High-Resolution CT Vascular Imaging Using Blood Pool Contrast Agents

Introduction

While the evolution of computed tomography imaging in the last 2 decades has been driven almost exclusively by improvements in the instrumentation and processing algorithms, there have been comparatively modest advances in contrast agent technology. A notable change in the last decade has been the development of blood pool contrast agents based on nanoparticle technology. While not yet ready for clinical use, the stable and uniform opacification provided by these agents in normal vasculature and controlled extravasation in compromised vasculature enables novel techniques for imaging and diagnosis of pathologies. This manuscript presents preclinical examples demonstrating cardiovascular pathologies and tumor characterization by high-resolution computed tomography imaging.