Radiology, Vol 152, 759-762, Copyright © 1984 by Radiological Society of North America
Liposomes loaded with contrast material for image enhancement in computed tomography. Work in progress
PJ Ryan, MA Davis, LR DeGaeta, B Woda and DL Melchior
Large unilamellar phospholipid vesicles were prepared and loaded with
various radiographic contrast media. Body CT following in vivo
administration of these vesicles in the rat demonstrated opacification of
organs associated with the reticuloendothelial system. Image enhancement in
the spleen and liver was dose dependent and was linearly related within the
dose range investigated. Contrast enhancement was observed within five
minutes of intravenous administration, was maximal 60 minutes after
injection, and declined during the second hour. Clearance of the
radiographic contrast material was complete within 24 hours. Diffuse
splenic lymphoma following intraperitoneal or intrasplenic injection of
lymphoma cells, and solitary lymphoma nodules following intrahepatic
injection were readily detected as nonenhanced areas following injection of
liposomes.
