Abstract #4304

Magnetic Resonance Properties of Gd-Conjugated Microbubbles for Use in MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound: Distinguishing Intact and Fragmented Microbubbles by Relaxivity

Michael A. Boss¹, Jameel A. Feshitan², Mark A. Borden²

¹National Instiute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO, United States; ²Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States

Gas-filled microbubbles can be a useful theranostic agent in MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRIgFUS). We have investigated the relaxation properties of microbubbles to which were conjugated Gd-DOTA, and found that relaxivity is a good indicator of the microbubble's integrity. We also elucidate the possible relaxation mechanisms of these microbubbles in the intact and fragmented states.