Marcus Katoh MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Patrick Haage MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Andrea J. Wiethoff PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Former employee, EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Inc

Rolf W. Günther, Abstract Co-Author: License agreement, Cook Group Incorporated, Bloomington, IN

Arno Buecker MD, Abstract Co-Author: Stockholder, Aachen Resonance GmbH Co-founder, Aachen Resonance GmbH

Josef Tacke MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Elmar Spuentrup MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the value of EP-2104R (Epix Pharmaceuticals), a fibrin-targeted MR contrast agent, for detection of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and for monitoring percutaneous interventions.

DVT was induced in six domestic swine using an occlusion-balloon catheter and subsequent injection of thrombin. EP-2104R (4.0 µmol per kg body weight) was admistered systematically. Afterwards, occluded iliac veins were recanalized using a Fogarty catheter (n=3) and an Arrow rotating thrombectomy device (n=3). MR imaging of the pelvis and the lung was repeated four times (before and after DVT induction, after contrast agent administration, and after intervention) on a 1.5 Tesla whole-body XMR system (Achieva, Philips Medical Systems). Contrast enhancement of thrombi was visualized using a T1 weighed gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) sequence.

DVT induction was successfully performed in all six animals. EP-2104R allowed for selective and high-contrast visualization of the thrombotic material and for clear determination of the extent of the DVT. Using a Fogarty catheter and the Arrow rotating thrombectomy device occluded iliac veins were recanalized in all cases. The removed thrombi with attached EP-2104R were found in the lung. The size of thrombi in the lung, however, varied depending on the used thrombectomy device (i.e. long fragments using the Fogarty catheter, short fragments using the Arrow device).

Molecular MR imaging  using fibrin-targeted MR contrast agent EP-2104R allowed for selective visualization of DVT and accurate monitoring of percutaneous intervention.

An in-vivo model of DVT is presented, which allow for comparison of different thrombectomy devices and anticoagulative therapies under standardized condition.

Katoh, M, Haage, P, Wiethoff, A, Günther, R, Buecker, A, Tacke, J, Spuentrup, E, et al, , Molecular MR Imaging for Deep Iliac Vein Thrombosis Using Fibrin-targeted Contrast Agent EP-2104R.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6022336.html