Localization of P-31 MR signal with use of superparamagnetic iron oxide particles

Volume localization of magnetic resonance signals was achieved by using the regional susceptibility differences produced by superparamagnetic iron oxide particles. In vitro experiments demonstrated a direct linear relationship between the concentration of particulate iron and phosphorus-31 chemical shift or line broadening. In vivo experiments indicated that an intravenous dose of 5-10 mg of iron per kilogram of body weight suppressed P-31 signal from normal liver in healthy rats. In rats with hepatic implants of mammary adenocarcinoma, superparamagnetic iron oxide particles suppressed detectable P-31 or hydrogen-1 signal arising from healthy liver tissue, but not that from tumor. Signal due to surface tissues, which affect surface-coil spectra, could be selectively suppressed with a film-based application of particles to the abdominal wall. Thus, P-31 spectra from simulated or actual lesions could be selectively detected after chemically suppressing signals from neighboring or surrounding tissue.