New Imaging Technique Uncovers Hidden Blood Clots

Finding hidden blood clots can mean the difference between life and death for patients who suffer from pulmonary embolisms or ischemic strokes. These dangerous time bombs, however, often escape standard imaging techniques. A new breakthrough agent developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital is aiming to change that.

The new agent, when used in conjunction with a whole-body PET scan, has proven itself very effective for finding blood clots that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Using an animal model, researchers tested the agent and found that a single injection of the clot-finding probe was able to detect hidden clots anywhere in the body. The probe also made it easy for researchers to tell the difference, just from a single scan, between newly formed clots and older ones. It was able to help doctors determine the composition of a clot, as well. This is a critical indicator of whether or not the formation will respond to clot-dissolving treatments.

The agent, called 64Cu-FBP8 at the moment, must still undergo a number of testing protocols before it might be made available for widespread use. The promise shown so far is big, however, and researchers believe the agent may someday soon help overcome the limits of testing that has heretofore plagued treatment of patients suffering from strokes and embolisms. While it is possible to use other imaging techniques to uncover some clots, finding those that are hidden can be costly and time consuming. If the agent continues to prove its effectiveness and safety, it could speed up detection while helping keep costs low. The end result would be the ability for doctors to administer potentially life-saving treatment faster.

The next step for the new agent involves human testing. The aim will be to see how the problem is distributed in the body and just how long it might remain after injection. If those trials go well, approved use on a more widespread basis may soon follow.

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