Ma Li,Pan Jinbin,Shu Gang,Pan Haiyan,Li Jingang,Li Dong,Sun Shaokai
Enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging with iodinated imaging probes is widely utilized for the diagnosis and evaluation of various liver diseases. However, these iodine-based imaging probes face intractable limitations including allergic reactions and contraindications. Herein, we propose the utilization of renal-clearable iodine-free bismuth chelate (Bi-DTPA dimeglumine) for the non-invasive fast assessment of hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury (HIRI) via CT imaging for the first time. Bi-DTPA dimeglumine offers several advantages such as simple synthesis, no purification requirement, a yield approaching 100%, large-scale production capability (laboratory synthesis > 100 g), excellent biocompatibility and superior CT imaging performance. In a normal rat model, the administration of Bi-DTPA dimeglumine resulted in a significant 63.79% increase in liver CT value within a very short time period (30 s). Furthermore, in a HIRI rat model, Bi-DTPA dimeglumine enabled the rapid differentiation between healthy and injured areas based on the notable disparity in liver CT values as early as 15 min post-reperfusion, which showed a strong correlation with the histopathological analysis results. Additionally, Bi-DTPA dimeglumine can be almost eliminated from the body via the kidneys within 24 h. As an inherently advantageous alternative to iodinated imaging probes, Bi-DTPA dimeglumine exhibits promising prospects for application in liver disease diagnosis.
Anastomotic leaks are among the most dreaded complications following gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, and contrast-enhanced X-ray gastroenterography is considered the preferred initial diagnostic method for GI leaks. However, from fundamental research to clinical practice, the only oral iodinated contrast agents currently available for GI leaks detection are facing several challenges, including low sensitivity, iodine allergy, and contraindications in patients with thyroid diseases. Herein, we propose a cinematic contrast-enhanced X-ray gastroenterography for the real-time detection of GI leaks with an iodine-free bismuth chelate (Bi-DTPA) for the first time. The Bi-DTPA, synthesized through a straightforward one-pot method, offers distinct advantages such as no need for purification, a nearly 100 % yield, large-scale production capability, and good biocompatibility. The remarkable X-ray attenuation properties of Bi-DTPA enable real-time dynamic visualization of whole GI tract under both X-ray gastroenterography and computed tomography (CT) imaging. More importantly, the leaky site and severity can be both clearly displayed during Bi-DTPA-enhanced gastroenterography in a rat model with esophageal leakage. The proposed movie-like Bi-DTPA-enhanced X-ray imaging approach presents a promising alternative to traditional GI radiography based on iodinated molecules. It demonstrates significant potential in addressing concerns related to iodine-associated adverse effects and offers an alternative method for visually detecting gastrointestinal leaks.