An [(18)F]-Positron-Emitting, Fluorescent, Cerebrospinal Fluid Probe for Imaging Damage to the Brain and Spine

Fluorescein is modified to bear (18)F so that it can act as both a positron emitter, and a fluorophore, allowing detection by positron emission tomography (PET), scintillation, and fluorescent imaging (FL). [(18)F]-2 is injected into the intrathecal space of rats and used to observe the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that bathes the brain and spine. Injury in three different applications is visualized with [(18)F]-2: 1) detection of a 0.7 mm paranasal-sinus CSF leak (CSFL); 2) detection of 0.5 mm puncture damage to the thoracic spine (acute spinal cord injury); and 3) detection of intracerebral hemorrhage/edema because of traumatic brain injury. In all models, the location of injury is visualized with [(18)F]-2 at high resolution. [(18)F]-2 PET imaging may be a superior alternative to current clinical contrast myelography and (131)I, (111)In or (99m)Tc radionuclide cisternography. Like fluorescein, [(18)F]-2 may also have other uses in diagnostic or fluorescence guided medicine.