Simultaneous in vivo dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance and scintigraphic imaging

In this study, we investigated the in vivo application of an integrated small-animal magnetic resonance (MR) and gamma-ray imaging system that consists of a semiconductor-based radiation detector, a parallel-hole collimator, and a specialized radiofrequency coil. Gadodiamide and Tc-99m sestimibi agents were injected simultaneously into a mouse, and simultaneous dynamic contrast-enhanced MR and scintigraphic images of the kidneys were acquired. The time curves of both the MR signal intensity and radioactivity indicate a rapid uptake of the agents followed by a more gradual excretion, consistent with the previously reported literature. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of measuring multiple biological processes at the same time using both MR contrast agents and radiotracers.