Longitudinal Follow-up of Cardiac Structure and Functional Changes in an Infarct Mouse Model Using Retrospectively Gated Micro-Computed Tomography

Abstract

We have demonstrated the first use of dynamic micro-CT for monitoring cardiac remodeling, resulting from myocardial infarction, over time. The fast scan times (<1 minute) and ability to track individual animals over an entire study make this quantitative noninvasive technique a promising tool for in vivo studies of cardiac disease in mouse models.

Contrast-Enhanced Microcomputed Tomography Using Intraperitoneal Contrast Injection for the Assessment of Tumor-Burden in Liver Metastasis Models

“…The total iodine dose of 25 mg is significantly below the reported values of 48 mg, 19 160 mg, 9 and 200 mg iodine 20 that have been administered previously to mice. In agreement with our preliminary dose finding study, which suggests that the contrast agents can be used simultaneously and are well tolerated, both iohexol 19 and Fenestra 5,21 have been used previously in longitudinal studies without apparent side effects. Specifically, Fenestra has been administered 4 times over a 5-week time period in a study of liver tumors in mice, 5 and in a study of myocardial remodeling postinfarction, 21 without any visible signs of toxicity.…”

Intravascular and Extravascular Microvessel Formation in Chronic Total Occlusions

“…This limitation results in the need for us to compare different animals at different time points, thus increasing variability. Newer CT systems coupled with blood-pool contrast agents may be able to address this challenge in the future (20).…”

Whole animal imaging

“…5 Dynamic μ CT cardiac imaging may be useful for understanding various pathologic processes such as left ventricular wall thickening 5 and temporal evaluation of myocardial infarction-induced cardiac remodeling. 24 μ CT imaging has also been employed to investigate cardiac phenotype and coronary artery patterning defects. 25,26 …”