Iron oxides (SPIO, USPIO)


There are two types of contrast agent based on superparamagnetic iron oxides: SPIO (Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide) for liver tropism and USPIO (Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide) for ganglion tropism.

These particles have a predominant T2 effect (magnetic susceptibility) and produce a drop in signal namely in T2* weighting. This hyposignal is found in areas of normal tissue (reticuloendothelial system), which takes up the iron oxide particles, as opposed to zones with metastatic invasion.

 

contrast agent of the SPIO type

 

 

Brand names
  • Sinerem® / Combidex® (AMI-227)