Dual-modality imaging of atherosclerotic plaques using ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide labeled with rhodamine

Aim: The diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques remains challenging. This study labeled ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide with rhodamine (USPIO-R) and evaluated USPIO-R for imaging atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were fed a high-fat diet and underwent MRI before and after an intravenous injection of USPIO-R. Subsequently, an aortic specimen from the mice was removed and sliced for fluorescence imaging and Prussian blue and immunofluorescent staining. Results: T₂ signal loss appeared and persisted in the aortic plaque postinjection, and spontaneous fluorescence from the plaque was observed. The accumulated mechanism of USPIO-R by plaque was the macrophage internalization by Prussian blue and immunofluorescence. Conclusion: USPIO-R is a promising dual-modality probe for diagnosing and monitoring vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.