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| Comparison study between USPIO enhanced MRI black-blood sequence andwhite-blood sequence in the detection of atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits |
| LI Yong-gang1, ZHU Mo1, DAI Ying-yu1, CHEN Jian-hua1, NI Jian-kun2, GUO Liang1 |
| 1. Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou Jiangsu 215006, China;2. Department of Radiology, First People’s Hospital of Wujiang City, Wujiang Jiangsu 215200, China |
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Abstract Objective: To explore the sensitivity and value of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide(USPIO) enhanced MRI black-blood sequence and white-blood sequence in the detection of atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits. Methods: Thirty New Zealand male rabbits were divided randomly into two groups: 20 animals in the experiment group, 10 animals in control group. Animal model of atherosclerosis(AS) was induced with aortic balloon endothelial injury and high-fat diet feeding. There was no intervention to the rabbits in the control group. MRI examination included plain scan, USPIO enhanced black-blood sequence and white-blood sequence. The ability in demonstration of shape, number and component of the plaques between USPIO enhanced black-blood sequence and white-blood sequence was compared. A correlated study was done between MRI and pathological findings, as well as a statistical study. Results: Animal model of AS was successfully made in 12 rabbits. The central area of the plaques demonstrated a decreased signal on USPIO enhanced T2WI and T2*WI, but a dot-like filling defect on USPIO enhanced white-blood sequence. There were 67 plaques that were positive on Prussian blue staining within the MRI scanning scope. Although there was no difference in the detection of numbers of AS plaques between USPIO enhanced black-blood sequence and white-blood sequence, but the black-blood sequence was superior to the white-blood sequence in demonstrating of the components of plaques. Conclusion: USPIO could be phagocytosed by macrophages in the AS plaques of the rabbits, which could lead to the change of MR signal intensity. USPIO enhanced MR black-blood sequence can reveal the number and component of AS plaques and comply in the diagnosis and evaluation of the stability of AS plaques.
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Received: 13 July 2009
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Corresponding Authors:
GUO Liang
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2010, Vol. 21 
