X-ray microtomography (microCT) using phase contrast for the investigation of organic matter

Three-dimensional alteration of neurites in schizophrenia

Psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia suggest alteration of cerebral neurons. However, the physical basis of the schizophrenia symptoms has not been delineated at the cellular level. Here, we report nanometer-scale three-dimensional analysis of brain tissues of schizophrenia and control cases. Structures of cerebral tissues of the anterior cingulate cortex were visualized with synchrotron radiation nanotomography. Tissue constituents visualized in the three-dimensional images were traced to build Cartesian coordinate models of tissue constituents, such as neurons and blood vessels. The obtained Cartesian coordinates were used for calculating curvature and torsion of neurites in order to analyze their geometry. Results of the geometric analyses indicated that the curvature of neurites is significantly different between schizophrenia and control cases. The mean curvature of distal neurites of the schizophrenia cases was ~1.5 times higher than that of the controls. The schizophrenia case with the highest neurite curvature carried a frame shift mutation in the GLO1 gene, suggesting that oxidative stress due to the GLO1 mutation caused the structural alteration of the neurites. The differences in the neurite curvature result in differences in the spatial trajectory and hence alter neuronal circuits. It has been shown that the anterior cingulate cortex analyzed in this study has emotional and cognitive functions. We suggest that the structural alteration of neurons in the schizophrenia cases should reflect psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia.

Multi-contrast diffraction enhanced computed laminography at Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility

Synchrotron radiation X-ray computed tomography (CT) enables nondestructive visualization of 3D morphological and chemical changes inside a sample and has become a powerful analysis tool to monitor reactive parts and their chemical states. However, synchrotron radiation CT imaging of specimens with lateral extensions much larger than the acceptance window of detectors is rather problematic due to strong absorption of X-rays in the lateral directions. On the other hand, X-ray computed laminography (CL) permits 3D imaging of flat samples while X-ray diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) can provide high-quality results with different imaging contrasts such as absorption, phase and dark-field for samples with weak absorptions. Combining CL and DEI together, we have developed a multi-contrast DEI-CL system at the 4W1A beamline of the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility for this kind of sample. Here we reported its design, implementation, and preliminary experimental results of carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates with three kinds of imaging contrasts. The results have demonstrated the validity of this DEI-CL system. It will be helpful to push the applications of the state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation methods and instruments towards cutting-edge research. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Cardiac CT Imaging of Plaque Vulnerability: Hype or Hope?

Advances in cardiovascular computed tomography (CT) have resulted in an excellent ability to exclude coronary heart disease (CHD). Anatomical information, functional information, and spectral information can already be obtained with current CT technologies. Moreover, novel developments such as targeted nanoparticle contrast agents, photon-counting CT, and phase contrast CT will further enhance the diagnostic value of cardiovascular CT. This review provides an overview of current state of the art and future cardiovascular CT imaging.

Noninvasive imaging of experimental lung fibrosis

Small animal models of lung fibrosis are essential for unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying human fibrotic lung diseases; additionally, they are useful for preclinical testing of candidate antifibrotic agents. The current end-point measures of experimental lung fibrosis involve labor-intensive histological and biochemical analyses. These measures fail to account for dynamic changes in the disease process in individual animals and are limited by the need for large numbers of animals for longitudinal studies. The emergence of noninvasive imaging technologies provides exciting opportunities to image lung fibrosis in live animals as often as needed and to longitudinally track the efficacy of novel antifibrotic compounds. Data obtained by noninvasive imaging provide complementary information to histological and biochemical measurements. In addition, the use of noninvasive imaging in animal studies reduces animal usage, thus satisfying animal welfare concerns. In this article, we review these new imaging modalities with the potential for evaluation of lung fibrosis in small animal models. Such techniques include micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and multimodal imaging systems including PET/CT and SPECT/CT. It is anticipated that noninvasive imaging will be increasingly used in animal models of fibrosis to gain insights into disease pathogenesis and as preclinical tools to assess drug efficacy.

3D algebraic iterative reconstruction for cone-beam x-ray differential phase-contrast computed tomography

Due to the potential of compact imaging systems with magnified spatial resolution and contrast, cone-beam x-ray differential phase-contrast computed tomography (DPC-CT) has attracted significant interest. The current proposed FDK reconstruction algorithm with the Hilbert imaginary filter will induce severe cone-beam artifacts when the cone-beam angle becomes large. In this paper, we propose an algebraic iterative reconstruction (AIR) method for cone-beam DPC-CT and report its experiment results. This approach considers the reconstruction process as the optimization of a discrete representation of the object function to satisfy a system of equations that describes the cone-beam DPC-CT imaging modality. Unlike the conventional iterative algorithms for absorption-based CT, it involves the derivative operation to the forward projections of the reconstructed intermediate image to take into account the differential nature of the DPC projections. This method is based on the algebraic reconstruction technique, reconstructs the image ray by ray, and is expected to provide better derivative estimates in iterations. This work comprises a numerical study of the algorithm and its experimental verification using a dataset measured with a three-grating interferometer and a mini-focus x-ray tube source. It is shown that the proposed method can reduce the cone-beam artifacts and performs better than FDK under large cone-beam angles. This algorithm is of interest for future cone-beam DPC-CT applications.

Enhanced renal image contrast by ethanol fixation in phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography

Phase-contrast X-ray imaging using a crystal X-ray interferometer can depict the fine structures of biological objects without the use of a contrast agent. To obtain higher image contrast, fixation techniques have been examined with 100% ethanol and the commonly used 10% formalin, since ethanol causes increased density differences against background due to its physical properties and greater dehydration of soft tissue. Histological comparison was also performed. A phase-contrast X-ray system was used, fitted with a two-crystal X-ray interferometer at 35 keV X-ray energy. Fine structures, including cortex, tubules in the medulla, and the vessels of ethanol-fixed kidney could be visualized more clearly than that of formalin-fixed tissues. In the optical microscopic images, shrinkage of soft tissue and decreased luminal space were observed in ethanol-fixed kidney; and this change was significantly shown in the cortex and outer stripe of the outer medulla. The ethanol fixation technique enhances image contrast by approximately 2.7-3.2 times in the cortex and the outer stripe of the outer medulla; the effect of shrinkage and the physical effect of ethanol cause an increment of approximately 78% and 22%, respectively. Thus, the ethanol-fixation technique enables the image contrast to be enhanced in phase-contrast X-ray imaging.

Subnanoradian X-ray phase-contrast imaging using a far-field interferometer of nanometric phase gratings

Hard X-ray phase-contrast imaging characterizes the electron density distribution in an object without the need for radiation absorption. The power of phase contrast to resolve subtle changes, such as those in soft tissue structures, lies in its ability to detect minute refractive bending of X-rays. Here we report a far-field, two-arm interferometer based on the new nanometric phase gratings, which can detect X-ray refraction with subnanoradian sensitivity, and at the same time overcomes the fundamental limitation of ultra-narrow bandwidths (Δλ/λ~10⁻⁴) of the current, most sensitive methods based on crystal interferometers. On a 1.5% bandwidth synchrotron source, we demonstrate clear visualization of blood vessels in unstained mouse organs in simple projection views, with over an order-of-magnitude higher phase contrast than current near-field grating interferometers.

Phase-contrast imaging has become popular for medical diagnostic purposes because of the ability to see transparent structures at relatively small radiation energy dosed to samples. Wen et al. further develop this technique using nanometric phase gratings to achieve subnanoradian sensitivity.

Complementary X-ray tomography techniques for histology-validated 3D imaging of soft and hard tissues using plaque-containing blood vessels as examples

A key problem in X-ray computed tomography is choosing photon energies for postmortem specimens containing both soft and hard tissues. Increasing X-ray energy reduces image artifacts from highly absorbing hard tissues including plaque, but it simultaneously decreases contrast in soft tissues including the endothelium. Therefore, identifying the lumen within plaque-containing vessels is challenging. Destructive histology, the gold standard for tissue evaluation, reaches submicron resolution in two dimensions, whereas slice thickness limits spatial resolution in the third. We present a protocol to systematically analyze heterogeneous tissues containing weakly and highly absorbing components in the original wet state, postmortem. Taking the example of atherosclerotic human coronary arteries, the successively acquired 3D data of benchtop and synchrotron radiation-based tomography are validated by histology. The entire protocol requires ∼20 working days, enables differentiation between plaque, muscle and fat tissues without using contrast agents and permits blood flow simulations in vessels with plaque-induced constrictions.

Phase-contrast CT: qualitative and quantitative evaluation of atherosclerotic carotid artery plaque

PURPOSE

To evaluate the potential of phase-contrast computed tomography (CT) for atherosclerotic plaque imaging in human carotid arteries in an experimental ex vivo study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained from the patients' relatives. Seven postmortem human carotid artery specimens were imaged at a laboratory setup by using a conventional x-ray tube and grating interferometer. After histologic processing, phase-contrast imaging and histopathologic data were matched. Characteristics of the necrotic core (NC) covered by a fibrous cap (FC), intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and calcifications (CAs) were established, and sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of phase-contrast CT for plaque detection and the potential for accurate quantification were assessed. The Cohen κ and Pearson correlation coefficient R were used to determine the agreement between phase-contrast imaging and histopathologic findings for plaque characterization and correlation of quantitative plaque measurements, respectively. A difference with a P value of less than .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Characteristic criteria were found in all analyzed plaque components. Applying these criteria, phase-contrast CT had a good sensitivity for the detection of the FC and NC, IPH, and CAs (all, >80%) and excellent specificity and accuracy (all, >90%), with good interreader agreement (κ ≥ 0.72, P < .0001). There were excellent correlations for quantitative measurements of FC, NC, and CAs between phase-contrast imaging and histopathologic findings (R ≥ 0.92). Interreader reproducibility was excellent, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98 or higher for all measurements.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that ex vivo phase-contrast CT can help identify and quantify atherosclerotic plaque components, with excellent correlation to histopathologic findings. Although not yet applicable in vivo, phase-contrast CT may become a valuable tool to monitor atherosclerotic disease process noninvasively.

In vivo physiological saline-infused hepatic vessel imaging using a two-crystal-interferometer-based phase-contrast X-ray technique

Using a two-crystal-interferometer-based phase-contrast X-ray imaging system, the portal vein, capillary vessel area and hepatic vein of live rats were revealed sequentially by injecting physiological saline via the portal vein. Vessels greater than 0.06 mm in diameter were clearly shown with low levels of X-rays (552 µGy). This suggests that in vivo vessel imaging of small animals can be performed as conventional angiography without the side effects of the presently used iodine contrast agents.

X-ray grating interferometer for materials-science imaging at a low-coherent wiggler source

X-ray phase-contrast radiography and tomography enable to increase contrast for weakly absorbing materials. Recently, x-ray grating interferometers were developed that extend the possibility of phase-contrast imaging from highly brilliant radiation sources like third-generation synchrotron sources to non-coherent conventional x-ray tube sources. Here, we present the first installation of a three grating x-ray interferometer at a low-coherence wiggler source at the beamline W2 (HARWI II) operated by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht at the second-generation synchrotron storage ring DORIS (DESY, Hamburg, Germany). Using this type of the wiggler insertion device with a millimeter-sized source allows monochromatic phase-contrast imaging of centimeter sized objects with high photon flux. Thus, biological and materials-science imaging applications can highly profit from this imaging modality. The specially designed grating interferometer currently works in the photon energy range from 22 to 30 keV, and the range will be increased by using adapted x-ray optical gratings. Our results of an energy-dependent visibility measurement in comparison to corresponding simulations demonstrate the performance of the new setup.

Analytical evaluation of the signal and noise propagation in x-ray differential phase-contrast computed tomography

We analyze the signal and noise propagation of differential phase-contrast computed tomography (PCT) compared with conventional attenuation-based computed tomography (CT) from a theoretical point of view. This work focuses on grating-based differential phase-contrast imaging. A mathematical framework is derived that is able to analytically predict the relative performance of both imaging techniques in the sense of the relative contrast-to-noise ratio for the contrast of any two materials. Two fundamentally different properties of PCT compared with CT are identified. First, the noise power spectra show qualitatively different characteristics implying a resolution-dependent performance ratio. The break-even point is derived analytically as a function of system parameters such as geometry and visibility. A superior performance of PCT compared with CT can only be achieved at a sufficiently high spatial resolution. Second, due to periodicity of phase information which is non-ambiguous only in a bounded interval statistical phase wrapping can occur. This effect causes a collapse of information propagation for low signals which limits the applicability of phase-contrast imaging at low dose.

Whole animal imaging

Translational research plays a vital role in understanding the underlying pathophysiology of human diseases, and hence development of new diagnostic and therapeutic options for their management. After creating an animal disease model, pathophysiologic changes and effects of a therapeutic intervention on them are often evaluated on the animals using immunohistologic or imaging techniques. In contrast to the immunohistologic techniques, the imaging techniques are noninvasive and hence can be used to investigate the whole animal, oftentimes in a single exam which provides opportunities to perform longitudinal studies and dynamic imaging of the same subject, and hence minimizes the experimental variability, requirement for the number of animals, and the time to perform a given experiment. Whole animal imaging can be performed by a number of techniques including x-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, fluorescence imaging, and bioluminescence imaging, among others. Individual imaging techniques provide different kinds of information regarding the structure, metabolism, and physiology of the animal. Each technique has its own strengths and weaknesses, and none serves every purpose of image acquisition from all regions of an animal. In this review, a broad overview of basic principles, available contrast mechanisms, applications, challenges, and future prospects of many imaging techniques employed for whole animal imaging is provided. Our main goal is to briefly describe the current state of art to researchers and advanced students with a strong background in the field of animal research.

Toward clinical X-ray phase-contrast CT: demonstration of enhanced soft-tissue contrast in human specimen

OBJECTIVES

X-ray computed tomography (CT) using phase contrast can provide images with greatly enhanced soft-tissue contrast in comparison to conventional attenuation-based CT. We report on the first scan of a human specimen recorded with a phase-contrast CT system based on an x-ray grating interferometer and a conventional x-ray tube source. Feasibility and potential applications of preclinical and clinical phase-contrast CT are discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A hand of an infant was scanned ex vivo at 40 kVp tube voltage. The simultaneously recorded attenuation and phase-contrast CT images were quantitatively compared with each other, by introducing a specific Hounsfield unit for phase-contrast imaging.

RESULTS

We observe significantly enhanced soft-tissue contrast in the phase images, when compared with the attenuation data. Particularly, tendons and ligaments appear with strongly increased contrast-to-noise ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate the huge potential of phase-contrast CT for clinical investigations of human specimens and, potentially, of humans. Because the applied technique works efficiently with conventional x-ray tubes and detectors, it is suitable for the realization of preclinical and clinical phase-contrast CT systems.

A Brief Review of Visualization Techniques for Nerve Tissue Engineering Applications

In nerve tissue engineering, scaffolds act as carriers for cells and biochemical factors and as constructs providing appropriate mechanical conditions. During nerve regeneration, new tissue grows into the scaffolds, which degrade gradually. To optimize this process, researchers must study and analyze various morphological and structural features of the scaffolds, the ingrowth of nerve tissue, and scaffold degradation. Therefore, visualization of the scaffolds as well as the generated nerve tissue is essential, yet challenging Visualization techniques currently used in nerve tissue engineering include electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT or μCT). Synchrotron-based micro-CT (SRμCT) is an emerging and promising technique, drawing considerable recent attention. Here, we review typical applications of these visualization techniques in nerve tissue engineering. The promise, feasibility, and challenges of SRμCT as a visualization technique applied to nerve tissue engineering are also discussed.

Quantitative x-ray dark-field computed tomography

The basic principles of x-ray image formation in radiology have remained essentially unchanged since Röntgen first discovered x-rays over a hundred years ago. The conventional approach relies on x-ray attenuation as the sole source of contrast and draws exclusively on ray or geometrical optics to describe and interpret image formation. Phase-contrast or coherent scatter imaging techniques, which can be understood using wave optics rather than ray optics, offer ways to augment or complement the conventional approach by incorporating the wave-optical interaction of x-rays with the specimen. With a recently developed approach based on x-ray optical gratings, advanced phase-contrast and dark-field scatter imaging modalities are now in reach for routine medical imaging and non-destructive testing applications. To quantitatively assess the new potential of particularly the grating-based dark-field imaging modality, we here introduce a mathematical formalism together with a material-dependent parameter, the so-called linear diffusion coefficient and show that this description can yield quantitative dark-field computed tomography (QDFCT) images of experimental test phantoms.

Low density contrast agents for x-ray phase contrast imaging: the use of ambient air for x-ray angiography of excised murine liver tissue

We report a new preparative method for providing contrast through reduction in electron density that is uniquely suited for propagation-based differential x-ray phase contrast imaging. The method, which results in an air or fluid filled vasculature, makes possible visualization of the smallest microvessels, roughly down to 15 microm, in an excised murine liver, while preserving the tissue for subsequent histological workup. We show the utility of spatial frequency filtering for increasing the visibility of minute features characteristic of phase contrast imaging, and the capability of tomographic reconstruction to reveal microvessel structure and three-dimensional visualization of the sample. The effect of water evaporation from livers during x-ray imaging on the visibility of blood vessels is delineated. The deformed vascular tree in a cancerous murine liver is imaged.

Vision 20/20: increased image resolution versus reduced radiation exposure

This is a review of methods, currently and potentially, available for significantly reducing x-ray exposure in medical x-ray imaging. It is stimulated by the radiation exposure implications of the growing use of helical scanning, multislice, x-ray computed tomography for screening, such as for coronary artery atherosclerosis and cancer of the colon and lungs. Screening requires high-throughput imaging with high spatial and contrast resolution to meet the need for high sensitivity and specificity of detection and classification of specific imaged features. To achieve this goal beyond what is currently available with x-ray imaging methods requires increased x-ray exposure, which increases the risk of tissue damage and ultimately cancer development. These consequences limit the utility of current x-ray imaging in screening of at-risk subjects who have not yet developed the clinical symptoms of disease. Current methods for reducing x-ray exposure in x-ray imaging, mostly achieved by increasing sensitivity and specificity of the x-ray detection process, may still have potential for an up-to-tenfold decrease. This could be sufficient for doubling the spatial resolution of x-ray CT while maintaining the current x-ray exposure levels. However, a spatial resolution four times what is currently available might be needed to adequately meet the needs for screening. Consequently, for the proposed need to increase spatial resolution, an additional order of magnitude of reduction of x-ray exposure would be needed just to keep the radiation exposure at current levels. This is conceivably achievable if refraction, rather than the currently used attenuation, of x rays is used to generate the images. Existing methods that have potential for imaging the consequences of refracted x ray in a clinical setting are (1) by imaging the edge enhancement that occurs at the interfaces between adjacent tissues of different refractive indices, or (2) by imaging the changes in interference patterns resulting from moving grids which alter the refraction of x rays, that have passed through the body, in a predictable fashion, and (3) theoretically, by an image generated from the change in time-of-flight of x-ray photons passing through the body. Imaging phase shift or change in time-of-flight, rather than attenuation, of x-ray photons through tissues presents formidable technological problems for whole-body 3D imaging. However, if achievable in a routine clinical setting, these approaches have the potential for greatly expanding the use of x-ray imaging for screening. This overview examines the increased contrast resolution and reduced radiation exposure that might be achievable by the above-mentioned methods.

X-ray phase radiography and tomography of soft tissue using grating interferometry

X-ray phase and absorption radiographs and tomograms of the heart of a rat were taken with an X-ray grating interferometer with monochromatic synchrotron radiation at a photon energy of 17.5 keV. The phase images show largely superior quality with respect to the absorption images taken with the same dose, particularly much better contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio. Different tissues can clearly be distinguished. The results demonstrate the potential of grating interferometry for two- and three-dimensional X-ray imaging of biological soft tissue in an aqueous environment.

Phase contrast X-ray synchrotron imaging: opening access to fossil inclusions in opaque amber

A significant portion of Mesozoic amber is fully opaque. Biological inclusions in such amber are invisible even after polishing, leading to potential bias in paleoecological and phylogenetic studies. Until now, studies using conventional X-ray microtomography focused on translucent or semi-opaque amber. In these cases, organisms of interest were visualized prior to X-ray analyses. It was recently demonstrated that propagation phase contrast X-ray synchrotron imaging techniques are powerful tools to access invisible inclusions in fully opaque amber. Here we describe an optimized synchrotron microradiographic protocol that allowed us to investigate efficiently and rapidly large amounts of opaque amber pieces from Charentes (southwestern France). Amber pieces were imaged with microradiography after immersion in water, which optimizes the visibility of inclusions. Determination is not accurate enough to allow precise phylogenetic studies, but provides preliminary data on biodiversity and ecotypes distribution; phase contrast microtomography remains necessary for precise determination. Because the organisms are generally much smaller than the amber pieces, we optimized local microtomography by using a continuous acquisition mode (sample moving during projection integration). As tomographic investigation of all inclusions is not practical, we suggest the use of a synchrotron for a microradiographic survey of opaque amber, coupled with microtomographic investigations of the most valuable organisms.

High-resolution brain tumor visualization using three-dimensional x-ray phase contrast tomography

We report on significant advances and new results concerning a recently developed method for grating-based hard x-ray phase tomography. We demonstrate how the soft tissue sensitivity of the technique is increased and show in vitro tomographic images of a tumor bearing rat brain sample, without use of contrast agents. In particular, we observe that the brain tumor and the white and gray brain matter structure in a rat's cerebellum are clearly resolved. The results are potentially interesting from a clinical point of view, since a similar approach using three transmission gratings can be implemented with more readily available x-ray sources, such as standard x-ray tubes. Moreover, the results open the way to in vivo experiments in the near future.

Polychromatic phase-contrast computed tomography

Polychromatic phase-contrast radiography differs from traditional (absorption-only) radiography in that the method requires at least a partially coherent x-ray source and the resulting images contain information about the phase shifts of x-rays in addition to the traditional absorption information. In a typical embodiment, this effect results in a measurable enhancement in image contrast at the edges of objects. In this study, a phase-contrast imaging system was adapted to allow an object to be imaged at multiple projections, and these projections were used to generate phase-contrast computed tomography images. The images obtained with this technique show edge enhancements surrounding the objects within the image.

Small-animal CT - Its Difference from, and Impact on, Clinical CT

For whole-body CT images of small rodents, a voxel resolution of at least 10(-3) mm(3) is needed for scale-equivalence to that currently achieved in clinical CT scanners (∼1 mm(3)) in adult humans. These "mini-CT" images generally require minutes rather than seconds to complete a scan. The radiation exposure resulting from these mini-CT scans, while higher than clinical CT scans, is below the level resulting in acute tissue damage. Hence, these scans are useful for performing clinical-type diagnostic and monitoring scans for animal models of disease and their response to treatment. "Micro-CT", with voxel size <10(-5) mm(3), has been useful for imaging isolated, intact organs at an almost cellular level of resolution. Micro-CT has the great advantage over traditional microscopic methods in that it generates detailed 3D images in relatively large, opaque, volumes such as an intact rodent heart or kidney. The radiation exposure needed in these scans results in acute tissue damage if used in living animals.Experience with micro-CT is contributing to exploration of new applications for clinical CT imaging by providing insights into different modes of x-ray image formation as follows:Spatial resolution should be sufficient to detect an individual Basic Functional Unit (BFU, the smallest collection of diverse cells, such as hepatic lobule, that behaves like the organ), which requires voxels ∼10(-3) mm(3) in volume, so that the BFUs can be counted.Contrast resolution sufficient to allow quantitation of:New microvascular growth, which manifests as increased tissue contrast due to x-ray contrast agent in those vessels' lumens during passage of injected contrast agent in blood.Impaired endothelial integrity which manifests as increased opacification and delayed washout of contrast from tissues.Discrimination of pathological accumulations of metals such as Fe and Ca, which occur in the arterial wall following hemorrhage or tissue damage.Micro-CT can also be used as a test bed for exploring the utility of several modes of x-ray image formation, such as the use of dual energy x-ray subtraction, x-ray scatter, phase delay and refraction-based imaging for increasing the contrast amongst soft tissue components. With the recent commercial availability of high speed, multi-slice CT scanners which can be operated in dual energy mode, some of these micro-CT scanner capabilities and insights are becoming implementable in those CT scanners. As a result, the potential diagnostic spectrum that can be addressed with those scanners is broadened considerably.

Hard x-ray phase tomography with low-brilliance sources

We report on a method for tomographic phase contrast imaging of centimeter sized objects. As opposed to existing techniques, our approach can be used with low-brilliance, lab based x-ray sources and thus is of interest for a wide range of applications in medicine, biology, and nondestructive testing. The work is based on the recent development of a hard x-ray grating interferometer, which has been demonstrated to yield differential phase contrast projection images. Here we particularly focus on how this method can be used for tomographic reconstructions using filtered back projection algorithms to yield quantitative volumetric information of both the real and imaginary part of the samples's refractive index.

Phase contrast radiography of Lewy bodies in Parkinson disease

Parkinson's disease (PD), defined as a neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies in neurons. Morphological study of Lewy bodies is important to identify the causes and the processes of PD. Here, we investigate a possibility of phase contrast radiography using coherent synchrotron X-rays to explore the microscopic details of Lewy bodies in thick (approximately 3 mm) midbrain tissues. Autopsied midbrain tissues of a PD patient were sliced in 3 mm thickness and then examined using synchrotron X-rays from the 7B2 beamline of the Pohang Light Source. Refraction-enhanced phase contrast radiography and microtomography were adopted to identify dark core and dim edge of Lewy bodies in neurons. The morphology of Lewy bodies was clearly revealed by the phase contrast radiography in very thick (3 mm) midbrain tissues without any staining treatment. Three-dimensional volume rendered microtomography of the autopsied midbrain tissues demonstrates striking evidence that several Lewy bodies are agglomerated by dim edges in a neuron. We suggest that the phase contrast radiography could be a useful tool to morphologically investigate the causes or the processes in PD.

Visualizing soft tissue in the mammalian cochlea with coherent hard X-rays

This paper concerns an important aspect of current developments in medical and biological imaging: the possibility for imaging soft tissue at relatively high resolution in the micrometer range or better, without tedious and/or entirely destructive sample preparation. Structures with low absorption contrast have been visualized using in-line phase contrast imaging. The experiments have been performed at the Advanced Photon Source, a third generation source of synchrotron radiation. The source provides highly coherent X-ray radiation with high photon flux (>10(14) photons/s) at high photon energies (5-70 keV). Thick gerbil cochlear slices have been imaged and were compared with those obtained by light microscopy. Furthermore, intact gerbil cochleae have been imaged to identify the soft tissue structures involved in the hearing process. The present experimental approach was essential for visualizing the inner ear structures involved in the hearing process in an intact cochlea.

Time-lapsed investigation of three-dimensional failure and damage accumulation in trabecular bone using synchrotron light

Synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SRmicroCT) is a very useful technique when it comes to three-dimensional (3D) imaging of complex internal and external geometries. Being a fully non-destructive technique, SRmicroCT can be combined with other experiments in situ for functional imaging. We are especially interested in the combination of SRmicroCT with mechanical testing in order to gain new insights in the failure mechanism of trabecular bone. This interest is motivated by the immense costs in health care due to patients suffering from osteoporosis, a systemic skeletal disease resulting in decreased bone stability and increased fracture risk. To better investigate the different failure mechanisms on the microlevel, we have developed a novel in situ mechanical compression device, capable of exerting both static and dynamic displacements on experimental samples. The device was calibrated for mechanical testing using solid aluminum and bovine trabecular bone samples. To study different failure mechanisms in trabecular bone, we compared a fatigued and a non-fatigued bovine bone sample with respect to failure initiation and propagation. The fatigued sample failed in a burst-like fashion in contrast to the non-fatigued sample, which exhibited a distinct localized failure band. Moreover, microscopic cracks - microcracks and microfractures - were uncovered in a 3D fashion illustrating the failure process in great detail. The majority of these cracks were connected to a bone surface. The data also showed that the classification of microcracks and -fractures from 2D section can sometimes be ambiguous, which is also true for the distinction of diffuse and distinct microdamage. Detailed investigation of the failure mechanism in these samples illustrated that trabecular bone often fails in delamination, providing a mechanism for energy dissipation while conserving trabecular bone architecture. In the future, this will allow an even better understanding of bone mechanics related to its hierarchical structural organization.

Micro-computed tomography of the lungs and pulmonary-vascular system

Three-dimensional imaging of the intact lung and its vasculature is essential if the hierarchical and volumetric aspects of its structures and functions are to be quantitated. Although this is possible with clinical multislice helical CT scanners, the spatial resolution does not scale down adequately for small rodents for which cubic voxel dimensions of 50-100 microm are required. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) provides the necessary spatial resolution of 3D images of the intact thoracic contents. Micro-CT can provide higher resolution so that basic micro-architectural structures, such as alveoli, can be individually visualized and quantitated. Dynamic events, such as the respiratory and cardiac cycles, can be imaged at multiple time points throughout a representative cycle by coordinating the scan sequence (i.e., gating) to the cycle phase of a sequence of cycles. Fusion of the micro-CT image data with other image data, such as micro-SPECT or histology, can enhance the information content beyond the mainly structural information provided by micro-CT. Conventional attenuation-based X-ray imaging can involve significant X-ray exposures at high spatial resolutions, and this could affect the phenotype (e.g., via interstitial fibrosis) and genotype (e.g., via mutation), so its use in longitudinal studies using micro-CT may be limited in some cases. However, because of recent developments in which the phase shift or refraction of X-rays rather than attenuation is used, the X-ray exposure may be significantly reduced.

Coherence-contrast x-ray imaging based on x-ray interferometry

Coherence-contrast x-ray imaging--which detects changes in the degree of coherence caused by the placement of a sample in an x-ray interferometer--was developed for biomedical applications. Because the technique's sensitivity depends on the density gradient in the sample, it is particularly suitable for observing biomedical samples with large density differences, such as samples that include both biological soft tissue and bone. A measurement principle and method of this technique are described, and a fine coherence-contrast image of a mouse leg is given as an example result.

Acoustically modulated x-ray phase contrast imaging

We report the use of ultrasonic radiation pressure with phase contrast x-ray imaging to give an image proportional to the space derivative of a conventional phase contrast image in the direction of propagation of an ultrasonic beam. Intense ultrasound is used to exert forces on objects within a body giving displacements of the order of tens to hundreds of microns. Subtraction of images made with and without the ultrasound field gives an image that removes low spatial frequency features and highlights high frequency features. The method acts as an acoustic 'contrast agent' for phase contrast x-ray imaging, which in soft tissue acts to highlight small density changes.

Micro-computed tomography-current status and developments

The recent rapid increase in interest in tomographic imaging of small animals and of human (and large animal) organ biopsies is driven largely by drug discovery, cancer detection/monitoring, phenotype identification and/or characterization, and development of disease detection methods and monitoring efficacies of drugs in disease treatment. In biomedical applications, micro-computed tomography (CT) scanners can function as scaled-down (i.e., mini) clinical CT scanners that provide a three-dimensional (3-D) image of most, if not the entire, torso of a mouse at image resolution (50-100 microm) scaled proportional to that of a human CT image. Micro-CT scanners, on the other hand, image specimens the size of intact rodent organs at spatial resolutions from cellular (20 microm) down to subcellular dimensions (e.g., 1 microm) and fill the resolution-hiatus between microscope imaging, which resolves individual cells in thin sections of tissue, and mini-CT imaging of intact volumes.

Cardiac computed tomography imaging: a history and some future possibilities

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is a special subset of CT, a subject about which much has been written in terms of the underlying concepts and mathematics and the sociologic impact. Cardiac CT has passed through three, chronologically overlapping, developmental stages and is now in its fourth stage of development. The first stage was fluoroscopy-based CT (1972-1995) stimulated by physiologic research needs, and the next was clinical CT-based exploration (1975-1980) of the potential of clinical CT in cardiology. This was followed by the electron beam CT-based stage (1980-present), which was the first CT approach applicable to clinical cardiology. Finally, volume-scanning CT imaging methods achieved with multislice scanning approaches of helical CT and by flat panel-based CT (1990-present), show great promise for clinically applicable CT of the cardiovascular system.

Molecular imaging in small animals--roles for micro-CT

X-ray micro-CT is currently used primarily to generate 3D images of micro-architecture (and the function that can be deduced from it) and the regional distribution of administered radiopaque indicators, within intact rodent organs or biopsies from large animals and humans. Current use of X-ray micro-CT can be extended in three ways to increase the quantitative imaging of molecular transport and accumulation within such specimens. (1) By use of heavy elements, other than the usual iodine, attached to molecules of interest or to surrogates for those molecules. The accumulation of the indicator in the physiological compartments, and the transport to and from such compartments, can be quantitated from the imaged spatial distribution of these contrast agents. (2) The high spatial resolution of conventional X-ray attenuation-based CT images can be used to improve the quantitative nature of radionuclide-based tomographic images (SPECT & PET) by providing correction for attenuation of the emitted gamma rays and the accurate delineation of physiological spaces known to selectively accumulate those indicators. Similarly, other imaging modalities which also localize functions in 2D images (such as histological sections subsequently obtained from the same specimen), can provide a synergistic combination with CT-based 3D microstructure. (3) By increasing the sensitivity and specificity of X-ray CT image contrast by use of methods such as: K-edge subtraction imaging, X-ray fluorescence imaging, imaging of the various types of scattered X-ray and the consequences of the change in the speed of X-rays through different tissues, such as refraction and phase shift. These other methods of X-ray imaging can increase contrast by more than an order of magnitude over that due to conventionally-used attenuation of X-ray. To fully exploit their potentials, much development of radiopaque indicators, scanner hardware and image reconstruction and analysis software will be needed.

Quantification of the effect of kvp on edge-enhancement index in phase-contrast radiography

This study was performed to measure the dependence of edge-enhancement in polychromatic phase-contrast radiography on x-ray tube operating voltage. Measurements of edge enhancement were made at tube voltages from 40 to 86 kVp using a tungsten anode x-ray tube with a nominal focal spot size of 100 micrometers. A relatively weak attenuating, sharp edge consisting of a thin lucite sheet (3 mm) in air was imaged utilizing phase-contrast radiography (PC-R). PC-R images were acquired at different radiographic techniques in which x-ray tube voltage was varied from 40 to 86 kVp. The image receptor was a single emulsion x-ray mammography cassette. Optical density profiles across the edge of the object were obtained using a film digitizer and edge-enhancement indices were calculated. Increasing kVp resulted in a gradual decrease of the edge-enhancement index. Even at the highest kVp (86), however, important edge-enhancement effects were evident. While there is some degradation in the edge-enhancement effect of phase-contrast radiography at higher kVps, the decrease from 40 to 86 kVp is relatively small (11%). Our results suggest that further investigation into the role of phase-contrast imaging at higher kVp values for the purpose of patient dose reduction while still realizing the advantage of phase-contrast effects for improved soft-tissue detectability is warranted.

Vessel imaging by interferometric phase-contrast X-ray technique

BACKGROUND

Phase-contrast x-ray imaging using an x-ray interferometer has great potential to reveal the structures inside soft tissues, because the sensitivity of this method to hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen is approximately 1000 times higher than that of the absorption-contrast x-ray method. Imaging of vessels is very important to understand the vascular distribution of organs and tumors, so the possibility of selective angiography based on phase contrast is examined with a physiological material composed of low-atomic-number elements.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Phase-contrast x-ray imaging was performed with a synchrotron x-ray source. Differences in refractive index, ddelta, of physiological saline, lactated Ringer's solution, 5% glucose, artificial blood such as pyridoxylated hemoglobin-polyoxyethylene conjugate, and perfluorotributylamine were measured. Because the ddelta of physiological saline has highest contrast, it was used for the phase-contrast x-ray imaging of vessel, and this was compared with absorption-contrast x-ray images. Vessels >0.03 mm in diameter of excised liver from rats and a rabbit were revealed clearly in phase-contrast x-ray imaging, whereas the vessel could not be revealed at all by the absorption-contrast x-ray image. Absorption-contrast x-ray images with iodine microspheres depicted only portal veins >0.1 mm in diameter with nearly the same x-ray dose as the present phase-contrast x-ray imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Phase-contrast x-ray imaging explored clear depiction of the vessels using physiological saline with small doses of x-rays.

Three-dimensional digital mouse atlas using high-resolution MRI

We present an archetypal digital atlas of the mouse embryo based on microscopic magnetic resonance imaging. The atlas is composed of three modules: (1) images of fixed embryos 6 to 15.5 days postconception (dpc) [Theiler Stages (TS) 8 to 24]; (2) an annotated atlas of the anterior portion of a 13.5 dpc (TS 22) mouse with anatomical structures delineated and linked to explanatory files; and (3) three-dimensional renderings of the entire 13.5 dpc embryo and specific organ systems. The explanatory files include brief descriptions of the structure at each volume element in the image and links to 3D reconstructions, allowing visualization of the shape of the isolated structures. These files can also contain or be linked to other types of information and data including detailed anatomical and physiological information about structures with pointers to online references, relationships between structures, temporal characteristics (cell lineage patterns, size, and shape changes), and gene expression patterns (both spatial and temporal). As an example, we have "painted" in the expression pattern of Dlx5/Dlx6 genes. This digital atlas provides a means to put specific data within the context of normal specimen anatomy, to analyze the information in 3D, and to examine relationships between different types of information.

Blood vessels: depiction at phase-contrast X-ray imaging without contrast agents in the mouse and rat-feasibility study

The ability of phase-contrast x-ray imaging to depict blood vessels without contrast agents was tested by observing livers of a mouse and a rat with synchrotron x rays. Livers were excised by tying arteries and veins to prevent blood from flowing out of the liver. An x-ray interferometer was used to obtain x-ray phase contrast. With the technique of phase-shifting x-ray interferometry, the image mapping x-ray phase shift caused by a liver was measured. The x-ray phase shift caused by blood was substantially different from that caused by other soft tissues; consequently, trees of blood vessels were revealed on the image. Vessels with diameter smaller than 0.1 mm were recognized. This result allows new possibilities for investigation of the vascular system.

Methods for imaging the structure and function of living tissues and cells: 3. Confocal microscopy and micro-radiology

This review article looks at the development of confocal imaging technology, with emphasis on its abilities to overcome some of the problems of imaging life processes, particularly in the intact organ or animal. A brief summary of three promising micro-imaging modalities is provided (which are microscopical analogues of conventional radiological techniques) with a bibliography for the interested reader to pursue.

Mammography with synchrotron radiation: phase-detection techniques

The authors evaluated the effect on mammographic examinations of the use of synchrotron radiation to detect phase-perturbation effects, which are higher than absorption effects for soft tissue in the energy range of 15-25 keV. Detection of phase-perturbation effects was possible because of the high degree of coherence of synchrotron radiation sources. Synchrotron radiation images were obtained of a mammographic phantom and in vitro breast tissue specimens and compared with conventional mammographic studies. On the basis of grades assigned by three reviewers, image quality of the former was considerably higher, and the delivered dose was fully compatible.

Human carcinoma: early experience with phase-contrast X-ray CT with synchrotron radiation--comparative specimen study with optical microscopy

Phase-contrast x-ray computed tomography (CT) indicates the distribution of the refractive index and has potential to reveal the structures inside soft tissues without a contrast agent. With a synchrotron x-ray source, phase-contrast x-ray CT with a triple Laue-case x-ray interferometer clearly differentiated various human pathologic tissues in the cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis and metastatic colon carcinoma to the liver, and the images closely corresponded to those obtained with low-magnification optical microscopy.

Three-dimensional imaging of nerve tissue by x-ray phase-contrast microtomography

We show that promising information about the three-dimensional (3D) structure of a peripheral nerve can be obtained by x-ray phase-contrast microtomography (p-microCT; Beckmann, F., U. Bonse, F. Busch, and O. Günnewig, 1997. J. Comp. Assist. Tomogr. 21:539-553). P-microCT measures electronic charge density, which for most substances is proportional to mass density in fairly good approximation. The true point-by-point variation of density is thus determined in 3D at presently 1 mg/cm3 standard error (SE). The intracranial part of the rat trigeminal nerve analyzed for the presence of early schwannoma "microtumors" displayed a detailed density structure on p-microCT density maps. The average density of brain and nerve tissue was measured to range from 0.990 to 0.994 g/cm3 and from 1.020 to 1.035 g/cm3, respectively. The brain-nerve interface was well delineated. Within the nerve tissue, a pattern of nerve fibers could be seen that followed the nerve axis and contrasted against the bulk by 7 to 10 mg/cm3 density modulation. Based on the fact that regions of tumor growth have an increased number density of cell nuclei, and hence of the higher z element phosphorus, it may become possible to detect very early neural "microtumors" through increases of average density on the order of 10 to 15 mg/cm3 by using this method.

Three-dimensional imaging of vasculature and parenchyma in intact rodent organs with X-ray micro-CT

A microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) scanner, which generates three-dimensional (3-D) images consisting of up to a billion cubic voxels, each 5-25 micron on a side, and which has isotropic spatial resolution, is described. Its main components are a spectroscopic X-ray source that produces selectable primary emission peaks at approximately 9, 18, or 25 keV and a fluorescing thin crystal plate that is imaged (at selectable magnification) with a lens onto a 2.5 x 2.5-cm, 1,024 x 1,024-pixel, charge-coupled device (CCD) detector array. The specimen is positioned close to the crystal and is rotated in 721 equiangular steps around 360 degrees between each X-ray exposure and its CCD recording. Tomographic reconstruction algorithms, applied to these recorded images, are used to generate 3-D images of the specimen. The system is used to scan isolated, intact, fixed rodent organs (e.g., heart or kidney) with the image contrast of vessel lumens enhanced with contrast medium. 3-D image display and analysis are used to address physiological questions about the internal structure-to-function relationships of the organs.