Imaging of blood flow using hyperpolarized [13C]Urea in preclinical cancer models

Cornelius von Morze, Peder E.Z. Larson, Simon Hu, Kayvan Keshari, David M. Wilson, Jan Henrik Ardenkjær-Larsen, Andrei Goga, Robert Bok, John Kurhanewicz, Daniel B. Vigneron

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

To demonstrate dynamic imaging of a diffusible perfusion tracer, hyperpolarized [13C]urea, for regional measurement of blood flow in preclinical cancer models. A pulse sequence using balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) was developed, with progressively increasing flip angles for efficient sampling of the hyperpolarized magnetization. This allowed temporal and volumetric imaging of the [13C]urea signal. Regional signal dynamics were quantified for kidneys and liver, and estimates of relative blood flows were derived from the data. Detailed perfusion simulations were performed to validate the methodology. Significant differences were observed in the signal patterns between normal and cancerous murine hepatic tissues. In particular, a 19% reduction in mean blood flow was observed in tumors, with 26% elevation in the tumor rim. The blood flow maps were also compared with metabolic imaging results with hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate. Regional assessment of perfusion is possible by imaging of hyperpolarized [13C]urea, which is significant for the imaging of cancer. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:692–697. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Keyword: Cancer model,Blood flow,Carbon-13,Hyperpolarized,Urea,Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Volume33
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)692-697
ISSN1053-1807
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes

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