States
| | - Conroy Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, 2730 SW Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
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Hsu JC, Nieves LM, Betzer O, Sadan T, Noël PB, Popovtzer R, Cormode DP. Nanoparticle contrast agents for X-ray imaging applications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 12:e1642. [PMID: 32441050 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
X-ray imaging is the most widely used diagnostic imaging method in modern medicine and several advanced forms of this technology have recently emerged. Iodinated molecules and barium sulfate suspensions are clinically approved X-ray contrast agents and are widely used. However, these existing contrast agents provide limited information, are suboptimal for new X-ray imaging techniques and are developing safety concerns. Thus, over the past 15 years, there has been a rapid growth in the development of nanoparticles as X-ray contrast agents. Nanoparticles have several desirable features such as high contrast payloads, the potential for long circulation times, and tunable physicochemical properties. Nanoparticles have also been used in a range of biomedical applications such as disease treatment, targeted imaging, and cell tracking. In this review, we discuss the principles behind X-ray contrast generation and introduce new types of X-ray imaging modalities, as well as potential elements and chemical compositions that are suitable for novel contrast agent development. We focus on the progress in nanoparticle X-ray contrast agents developed to be renally clearable, long circulating, theranostic, targeted, or for cell tracking. We feature agents that are used in conjunction with the newly developed multi-energy computed tomography and mammographic imaging technologies. Finally, we offer perspectives on current limitations and emerging research topics as well as expectations for the future development of the field. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Hsu
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lenitza M Nieves
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Oshra Betzer
- Faculty of Engineering and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tamar Sadan
- Faculty of Engineering and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Peter B Noël
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rachela Popovtzer
- Faculty of Engineering and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - David P Cormode
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Cuccione E, Chhour P, Si-Mohamed S, Dumot C, Kim J, Hubert V, Da Silva CC, Vandamme M, Chereul E, Balegamire J, Chevalier Y, Berthezène Y, Boussel L, Douek P, Cormode DP, Wiart M. Multicolor spectral photon counting CT monitors and quantifies therapeutic cells and their encapsulating scaffold in a model of brain damage. Nanotheranostics 2020; 4:129-141. [PMID: 32483519 PMCID: PMC7256015 DOI: 10.7150/ntno.45354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale & aim: Various types of cell therapies are currently under investigation for the treatment of ischemic stroke patients. To bridge the gap between cell administration and therapeutic outcome, there is a need for non-invasive monitoring of these innovative therapeutic approaches. Spectral photon counting computed tomography (SPCCT) is a new imaging modality that may be suitable for cell tracking. SPCCT is the next generation of clinical CT that allows the selective visualization and quantification of multiple contrast agents. The aims of this study are: (i) to demonstrate the feasibility of using SPCCT to longitudinally monitor and quantify therapeutic cells, i.e. bone marrow-derived M2-polarized macrophages transplanted in rats with brain damage; and (ii) to evaluate the potential of this approach to discriminate M2-polarized macrophages from their encapsulating scaffold. Methods: Twenty one rats received an intralesional transplantation of bone marrow-derived M2-polarized macrophages. In the first set of experiments, cells were labeled with gold nanoparticles and tracked for up to two weeks post-injection in a monocolor study via gold K-edge imaging. In the second set of experiments, the same protocol was repeated for a bicolor study, in which the labeled cells are embedded in iodine nanoparticle-labeled scaffold. The amount of gold in the brain was longitudinally quantified using gold K-edge images reconstructed from SPCCT acquisition. Animals were sacrificed at different time points post-injection, and ICP-OES was used to validate the accuracy of gold quantification from SPCCT imaging. Results: The feasibility of therapeutic cell tracking was successfully demonstrated in brain-damaged rats with SPCCT imaging. The imaging modality enabled cell monitoring for up to 2 weeks post-injection, in a specific and quantitative manner. Differentiation of labeled cells and their embedding scaffold was also feasible with SPCCT imaging, with a detection limit as low as 5,000 cells in a voxel of 250 × 250 × 250 µm in dimension in vivo. Conclusion: Multicolor SPCCT is an innovative translational imaging tool that allows monitoring and quantification of therapeutic cells and their encapsulating scaffold transplanted in the damaged rat brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cuccione
- CarMeN Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1060, INRA U1397, Université Lyon 1, INSA Lyon, F-69600 Oullins, France
- VOXCAN, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Peter Chhour
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Salim Si-Mohamed
- CREATIS, CNRS UMR 5220 - INSERM U1206 - University of Lyon 1 - INSA Lyon, Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Radiology Department, Lyon, France
| | - Chloé Dumot
- CarMeN Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1060, INRA U1397, Université Lyon 1, INSA Lyon, F-69600 Oullins, France
| | - Johoon Kim
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Violaine Hubert
- CarMeN Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1060, INRA U1397, Université Lyon 1, INSA Lyon, F-69600 Oullins, France
| | - Claire Crola Da Silva
- CarMeN Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1060, INRA U1397, Université Lyon 1, INSA Lyon, F-69600 Oullins, France
| | - Marc Vandamme
- VOXCAN, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | | | - Joëlle Balegamire
- LAGEPP, University of Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Yves Chevalier
- LAGEPP, University of Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Yves Berthezène
- CREATIS, CNRS UMR 5220 - INSERM U1206 - University of Lyon 1 - INSA Lyon, Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Radiology Department, Lyon, France
| | - Loïc Boussel
- CREATIS, CNRS UMR 5220 - INSERM U1206 - University of Lyon 1 - INSA Lyon, Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Radiology Department, Lyon, France
| | - Philippe Douek
- CREATIS, CNRS UMR 5220 - INSERM U1206 - University of Lyon 1 - INSA Lyon, Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Radiology Department, Lyon, France
| | - David P. Cormode
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Marlène Wiart
- CarMeN Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1060, INRA U1397, Université Lyon 1, INSA Lyon, F-69600 Oullins, France
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Chakravarty S, Hix JML, Wiewiora KA, Volk MC, Kenyon E, Shuboni-Mulligan DD, Blanco-Fernandez B, Kiupel M, Thomas J, Sempere LF, Shapiro EM. Tantalum oxide nanoparticles as versatile contrast agents for X-ray computed tomography. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:7720-7734. [PMID: 32211669 PMCID: PMC7185737 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr01234c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Here, we describe the synthesis, characterization and in vitro and in vivo performance of a series of tantalum oxide (TaOx) based nanoparticles (NPs) for computed tomography (CT). Five distinct versions of 9-12 nm diameter silane coated TaOx nanocrystals (NCs) were fabricated by a sol-gel method with varying degrees of hydrophilicity and with or without fluorescence, with the highest reported Ta content to date (78%). Highly hydrophilic NCs were left bare and were evaluated in vivo in mice for micro-CT of full body vasculature, where following intravenous injection, TaOx NCs demonstrate high vascular CT contrast, circulation in blood for ∼3 h, and eventual accumulation in RES organs; and following injection locally in the mammary gland, where the full ductal tree structure can be clearly delineated. Partially hydrophilic NCs were encapsulated within mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs; TaOx@MSNPs) and hydrophobic NCs were encapsulated within poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA; TaOx@PLGA) NPs, serving as potential CT-imagable drug delivery vehicles. Bolus intramuscular injections of TaOx@PLGA NPs and TaOx@MSNPs to mimic the accumulation of NPs at a tumor site produce high signal enhancement in mice. In vitro studies on bare NCs and formulated NPs demonstrate high cytocompatibility and low dissolution of TaOx. This work solidifies that TaOx-based NPs are versatile contrast agents for CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatadru Chakravarty
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA.
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Investigation of imaging properties of novel contrast agents based on gold, silver and bismuth nanoparticles in spectral computed tomography using Monte Carlo simulation. POLISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/pjmpe-2020-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In the present paper, some imaging properties of nanoparticles-based contrast agents including gold, bismuth, and silver were assessed and compared with conventional (iodinated) contrast agent in spectral computed tomography (CT). A spectral CT scanner with photon-counting detectors (PCD) and 6 energy bins was simulated using the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation method. The nanoparticles were designed with a diameter of 50 nm at concentrations of 2, 4, and 8 mg/ml. Water-filled cylindrical phantom was modeled with a diameter of 10 cm containing a hole with a diameter of 5 cm in its center, where was filled with contrast agents. The MC results were used to reconstruct images. Image reconstruction was accomplished with the filtered back-projection (FBP) method with hamming filter and linear interpolation method. CT number and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of all studied contrast materials were calculated in spectral images. The simulations indicated that nanoparticle-based contrast agents have a higher CT number and CNR than the iodinated contrast agent at the same concentration and for all energy bins. In general, gold nanoparticles produced the highest CT number and CNR compared to silver and bismuth nanoparticles at the same concentration. However, at low energies (below 80 keV), silver nanoparticles performed similarly to gold nanoparticles and at high energies (120 keV), bismuth nanoparticles can be a good substitute for gold nanoparticles.
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Recent advances of smart acid‐responsive gold nanoparticles in tumor therapy. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 12:e1619. [DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Kim J, Silva AB, Hsu JC, Maidment PSN, Shapira N, Noël PB, Cormode DP. Radioprotective garment-inspired biodegradable polymetal nanoparticles for enhanced CT contrast production. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2020; 32:381-391. [PMID: 33005071 PMCID: PMC7523649 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b03931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Numerous formulations of nanoparticle-based X-ray computed tomography (CT) contrast agents made of heavy metal elements are under investigation for their ability to provide improved CT imaging. Thus far, most experimental nanoparticle-based CT contrast agents have been developed with atoms of a single element. However, inspired by the composites formed from multiple elements used in radioprotective garments, we hypothesized that contrast agents made of several elements whose K-edge energies are spaced out in the high photon flux region could achieve high, broadband X-ray attenuation across the energies used in X-ray source spectra. Herein, we synthesized sub-5 nm core inorganic nanoparticles containing gold, tantalum, and cerium, and encapsulated them in polymeric nanoparticles to form polymetal nanoparticles (PMNP). We found that PMNP with multiple payload elements generate higher and more stable CT contrast than contrast agents made from a single contrast generating material, demonstrating the potential benefits of incorporating multiple suitable elements as CT contrast payloads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johoon Kim
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander B. Silva
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jessica C. Hsu
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Portia S. N. Maidment
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nadav Shapira
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peter B. Noël
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David P. Cormode
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Balegamire J, Vandamme M, Chereul E, Si-Mohamed S, Azzouz Maache S, Almouazen E, Ettouati L, Fessi H, Boussel L, Douek P, Chevalier Y. Iodinated polymer nanoparticles as contrast agent for spectral photon counting computed tomography. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:5715-5728. [DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01046d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Suspensions of iodinated polymer nanoparticles are evaluated as contrast agent for Computed Tomography (CT) and Spectral Photon Counting Computed Tomography (SPCCT).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Salim Si-Mohamed
- University Lyon 1
- CREATIS
- CNRS UMR 5220
- INSERM U630
- 69621 Villeurbanne
| | - Samira Azzouz Maache
- University of Lyon 1
- ISPB
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Mycology
- 69008 Lyon
- France
| | - Eyad Almouazen
- University of Lyon 1
- LAGEPP
- CNRS UMR 5007
- 69622 Villeurbanne
- France
| | | | - Hatem Fessi
- University of Lyon 1
- LAGEPP
- CNRS UMR 5007
- 69622 Villeurbanne
- France
| | - Loïc Boussel
- University Lyon 1
- CREATIS
- CNRS UMR 5220
- INSERM U630
- 69621 Villeurbanne
| | - Philippe Douek
- University Lyon 1
- CREATIS
- CNRS UMR 5220
- INSERM U630
- 69621 Villeurbanne
| | - Yves Chevalier
- University of Lyon 1
- LAGEPP
- CNRS UMR 5007
- 69622 Villeurbanne
- France
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Ren L, Rajendran K, McCollough CH, Yu L. Quantitative accuracy and dose efficiency of dual-contrast imaging using dual-energy CT: a phantom study. Med Phys 2019; 47:441-456. [PMID: 31705664 DOI: 10.1002/mp.13912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the quantitative accuracy and dose efficiency of simultaneous imaging of two contrast agents using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), two imaging tasks each representing one potential clinical application were investigated in a phantom study: biphasic liver imaging with iodine and gadolinium, and small bowel imaging with iodine and bismuth. METHODS To separate and quantify mixtures of two contrast agents using a single DECT scan, mixed iodine and gadolinium samples were prepared with the contrast enhancement values corresponding to the late arterial (iodine) and the portal-venous (gadolinium) phase for biphasic liver imaging. Mixed iodine and bismuth samples were prepared mimicking the arterial (iodine) and the enteric (bismuth) enhancement for small bowel imaging. For comparison to the reference condition of performing two single-energy CT (SECT) scans, contrast samples were prepared separately to mimic separate scans in the arterial/venous phase and arterial/enteric enhancement. Samples were placed in a 35 cm wide water tank and scanned using a third-generation dual-source DECT scanner with three tube potential pairs: 80/Sn150, 90/Sn150, and 100/Sn150 kV, all with default dose partitioning between two x-ray beams to acquire DECT data. The same scanner operated in a single-energy mode acquired SECT data (120 kV). Total radiation dose (CTDIvol) was matched for the single-scan DECT and the two-scan SECT protocols. The DECT protocol was followed by a generic image-based three-material decomposition method to determine the material-specific images, based on which concentrations of each basis material were quantified and noise levels were measured. To compare with the SECT images directly acquired with the SECT protocol, the concentration values in each contrast-specific image were converted to CT numbers at 120 kV (i.e., virtual SECT (vSECT) images). The noise level and noise power spectra differences between the SECT and vSECT images were compared to evaluate the dose efficiency of the single-scan DECT protocol. The impact of dose partitioning in the DECT protocol on quantitative dual-contrast imaging performance was also studied. RESULTS For each imaging task, contrast materials were accurately quantified against the nominal concentrations using the DECT data with strong correlation (R2 ≥ 0.98 for both imaging tasks). Compared to the SECT protocol, the DECT protocol was not dose efficient. With the optimal x-ray tube potential pair 80/Sn150 kV, the noise level in vSECT images increased by 401%/488% (arterial/portal-venous) for the biphasic liver imaging task and by 10%/41% (arterial/enteric) for the small bowel imaging task compared to that in SECT images. The corresponding radiation dose increase is 2410%/3357% for the biphasic liver imaging task and 21%/99% for the small bowel imaging task, respectively, to achieve the same noise as that in SECT images. This could be improved by adjusting the dose partitioning in DECT. CONCLUSIONS DECT can be used to simultaneously separate and quantify two contrast materials. However, compared to a two-scan SECT protocol, much higher radiation dose is needed in a single-scan DECT protocol to achieve the same image noise, especially for tasks involving the dual contrast of iodine and gadolinium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Ren
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | | | | | - Lifeng Yu
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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Dong YC, Hajfathalian M, Maidment PSN, Hsu JC, Naha PC, Si-Mohamed S, Breuilly M, Kim J, Chhour P, Douek P, Litt HI, Cormode DP. Effect of Gold Nanoparticle Size on Their Properties as Contrast Agents for Computed Tomography. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14912. [PMID: 31624285 PMCID: PMC6797746 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50332-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most commonly used clinical imaging modalities. There have recently been many reports of novel contrast agents for CT imaging. In particular, the development of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) as CT contrast agents is a topic of intense interest. AuNP have favorable characteristics for this application such as high payloads of contrast generating material, strong X-ray attenuation, excellent biocompatibility, tailorable surface chemistry, and tunable sizes and shapes. However, there have been conflicting reports on the role of AuNP size on their contrast generation for CT. We therefore sought to extensively investigate the AuNP size-CT contrast relationship. In order to do this, we synthesized AuNP with sizes ranging from 4 to 152 nm and capped them with 5 kDa m-PEG. The contrast generation of AuNP of different sizes was investigated with three clinical CT, a spectral photon counting CT (SPCCT) and two micro CT systems. X-ray attenuation was quantified as attenuation rate in Hounsfield units per unit concentration (HU/mM). No statistically significant difference in CT contrast generation was found among different AuNP sizes via phantom imaging with any of the systems tested. Furthermore, in vivo imaging was performed in mice to provide insight into the effect of AuNP size on animal biodistribution at CT dose levels, which has not previously been explored. Both in vivo imaging and ex vivo analysis with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) indicated that AuNP that are 15 nm or smaller have long blood circulation times, while larger AuNP accumulated in the liver and spleen more rapidly. Therefore, while we observed no AuNP size effect on CT contrast generation, there is a significant effect of size on AuNP diagnostic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi C Dong
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Maryam Hajfathalian
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Portia S N Maidment
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jessica C Hsu
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Pratap C Naha
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Salim Si-Mohamed
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Cardio-Vasculaire et Pneumologique Louis Pradel, Lyon, France
- Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé (CREATIS), UMR CNRS 5220, Inserm U1044, University Lyon1 Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - Marine Breuilly
- Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé (CREATIS), UMR CNRS 5220, Inserm U1044, University Lyon1 Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - Johoon Kim
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Peter Chhour
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Philippe Douek
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Cardio-Vasculaire et Pneumologique Louis Pradel, Lyon, France
- Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l'Image pour la Santé (CREATIS), UMR CNRS 5220, Inserm U1044, University Lyon1 Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - Harold I Litt
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David P Cormode
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 1 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Halttunen N, Lerouge F, Chaput F, Vandamme M, Karpati S, Si-Mohamed S, Sigovan M, Boussel L, Chereul E, Douek P, Parola S. Hybrid Nano-GdF 3 contrast media allows pre-clinical in vivo element-specific K-edge imaging and quantification. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12090. [PMID: 31431689 PMCID: PMC6702219 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48641-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) is a widely used imaging modality. Among the recent technical improvements to increase the range of detection for optimized diagnostic, new devices such as dual energy CT allow elemental discrimination but still remain limited to two energies. Spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) is an emerging X-ray imaging technology with a completely new multiple energy detection and high spatial resolution (200 μm). This unique technique allows detection and quantification of a given element thanks to an element-specific increase in X-ray absorption for an energy (K-band) depending on its atomic number. The main contrast media used hitherto are iodine-based compounds but the K-edge of iodine (33.2 keV) is out of the range of detection. Therefore, it is crucial to develop contrast media suitable for this advanced technology. Gadolinium, well known and used element for MRI, possess a K-edge (50.2 keV) well suited for the SPCCT modality. The use of nano-objects instead of molecular entities is pushed by the necessity of high local concentration. In this work, nano-GdF3 is validated on a clinical based prototype, to be used as efficient in vivo contrast media. Beside an extremely high stability, it presents long lasting time in the blood pool allowing perfusion imaging of small animals, without apparent toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Halttunen
- Laboratoire de Chimie, Université de Lyon, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5182, 46 allée d'Italie, 69364, Lyon, France
| | - Frederic Lerouge
- Laboratoire de Chimie, Université de Lyon, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5182, 46 allée d'Italie, 69364, Lyon, France.
| | - Frederic Chaput
- Laboratoire de Chimie, Université de Lyon, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5182, 46 allée d'Italie, 69364, Lyon, France
| | - Marc Vandamme
- VOXCAN, 1 avenue Bourgelat, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Szilvia Karpati
- Laboratoire de Chimie, Université de Lyon, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5182, 46 allée d'Italie, 69364, Lyon, France
| | - Salim Si-Mohamed
- CREATIS, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1206, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Radiology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Monica Sigovan
- CREATIS, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1206, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Loic Boussel
- CREATIS, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1206, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Philippe Douek
- CREATIS, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1206, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Radiology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Stephane Parola
- Laboratoire de Chimie, Université de Lyon, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5182, 46 allée d'Italie, 69364, Lyon, France.
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50
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Bläckberg L, Sajedi S, Mandl S, Mohan A, Vittum B, El Fakhri G, Sabet H. Exploring light confinement in laser-processed LYSO:Ce for photon counting CT application. Phys Med Biol 2019; 64:095020. [PMID: 30897557 PMCID: PMC7191943 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ab1213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
With the goal of developing a low-cost scintillator-based photon counting detector (PCD) with high dose efficiency suitable for CT, the light transport characteristics in LYSO:Ce detectors containing laser induced optical barriers (LIOB) are simulated. Light confinement and light collection efficiencies (LCE) are studied for a variety of optical barrier patterns and properties (refractive index (RI) and barrier/crystal interface roughness). Up to 80% confinement is achievable with a simple pixel pattern with one barrier wall separating each pixel coupled one-to-one to a photodetector (PD) pixel. Confinement is heavily dependent on barrier properties, and rough interfaces and higher RI results in increased cross-talk. Three approaches to enhance performance beyond the basic pattern are explored: (1) Multiple barrier walls separating each crystal pixel. (2) Introduction of long and short range confinement by having multiple crystal pixels per PD pixel. (3) Combination of LIOB and laser ablation (LA). (1) Is effective for rough interfaces where confinement can be increased by up to 24% for double compared to single walls. (2) Results in high confinement in the pixel centered on the PD pixel, but lower confinement closer to the PD edge. This feature may be explored to achieve spatial resolution beyond the PD pixel size using light sharing based positioning algorithms. (3) Can increase confinement for smooth interfaces using a smooth ablation in the bottom part of the crystal. A general trend across all configurations is a trade-off between light confinement and LCE. The LCE attainable is found comparable to that for mechanically pixelated arrays. While the confinement achievable with LIOB is always lower compared to a mechanically pixelated array, the former may offer a high level of flexibility in terms of detector design. This, in combination with the possibility to fabricate sub-mm pixels in a cost-effective manner, makes LIOB a promising technology for scintillator-based PCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bläckberg
- Department of Radiology, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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