Visualization of immune cell infiltration in experimental viral myocarditis by ~(19)F MRI in vivo

摘要

Objective This paper introduces a new approach permitting for the first time a specific, non-invasive diagnosis of myocarditis by visualizing the infiltration of immune cells into the myocardium. Materials and methods The feasibility of this approach is shown in a murine model of viral myocarditis. Our study uses biochemically inert perfluorocarbons (PFCs) known to be taken up by circulating monocytes/macrophages after intravenous injection. Results In vivo ~(19)F MRI at 9.4 T demonstrated that PFCloaded immune cells infiltrate into inflamed myocardial areas. Because of the lack of any fluorine background in the body, detected ~(19)F signals of PFCs are highly specific as confirmed ex vivo by flow cytometry and histology. Conclusion Since PFCs are a family of compounds previously used clinically as blood substitutes, the technique described in our paper holds the potential as a new imaging modality for the diagnosis of myocarditis in man.