Dual-energy micro-CT imaging for differentiation of iodine- and gold-based nanoparticles
Spectral CT imaging is expected to play a major role in the diagnostic arena as it provides material decomposition on an elemental basis. One fascinating possibility is the ability to discriminate multiple contrast agents targeting different biological sites. We investigate the feasibility of dual energy micro-CT for discrimination of iodine (I) and gold (Au) contrast agents when simultaneously present in the body. Simulations and experiments were performed to measure the CT enhancement for I and Au over a range of voltages from 40-to-150 kVp using a dual source micro-CT system. The selected voltages for dual energy micro-CT imaging of Au and I were 40 kVp and 80 kVp. On a massconcentration basis, the relative average enhancement of Au to I was 2.75 at 40 kVp and 1.58 at 80 kVp. We have demonstrated the method in a preclinical model of colon cancer to differentiate vascular architecture and extravasation. The concentration maps of Au and I allow quantitative measure of the bio-distribution of both agents. In conclusion, dual energy micro-CT can be used to discriminate probes containing I and Au with immediate impact in pre-clinical research. © 2011 SPIE.
