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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
In vivo Macrophage Imaging Using MR Targeted Contrast Agent for Longitudinal Evaluation of Septic Arthritis
Published on: October 20, 2013
In vivo imaging of the aneurysm wall with MRI and a macrophage-specific contrast agent
Maarten Truijers1, Jurgen J Fütterer, Satoru Takahashi
1Department of Surgery and Vascular Surgery, Radboud University, Nijmegen Medical Center, Gelderland, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. M.Truijers@chir.umcn.nl
Objective:
Because of their capability of secreting proteinases, macrophages play a central role in the growth and rupture of aneurysms. Noninvasive imaging of macrophages therefore may yield valuable information about the pathogenesis of aneurysm disease. We studied uptake of the macrophage-specific contrast agent ultrasmall paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) in the walls of aneurysms and normal-sized aortas.
Materials And Methods:
Six patients with an aortic and five patients with an iliac aneurysm and 11 age-matched controls were identified in a database of 239 patients who underwent evaluations for the staging of prostate cancer. USPIO-enhanced MRI and contrast-enhanced MDCT were performed for all patients. The presence of USPIO was assessed with an iron-sensitive MRI sequence. Quantification consisted of counting the number of quadrants with USPIO-induced subendothelial signal voids. A chi-square test was used to analyze the significance of the difference between the number of USPIO-positive quadrants in the aneurysm group and that in the control group.
Results:
The number of USPIO-positive quadrants was significantly higher in the aneurysm than in the control group: 158 quadrants (4.2%) in the aneurysm group and 13 quadrants (0.4%) in the control group (p < 0.001). Two abdominal aortic aneurysms accounted for 90% (154/171) of all USPIO-positive quadrants.
Conclusion:
USPIO uptake is limited or absent in the wall of normal-sized aortas and most aneurysms. However, individual abdominal aortic aneurysms exhibit high levels of USPIO uptake, indicative of extensive macrophage infiltration in the aneurysm wall. Future research should focus on the predictive value of USPIO uptake for growth and rupture of aneurysms.
Insights
Macrophage imaging using ultrasmall paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) shows limited uptake in most aneurysms. However, specific abdominal aortic aneurysms demonstrate significant USPIO uptake, indicating extensive macrophage infiltration.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology
- Medical imaging
- Immunology
Background:
- Macrophages secrete proteinases, driving aneurysm growth and rupture.
- Noninvasive macrophage imaging can reveal aneurysm pathogenesis.
- Ultrasmall paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) is a macrophage-specific contrast agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate USPIO uptake in aneurysm walls versus normal aortas.
- To assess the potential of USPIO-enhanced MRI for aneurysm characterization.
Main Methods:
- USPIO-enhanced MRI and MDCT in 11 aneurysm patients and 11 controls.
- Iron-sensitive MRI sequence to detect USPIO presence.
- Quantification of USPIO-positive quadrants.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher USPIO-positive quadrants in aneurysms (4.2%) vs. controls (0.4%).
- Two abdominal aortic aneurysms accounted for 90% of all USPIO-positive quadrants.
- USPIO uptake was minimal in normal aortas and most aneurysms.
Conclusions:
- USPIO uptake is largely absent in normal aortas and most aneurysms.
- High USPIO uptake in some abdominal aortic aneurysms suggests significant macrophage infiltration.
- Future studies should explore USPIO uptake's predictive value for aneurysm growth and rupture.
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