Work

Noninvasive photoacoustic identification of sentinel lymph nodes containing methylene blue in vivo in a rat model

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become the standard method of axillary staging for patients with breast cancer and clinically negative axillae. Even though SLNB using both methylene blue and radioactive tracers has a high identification rate, it still relies on an invasive surgical procedure with associated morbidity. Axillary ultrasound has emerged as a diagnostic tool to evaluate the axilla, but it can only assess morphology and cannot specifically identify sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). In this pilot study, we propose a noninvasive photoacoustic SLN identification system using methylene blue injection in a rat model. We successfully image a SLN with high optical contrast (146+/-41, standard deviation) and good ultrasonic resolution (approximately 500 microm) in vivo. We also show potential feasibility for clinical applications by imaging 20- and 31-mm-deep SLNs in 3-D and 2-D, respectively. Our results suggest that this technology would be a useful clinical tool, allowing clinicians to identify SLNs noninvasively in vivo.

Source: Journal of Biomedical Optics

DOI: 10.1117/1.2976427

Authors: Kwang Hyun Song, Erich W. Stein, Julie A. Margenthaler, Lihong V. Wang

Institutions: Washington University in St. Louis, Texas A&M University

Language: English

Topic: Photoacoustic and Ultrasonic Imaging

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering