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Mini Review - Journal of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (2023) Volume 7, Issue 4
Fluorine MRI for Visualising Inflammation: From Theory to Practise.
Florina Menon*
Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
- *Corresponding Author:
- Florina Menon
Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering,
University of Zurich & ETH Zurich,
Switzerland
E-mail:florina44@gmail.com
Received:28-Jul-2023, Manuscript No.AABIB-23-109271; Editor assigned: 01-Aug-2023, PreQC No.AABIB-23-109271(PQ); Reviewed:16-Aug-2023, QC No.AABIB-23-109271; Revised:22-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. AABIB-23-10927; Published:28-Aug-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aabib-7.4.188
Citation: Menon F, Fluorine MRI for Visualising Inflammation: From Theory to Practise. J Biomed Imag Bioeng. 2023;7(3):188.
Introduction
Fluorine-19 MRI has emerged as a cutting-edge technique in the field of medical imaging, offering unique insights into the visualization of inflammation within biological systems. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in various pathological conditions, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Traditional imaging methods, such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), have limitations in terms of resolution, sensitivity, and potential radiation exposure. Fluorine-19 MRI addresses these shortcomings by providing a non-invasive and highly sensitive approach to visualize inflammation at the molecular level. This article delves into the theoretical foundations and practical applications of Fluorine MRI for visualizing inflammation, highlighting its potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring.[1].
Fluorine-19 MRI offers a groundbreaking approach to visualize inflammation within biological systems, allowing researchers and clinicians to probe molecular processes and gain insights into disease mechanisms. Inflammation, a complex biological response to various stimuli, can be a key indicator of disease onset, progression, and treatment efficacy. Conventional imaging techniques often fall short in providing the necessary spatial and temporal resolution required to fully understand the intricacies of inflammation. The core principle of Fluorine-19 MRI lies in the use of fluorine-19 (^19F) nuclei as imaging agents. Unlike the abundant hydrogen nuclei used in traditional proton (^1H) MRI, ^19F nuclei are rare in biological tissues, reducing background signal interference and enhancing imaging specificity. This enables the detection of exogenously administered fluorinated contrast agents, which are selectively taken up by inflammatory cells and can be tracked in real-time.[2].
In vivo inflammatory imaging with PFC-laden nanoparticles and F-19 MRI has been shown to be effective in experimental cardiac and cerebral ischemia, tumour, pneumonia, and myocardial infarction. However, the application for in vivo detection of experimental myocarditis has so far been limited to a 9.4 Tesla ultrahigh field strength. Thus, the goal of this work was to assess the efficacy of a PFC-laden nanoemulsion for the identification of myocarditis utilising a mouse model down to 1.5 Tesla MRI while also relying on clinical practise guidelines. All animals showed a pronounced F MRI enhancement. There was no signal in the arteries 24 hours after the contrast agent injection, however all animals had a signal in the liver and spleen (not shown). These signals were linked to the transient sequestration of PFC nanoparticles in reticuloendothelial system cells. There were also sporadic indications from the lymph nodes. However, only mice treated with doxorubicin showed a strong signal in the heart. The signals recorded in two animals from each group are shown. The signals from the myocardial can be distinguished; however the other prominent hot spots in all images, regardless of group, are connected with lymph nodes in the axillary and spine areas.[3].
Practical applications of Fluorine-19MRI for visualizing inflammation are multifaceted. It offers the potential to assess the severity of inflammation, monitor the response to therapeutic interventions, and aid in drug development. Preclinical studies have showcased the technique's ability to visualize immune cell migration, track inflammation-related molecular events, and quantify the extent of tissue damage. In a clinical context, Fluorine-19 MRI holds promise for diagnosing inflammatory conditions earlier, facilitating timely and targeted interventions, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.[4].
However, translating Fluorine-19 MRI from theory to practice presents challenges. Optimizing imaging protocols, designing efficient and safe contrast agents, and integrating the technique into routine clinical workflows are areas that require ongoing research and development. Additionally, standardization and validation across different imaging platforms and clinical settings are essential for its widespread adoption.[5].
Conclusion
Fluorine-19 MRI has the potential to revolutionize the way we visualize and understand inflammation in biological systems. By capitalizing on the unique properties of fluorine nuclei, this technique offers a non-invasive, sensitive, and molecular-level perspective on inflammatory processes. As research continues to bridge the gap between theory and practice, Fluorine-19 MRI holds promise for advancing our understanding of inflammation-related diseases and transforming patient care.
References
- Flo?gel U, Ding Z, Hardung H, et al.In vivo monitoring of inflammation after cardiac and cerebral ischemia by fluorine magnetic resonance imagingCirc. 2008;118(2):140-8.
- Balducci A, Helfer BM, Ahrens ET, et al.. Visualizing arthritic inflammation and therapeutic response by fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI). J Inflamm. 2012;9(1):1-0.
- Jahromi AH, Wang C, Adams SR, et al. Fluorous-soluble metal chelate for sensitive fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging nanoemulsion probes. ACS nano. 2018;13(1):143-51
- Van Heeswijk RB, De Blois J, Kania G, et al. Selective in vivo visualization of immune-cell infiltration in a mouse model of autoimmune myocarditis by fluorine-19 cardiac magnetic resonance. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging. 2013;6(2):277-84.
- Hertlein T, Sturm V, Kircher S, et al Visualization of abscess formation in a murine thigh infection model of Staphylococcus aureus by 19F-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)PloS one. 2011;6(3):e18246..