Liposomal contrast agent for CT imaging of the liver

A liposomal CT contrast formulation with high iodine loading capacity was developed. The multivesicular liposome (MVL) structure was adopted and the encapsulated iodine concentrations were higher than 50mg/ml. Small MVLs were made with mean diameter at less than 5 micron. They were shown to distribute evenly in the hepatic sinusoid between hepatic plates and the endothelium after intravenous injection. A significant and persistent enhancement of CT value in the liver was observed in CT imaging studies. Compared to conventional extracellular iodine agents Iohexol, the MVL formulation is easier to administer, requires much lower doses, however the resulted liver imaging enhancement is greater and last longer. Therefore, we believe it has great potentials as a new and superior contrast enhancement agent for CT imaging of the liver.