Noninvasive monitoring of a murine model of metastatic pheochromocytoma: A comparison of contrast-enhanced microCT and nonenhanced MRI

Lucia Martiniova, Melanie S. Kotys, David Thomasson, Daniel Schimel, Edwin W. Lai, Marcelino Bernardo, Maria J. Merino, James F. Powers, Jan Ruzicka, Richard Kvetnansky, Peter L. Choyke, Karel Pacak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To compare contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography(microCT) and nonenhanced respiratory-triggered magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) in an animal model of metastatic pheochromocytoma. Animal models are becoming important in the study of cancer treatment and imaging is useful in minimizing the number of animals needed and reducing costs associated with autopsies. However, the choice of imaging modality is still evolving. Materials and Methods: Adult female nude mice were injected by tail vein with a mouse pheochromocytoma(MPC) cell line(MPC 4/30PRR) to create a metastatic model. After optimizing imaging techniques, eight mice were imaged with both respiratory triggered MRI and microCT and the findings were verified histologically.Results: MicroCT and MRI were approximately equal in their ability to detect hepatic metastases at a size threshold of 350 |j,m. In the lungs, MRI was more sensitive than microCT, detecting lesions 0.6 mm in diameter versus 1 mm for microCT. Additionally, MRI was more sensitive for lesions in the kidneys, bone, ovaries, and adrenal glands. MRI demonstrated a higher contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR) than microCT. Conclusion: In addition to the advantage of not exposing the animal to ionizing radiation, MRI provided a more complete assessment of the extent of metastases in this model compared to microCT.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)685-691
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Volume29
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2009

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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