Preclinical Water-Mediated Ultrasound Platform Using Clinical Field of View for Molecular Targeted Contrast-Enhanced...

We report a low-cost protocol and platform for whole-abdomen 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) imaging in mice using a clinical matrix-array transducer. Background/Objectives: This platform addresses common limitations of preclinical ultrasound systems. In particular, these systems often lack real-time volumetric and molecular imaging capabilities. Methods: Using a modified silicone cup and water bath configuration, mice with dual subcutaneous tumors were imaged in vivo on a clinical EPIQ 7 system equipped with an X6-1 transducer. Results: Intravenous administration of targeted microbubbles enabled high-resolution, contrast-mode 3D imaging at multiple time points. Volumetric reconstructions captured both tumors and surrounding anatomy in a single scan, while time-intensity curves and Differential Targeted Enhancement (DTE) analysis revealed greater microbubble uptake in irradiated tumors, consistent with elevated P-selectin expression. Conclusions: This standardized imaging platform enables whole-abdomen molecular DCE-US in preclinical studies, facilitating intra-animal comparisons of vascular and molecular features across lesions or organs.