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6.11.09
"New Study Demonstrates NanoScan`s Novel Contrast Agent May Identify Heart Attack in Waiting" company press release
"New Study Demonstrates NanoScan`s Novel Contrast Agent May Identify Heart Attack in Waiting" company press release
Several noninvasive imaging techniques have been investigated for macrophage detection. For example, ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) are taken up by macrophages that can be detected as signal voids using MRI or combined with a radiotracer to quantify the accumulation of these particles using positron emission tomography (PET). However, high spatial and temporal imaging resolutions required for imaging the arterial wall of coronary arteries are not currently achievable with PET or MRI. In addition, the optimal imaging time after injection of USPIO’s may be up to 72 hours later, limiting the practical applications of this technique.
By comparison, CT offers to detect macrophage-rich lesions as early as two hours after the intravenous injection of N1177 with a spatial resolution allowing for the evaluation of coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Quantification of N1177 accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques is facilitated by the linear relationship existing between iodine concentration in tissue and signal increase measured with CT. In addition, detection of macrophages with N1177 could be used in connection with other CT markers identified in ruptured plaques such as areas of low densities, positive remodeling and absence of calcifications to enhance the potential of CT to identify high-risk plaques.
Studies are currently planned at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to demonstrate that N1177 accumulates in non-cancerous lymph node tissues similar to USPIOs.
NanoScan Imaging, LLC
2250 Berks Road
Lansdale, PA 19446
P: 610-647-3231
info@nanoscanimaging.com
www.nanoscanimaging.com