Inflammation of the heart and targeted molecular imaging

By labeling cells or molecules by 19F fluorine compounds, CMR allows to specifically image and track these cells and molecules in-vivo.

In collaboration with the CIBM-CHUV (Head: Prof. M. Stuber), this technique was successfully used to detect macrophages in-vivo in a myocarditis model (R. van Heeswijk, Circulation-CVI, 2013; Pfizer Price 2013) also in collaboration with Prof. U. Eriksson, University Zurich.

Future research in the field of 19F-MRI is supported by an SNF grant to study inflammation control during ischemia/reperfusion (PI. J. Schwitter).

Other topics of interest are: stem cell/regenerative medicine research, auto-immune and infectious diseases, anti-tumor adoptive cell transfer therapies (current collaboration: Dept Oncology, CHUV).

Image fusion of a conventional 1H-image of the mouse heart and the 19F-image showing the 19F signal in the right ventricle of a perfluorocarbon contrast medium injected IV. Corresponding histological slices showing macrophage infiltration (white arrows). Source: R. van Heeswijk, Circulation-CVI, 2013, Pfizer-Price 2013.

A total of 73 articles were published as a result of the CRMC research activity since its foundation in 2009.

All publications