The Utility of Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Contrast Agents for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract: The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the utility of the Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Particle (USPIO), NC100150 Injection for assessment of macro- and microvascular morphology and function using magnetic resonance imaging. The feasibility of NC100150 Injection was tested for the following applications: Coronary angiography, Thrombus detection, Cardiac function, Myocardial perfusion, Assessment of myocardial blood volume and water exchange and finally assessment of endothelial integrity of the myocardium.The test method included computer simulations, in vitro, animal and clinical experiments. The computer simulations included propagation of longitudinal magnetization in non-steady state acquisitions. Animal models used were coronary artery stenosis in pigs, thrombus formation in the jugular vein in pigs, normal pig myocardium and transplanted hearts in rats. A human study of patients with suspected coronary artery disease was also performed.The results showed that angiography using an USPIO is less efficient in the coronary arteries than in the peripheral arteries. Direct targeting to thrombus using an USPIO is possible but will be limited by the spatial resolution. An USPIO will enhance gradient echo imaging of cardiac function. T2-weighted myocardial perfusion imaging is feasible as well as assessment of myocardial blood volume and endothelial integrity.Due to physiological limitations and technical development the utility of NC100150 Injection for assessment of the macrovascular morphology is limited.However for the assessment of microvascular function, especially perfusion and permeability, NC100150 Injection may contribute to a successful implementation of these methods.