Langheinrich AC, Michniewicz A, Sedding DG, Lai B, Jorgensen SM, Bohle RM, Ritman EL. Quantitative X-ray imaging of intraplaque hemorrhage in aortas of apoE(-/-)/LDL(-/-) double knockout mice.
Invest Radiol 2007;
42:263-73. [PMID:
17414521 DOI:
10.1097/01.rli.0000258085.87952.ea]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To determine if hemorrhage into an arterial wall can be detected in CT images by virtue of the iron content.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Aortas from male apoE(-/-)/LDL(-/-) mice (n = 31) were infused in situ with contrast agent, for micro-CT scanning and histology. Roentgen-opacities within the aortic walls were identified by histology and micro-x-ray fluorescence to be iron or calcium. Dual-energy scanning was performed at 2 energy levels using synchrotron-based micro-CT [(2 microm)(3) voxels, 16 and 20 keV] and 64-slice CT (0.4 x 0.4 x 0.6 mm voxels, 80 and 120 kVp).
RESULTS
Opacities were identified as hemorrhage-related clusters of multiple punctate deposits, containing both Fe (0.48 x 10(-12) g/voxel) and Ca (3.18 x 10(-2) g/voxel), or as isolated confluent accumulations of exclusively calcium. Subtraction of the dual-energy CT scans discriminated iron from calcium deposits.
CONCLUSION
Detection and quantification of iron deposits in hemorrhaged atherosclerotic lesions is feasible by dual-energy CT imaging.
Collapse