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