High-Resolution Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Small Animals.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular imaging
• Preclinical research
• Nuclear medicine

Background:

• Positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) are crucial for assessing cardiac function and metabolism.
• Small animal models (mice, rats) present unique challenges for cardiac imaging due to small heart size and high heart rates.
• Existing imaging techniques require specialized equipment and protocols for preclinical cardiac studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a bimodal cardiac PET/CT imaging protocol for experimental mouse and rat models of cardiac diseases.
• To detail the entire process from animal preparation to image visualization.
• To establish a comprehensive tool for cardiac morphofunctional and metabolic assessment in preclinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a bimodal cardiac PET/CT scanner for integrated imaging.
• Employed 18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG)-PET for glucose metabolism assessment in the left ventricle (LV).
• Performed time-resolved 3D reconstruction (4D-CT) using retrospective gating for LV morphofunctional evaluation and quantification of ejection fraction (EF) and stroke volume (SV).

Main Results:

• The protocol allows for detailed visualization and measurement of glucose metabolism in different LV segments using polar maps.
• 4D-CT enables accurate morphofunctional assessment and quantification of key cardiac parameters like EF and SV.
• Integrated PET/CT scanning within a single anesthesia session streamlines the imaging process.

Conclusions:

• The described cardiac PET/CT protocol provides a comprehensive approach for evaluating cardiac function and metabolism in small animal models.
• This integrated imaging technique is valuable for preclinical research in cardiac diseases.
• The protocol facilitates efficient and detailed assessment without animal repositioning between scanners.