Prospects for microcomputerized-tomography using synchrotron radiation

Imaging modalities in x-ray computerized tomography and in selected volume tomography

This review of different principles used in x-ray computerized tomography (CT) starts with attenuation (transmission) CT. The pros and cons of different geometrical solutions, single-ray, fan-beam and cone-beam, are discussed. Attenuation CT measures the spatial distribution of the linear attenuation coefficient, mu. The contributions of different interaction processes to mu have also been used for CT. Fluorescence CT is based on measurements of the contribution, cZtauZ/rho, from an element Z with concentration cZ, to the linear attenuation coefficient. Diffraction CT measures the differential coherent cross section d sigma (theta)(coh)/d omega, Compton CT the incoherent scatter cross section sigma. The usefulness of these modalities is illustrated. CT methods based on secondary photons have a competitor in selected volume tomography. These two tomography methods are compared. A proposal to perform Compton profile tomography is also discussed, as is the promising method of phase-contrast x-ray CT.

Cone-beam X-ray microtomography of small specimens

Microtomography is a technique for creating three-dimensional images of the internal structure of objects with high spatial resolution. This can potentially allow inspection of the architecture of breast lumpectomy specimens and visualization of tumours in small animals and also has an application as a tool for non-destructive testing. An efficient method to perform microtomography is to use an area detector and cone-beam reconstruction techniques. In this paper we report on the development of an instrument for microtomography and show example images. The equipment consists of a microfocal x-ray tube (energies and currents up to 30 kVp, 0.2 mA, focal spot size < 5 microm), a rotating specimen stage and a high-resolution x-ray image intensifier optically coupled to a CCD video camera. Data acquisition and 3D image reconstruction are performed by a desktop computer. The well-known Feldkamp cone-beam reconstruction algorithm is used to produce tomographic images from the recorded x-ray projections. The instrument can image samples with diameters of 5-50 mm and create tomographic images with spatial resolution of the order 10-100 microm and signal-to-noise ratio of better than 5:1. This work is a continuation and improvement of an earlier instrument with a low-energy x-ray source and detector.

Methodologic aspects of computed microtomography to monitor the development of osteoporosis in gastrectomized rats

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

We investigated the methodologic development of computed microtomography (CMT) for monitoring the development of osteoporosis in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

METHODS

Eight rats were gastrectomized and eight rats were sham operated. Femurs, tibias, and tails were prepared, and CMT scans with spatial resolutions of 5-500 microns were made. Bone diameters, bone areas, and moments of inertia were determined from the CMT scans. Optimal slice position and the need for spatial resolution and energy optimization for future in vivo applications were investigated.

RESULTS

Gastrectomy caused dramatic changes in the bone architecture of the tibia and the femur. The main features were vacuolization of the bone and reduced amounts of compact bone. Although the outer diameters of tubular bones (femur and tibia) were largely unaffected, their inner diameters were greatly increased following gastrectomy. Relative bone area and moment of inertia were greatly reduced. The optimal photon energy was 12 keV.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to monitor gastrectomy-evoked changes in bone morphology at various sites in rats using CMT scanning. The changes are suggestive of osteoporosis. By optimizing the energy spectrum and spatial resolution, as well as choosing the proper slice position, it should be possible to keep absorbed doses low enough to avoid acute radiation injury in repeated in vivo measurements.

Three-dimensional x-ray microtomography for medical and biological applications

Three-dimensional (3D) x-ray microtomography is a technique for obtaining the 3D distribution of x-ray attenuation coefficients within small objects. To obtain microtomographic images apparatus has been developed which consists of a microfocal x-ray source, a computer-controlled stage for rotating the object, a 2D multi-wire gas proportional x-ray counter and a microcomputer to control image acquisition. Projection data were generated by rotating the object to discrete orientations around a single axis until of the order of 100 2D projection images of the object were collected. The projection images were transferred to a VAX 11/750 computer for subsequent 3D reconstruction using a convolution and back-projection algorithm in cone-beam geometry. The reconstructed data, comprising cubic voxels, may be displayed as sets of sequential transaxial, sagittal and coronal planes through the object. Alternatively, perspective displays of individual orthogonal sections may be formed with either intersecting planes or with these planes projected onto the surfaces of a box-like structure. The technique provides for the investigation of small-scale structures in biological specimens and we show some illustrative images of dead insects.

X-ray energy optimisation in computed microtomography

Expressions describing the absorbed dose and the number of incident photons necessary for the detection of a contrasting detail in x-ray transmission CT imaging of a circular phantom are derived as functions of the linear attenuation coefficients of the materials comprising the object and the detail. A shell of a different material can be included to allow simulation of CT imaging of the skulls of small laboratory animals. The equations are used to estimate the optimum photon energy in x-ray transmission computed microtomography. The optimum energy depends on whether the number of incident photons or the absorbed dose at a point in the object is minimised. For a water object of 300 mm diameter the two optimisation criteria yield optimum photon energies differing by an order of magnitude.