MRI traceability of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle-embedded chitosan microspheres as an embolic material in rabbit uterus

Diagn Interv Radiol. 2015 Jan-Feb;21(1):47-53. doi: 10.5152/dir.2014.14015.

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to compare polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles with calibrated superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticle-loaded chitosan microspheres in a rabbit model, specifically regarding the relative distribution of embolic agents within the uterus based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathological evaluation.

Methods: Twelve New Zealand white rabbits underwent uterine artery embolization using either standard PVA particles (45-150 µm or 350-500 µm) or calibrated SPIO-embedded chitosan microspheres (45-150 µm or 300-500 µm). MRI and histopathological findings were compared one week after embolization.

Results: Calibrated SPIO-loaded chitosan microspheres 45-150 µm in size were detected on T2-weighted images. On histological analysis, calibrated SPIO-embedded chitosan microspheres were found in both myometrium and endometrium, whereas PVA particles were found only in the perimyometrium or extrauterine fat pads. A proportional relationship was noted between the calibrated SPIO-embedded chitosan microsphere size and the size of the occluded artery.

Conclusion: Calibrated SPIO-embedded chitosan microspheres induced greater segmental arterial occlusion than PVA particles and showed great potential as a new embolic material. SPIO-embedded chitosan microspheres can be used to follow distribution of embolic particles through MRI studies.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chitosan / chemistry*
  • Endometrium / blood supply
  • Endometrium / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Microspheres
  • Myometrium / blood supply
  • Myometrium / diagnostic imaging
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol / chemistry
  • Rabbits
  • Uterine Artery Embolization / methods*

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles
  • ferric oxide
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol
  • Chitosan