Rapid and simplified synthesis of [ 18 F]Fluoromisonidazole and its use in PET imaging in an experimental model of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Cerebral damage secondary to the vasospasm due to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an important cause of morbid-mortality. We propose the use of the PET tracer [18 F]Fluoromisonidazole to visualize the hypoxia due to the vasospasm. On the other hand [18 F]Fluoromisonidazole synthesis process was optimized, avoiding HPLC purification using SPE cartridges instead, and reducing some synthesis steps. [18 F]Fluoromisonidazole in vitro stability was tested for ten hours, and in vivo PET/CT images showed higher cerebral uptake in hemorrhagic animals than in control rats.