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Abstract #0562

Real-Time MR Imaging of Stem Cell Delivery to the Central Nervous System of Small and Large Animal Models Using EPI

Miroslaw Janowski1, 2, Joanna Wojtkiewicz3, Adam Nowakowski2, Aleksandra Habich3, Piotr Holak4, Hubert Matyjasik4, Dawn Ruben5, Jiadi Xu6, Sunil Patil7, Zbigniew Adamiak4, Monica S. Pearl1, Philippe Gailloud1, Barbara Lukomska2, Wojciech Maksymowicz3, Jeff W.M. Bulte1, 8, Piotr Walczak1, 8

1Rusell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; 2NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Warsaw, Mazowsze, Poland; 3Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Warmia and Mazury, Poland; 4Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Warmia and Mazury, Poland; 5Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; 6F. M. Kirby Research Center, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States; 7Center for Applied Medical Imaging, Siemens Corporate Research, Baltimore, MD, United States; 8Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States


There is a tremendous progress in manufacturing and in vitro characterization of stem cells, however the process of stem cell delivery remains a serious challenge. We report on a novel intraarterial stem cell delivery technique with real-time MR imaging of labeled cells using an EPI sequence. This ultrafast imaging technique provides information in real time on the distribution of cells during the procedure of cell infusion, enabling immediate intervention when cells engraft within an undesired location, or engraft excessively, giving rise to microembolisms. Our dynamic imaging technique should aid in enhancing the safety and efficacy of intraarterial cell delivery.