Optimized radiographic spectra for small animal digital subtraction angiography

X-ray scintillator lens-coupled with CMOS camera for pre-clinical cardiac vascular imaging—A feasibility study

We present the design and characterization of an X-ray imaging system consisting of an off-the-shelf CMOS sensor optically coupled to a CsI scintillator. The camera can perform both high-resolution and functional cardiac imaging. High-resolution 3D imaging requires microfocus X-ray tubes and expensive detectors, while pre-clinical functional cardiac imaging requires high flux pulsed (clinical) X-ray tubes and high-end cameras. Our work describes an X-ray camera, namely an “optically coupled X-ray(OCX) detector,” used for both the aforementioned applications with no change in the specifications. We constructed the imaging detector with two different CMOS optical imaging cameras called CMOS sensors, 1.A monochrome CMOS sensor coupled with an f1.4 lens and 2.an RGB CMOS sensor coupled with an f0.95 prime lens. The imaging system consisted of our X-ray camera, micro-focus X-ray source (50kVp and 1mA), and a rotary stage controlled from a personal computer (PC) and LabVIEW interface. The detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of the imaging system(monochrome) estimated using a cascaded linear model was 17% at 10 lp/mm. The system modulation transfer function (MTF) and the noise power spectrum (NPS) were inputs to the DQE estimation. Because of the RGB camera’s low quantum efficiency (QE), the OCX detector DQE was 19% at 5 lp/mm. The contrast to noise ratio (CNR) at different frame rates was studied using the capillary tubes filled with various dilutions of iodinated contrast agents. In-vivo cardiac angiography demonstrated that blood vessels of the order of 100 microns or above were visible at 40 frames per second despite the low X-ray flux. For high-resolution 3D imaging, the system was characterized by imaging a cylindrical micro-CT contrast phantom and comparing it against images from a commercial scanner.

MicroCT optimisation for imaging fascicular anatomy in peripheral nerves

BACKGROUND

Due to the lack of understanding of the fascicular organisation, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) leads to unwanted off-target effects. Micro-computed tomography (microCT) can be used to trace fascicles from periphery and image fascicular anatomy.

NEW METHOD

In this study, we present a simple and reproducible method for imaging fascicles in peripheral nerves with iodine staining and microCT for the determination of fascicular anatomy and organisation.

RESULTS

At the determined optimal pre-processing steps and scanning parameters, the microCT protocol allowed for segmentation and tracking of fascicles within the nerves. This was achieved after 24 hours and 120 hours of staining with Lugol's solution (1% total iodine) for rat sciatic and pig vagus nerves, respectively, and the following scanning parameters: 4 μm voxel size, 35 kVp energy, 114 μA current, 4 W power, 0.25 fps in 4 s exposure time, 3176 projections and a molybdenum target.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S)

This optimised method for imaging fascicles provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images and full imaging penetration depth not obtainable with methods typically used such as histology, magnetic resonance imaging and optical coherence tomography whilst obviating time-consuming pre-processing methods, the amount of memory required, destruction of the samples and the cost associated with current microCT methods.

CONCLUSION

The optimised microCT protocol facilitates segmentation and tracking of the fascicles within the nerve. The resulting segmentation map of the functional anatomical organisation of the vagus nerve will enable selective VNS ultimately allowing for the avoidance of the off-target effects and improving its therapeutic efficacy.

Image quality improvements in C-Arm CT (CACT) for liver oncology applications: preliminary study in rabbits

INTRODUCTION

C-Arm CT (CACT) is a new imaging modality in liver oncology therapy that allows for the acquisition of 3D images intra-procedurally. CACT has been used to enhance intra-arterial therapies for the liver by improving lesion detection, avoiding non-target embolization, and allowing for more selective delivery of agents. However, one of the limitations of this technology is image artifacts created by respiratory motion.

PURPOSE

To determine in this preliminary study improvements in image acquisition, motion compensation, and high resolution 3D reconstruction that can improve CACT image quality (IQ).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used for this study. First, a control rabbit was used to select the best x-ray acquisition imaging protocol and then two rabbits were implanted with liver tumor to further develop 3D image reconstruction and motion compensation algorithms.

RESULTS

The best IQ was obtained using the low 80 kVp protocol with motion compensated reconstruction with high resolution and fast acquisition speed (60 fps, 5 s/scan, and 312 images).

CONCLUSION

IQ improved by: (1) decreasing acquisition time, (2) applying motion-compensated reconstruction, and (3) high resolution 3D reconstruction. The findings of this study can be applied to future animal studies and eventually could be translated into the clinical environment.

In vivo X-ray digital subtraction and CT angiography of the murine cerebrovasculature using an intra-arterial route of contrast injection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Investigation of the anatomy, patency, and blood flow of arterial and venous vessels in small animal models of cerebral ischemia, venous thrombosis, or vasospasm is of major interest. However, due to their small caliber, in vivo examination of these vessels is technically challenging. Using micro-CT, we compared the feasibility of in vivo DSA and CTA of the murine cerebrovasculature using an intra-arterial route of contrast administration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ECA was catheterized in 5 C57BL/6J mice. During intra-arterial injection of an iodized contrast agent (30 μL/1 sec), DSA of the intra- and extracranial vessels was performed in mice breathing room air and repeated in hypoxic/hypercapnic mice. Micro-CTA was performed within 20 seconds of intra-arterial contrast injection (220 μL/20 sec). Image quality of both methods was compared. Radiation dose measurements were performed with thermoluminescence dosimeters.

RESULTS

Both methods provided high-resolution images of the murine cerebrovasculature, with the smallest identifiable vessel calibers of ≤ 50 μm. Due to its high temporal resolution of 30 fps, DSA allowed identification of anastomoses between the ICA and ECA by detection of retrograde flow within the superficial temporal artery. Micro-CTA during intra-arterial contrast injection resulted in a reduced injection volume and a higher contrast-to-noise ratio (19.0 ± 1.0) compared with DSA (10.0 ± 1.8) or micro-CTA when using an intravenous injection route (1.3 ± 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

DSA of the murine cerebrovasculature is feasible using micro-CT and allows precise and repeated measurements of the vessel caliber, and changes of the vessel caliber, while providing relevant information on blood flow in vivo.

Comparison of digital subtraction angiography, micro-computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography in the assessment of the cerebrovascular system in live mice

PURPOSE

Mice are often used as small animal models of brain ischemia, venous thrombosis, or vasospasm. This article aimed at providing an overview of the currently available methodologies for in vivo imaging of the murine cerebrovasculature and comparing the capabilities and limitations of the different methods.

METHODS

Micro-computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed during intra-arterial and intravenous administration of a contrast agent bolus. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed during intra-arterial administration of contrast agent using the micro-CT scanner. Time-of-flight (ToF) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography was performed using a small animal scanner (9.4 T) equipped with a cryogenic transceive quadrature coil. Datasets were compared for scan time, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), temporal and spatial resolution, radiation dose, contrast agent dose and detailed recognition of cerebrovascular structures.

RESULTS

Highest spatial resolution was achieved using micro-CTA (16 x 16 x 16 µm) and DSA (14 x 14 µm). Compared to micro-CTA (20-40 s) and ToF-MRA (57 min), DSA provided highest temporal resolutions (30 fps) allowing analyses of the cerebrovascular blood flow. Highest mean CNR was reached using ToF-MRA (50.7 ± 15.0), while CNR of micro-CTA depended on the intra-arterial (19.0 ± 1.0) and intravenous (1.3 ± 0.4) use of agents. The CNR of DSA was 10.0 ± 1.8.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of dedicated small animal scanners allows cerebrovascular imaging in live animals as small as mice. As each of the methods analyzed has its advantages and limitations, choosing the best suited imaging modality for a defined question is of great importance. By this means the aforementioned methods offer a great potential for future projects in preclinical cerebrovascular research including ischemic stroke or vasospasm.

Phenylephrine-modulated cardiopulmonary blood flow measured with use of X-ray digital subtraction angiography

INTRODUCTION

Cardiopulmonary blood flow is an important indicator of organ function. Limitations in measuring blood flow in live rodents suggest that rapid physiological changes may be overlooked. For instance, relative measurements limit imaging to whole organs or large sections without adequately visualizing vasculature. Additionally, current methods use small samples and invasive techniques that often require killing animals, limiting sampling speed, or both. A recently developed high spatial- and temporal-resolution X-ray digital subtraction angiography (DSA) system visualizes vasculature and measures blood flow in rodents. This study was the first to use this system to measure changes in cardiopulmonary blood flow in rats after administering the vasoconstrictor phenylephrine.

METHODS

Cardiopulmonary blood flow and vascular anatomy were assessed in 11 rats before, during, and after recovery from phenylephrine. After acquiring DSA images at 12 time points, a calibrated non-parametric deconvolution technique using singular value decomposition (SVD) was applied to calculate quantitative aortic blood flow in absolute metrics (mL/min). Trans-pulmonary transit time was calculated as the time interval between maximum signal enhancement in the pulmonary trunk and aorta. Pulmonary blood volume was calculated based on the central volume principle. Statistical analysis compared differences in trans-pulmonary blood volume and pressure, and aortic diameter using paired t-tests on baseline, peak, and late-recovery time points.

RESULTS

Phenylephrine had dramatic qualitative and quantitative effects on vascular anatomy and blood flow. Major vessels distended significantly (aorta, ~1.2-times baseline) and mean arterial blood pressure increased ~2 times. Pulmonary blood volume, flow, pressure, and aortic diameter were not significantly different between baseline and late recovery, but differences were significant between baseline and peak, as well as peak and recovery time points.

DISCUSSION

The DSA system with calibrated SVD technique acquired blood flow measurements every 30s with a high level of regional specificity, thus providing a new option for in vivo functional assessment in small animals.

In vivo imaging of rat coronary arteries using bi-plane digital subtraction angiography

INTRODUCTION

X-ray based digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a common clinical imaging method for vascular morphology and function. Coronary artery characterization is one of its most important applications. We show that bi-plane DSA of rat coronary arteries can provide a powerful imaging tool for translational safety assessment in drug discovery.

METHODS

A novel, dual tube/detector system, constructed explicitly for preclinical imaging, supports image acquisition at 10 frames/s with 88-micron spatial resolution. Ventilation, x-ray exposure, and contrast injection are all precisely synchronized using a biological sequence controller implemented as a LabVIEW application. A set of experiments were performed to test and optimize the sampling and image quality. We applied the DSA imaging protocol to record changes in the visualization of coronaries and myocardial perfusion induced by a vasodilator drug, nitroprusside. The drug was infused into a tail vein catheter using a peristaltic infusion pump at a rate of 0.07 mL/h for 3 min (dose: 0.0875 mg). Multiple DSA sequences were acquired before, during, and up to 25 min after drug infusion. Perfusion maps of the heart were generated in MATLAB to compare the drug effects over time.

RESULTS

The best trade-off between the injection time, pressure, and image quality was achieved at 60 PSI, with the injection of 150 ms occurring early in diastole (60 ms delay) and resulting in the delivery of 113 μL of contrast agent. DSA images clearly show the main branches of the coronary arteries in an intact, beating heart. The drug test demonstrated that DSA can detect relative changes in coronary circulation via perfusion maps.

CONCLUSIONS

The methodology for DSA imaging of rat coronary arteries can serve as a template for future translational studies to assist in safety evaluation of new pharmaceuticals. Although x-ray imaging involves radiation, the associated dose (0.4 Gy) is not a major limitation.

A method for serial selective arterial catheterization and digital subtraction angiography in rodents

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Imaging is a key element in the study of many rodent models of human diseases. The application of DSA has been limited in these studies in part because of a lack of a method that allows serial intra-arterial examinations to be performed during an extended period of time. It was our intent to develop and test a method for performing sequential arterial catheterizations and DSA in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a transfemoral approach, we subjected 12 adult male Harvey rats to 3 sequential DSA examinations during a 6- to 8-week period. At each examination, 2 selective arterial catheterizations and a DSA were performed. Animals were monitored for ill effects, and images from the 3 examinations were compared for quality and the presence of any arterial injury.

RESULTS

Ten of the 12 rats survived all 3 examinations. There were no adverse effects noted and no evidence of arterial injury from the examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

With the technique described, it is possible to perform serial arterial catheterizations and DSA in rats. This technique will be useful as an adjunct in the use of rodents for the study of human diseases.

Lung perfusion imaging in small animals using 4D micro-CT at heartbeat temporal resolution

PURPOSE

Quantitative in vivo imaging of lung perfusion in rodents can provide critical information for preclinical studies. However, the combined challenges of high temporal and spatial resolution have made routine quantitative perfusion imaging difficult in small animals. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate 4D micro-CT for perfusion imaging in rodents at heartbeat temporal resolution and isotropic spatial resolution.

METHODS

We have recently developed a dual tube/detector micro-CT scanner that is well suited to capture first pass kinetics of a bolus of contrast agent used to compute perfusion information. Our approach is based on the paradigm that similar time density curves can be reproduced in a number of consecutive, small volume injections of iodinated contrast agent at a series of different angles. This reproducibility is ensured by the high-level integration of the imaging components of our system with a microinjector, a mechanical ventilator, and monitoring applications. Sampling is controlled through a biological pulse sequence implemented in LABVIEW. Image reconstruction is based on a simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique implemented on a graphic processor unit. The capabilities of 4D micro-CT imaging are demonstrated in studies on lung perfusion in rats.

RESULTS

We report 4D micro-CT imaging in the rat lung with a heartbeat temporal resolution (approximately 150 ms) and isotropic 3D reconstruction with a voxel size of 88 microm based on sampling using 16 injections of 50 microL each. The total volume of contrast agent injected during the experiments (0.8 mL) was less than 10% of the total blood volume in a rat. This volume was not injected in a single bolus, but in multiple injections separated by at least 2 min interval to allow for clearance and adaptation. We assessed the reproducibility of the time density curves with multiple injections and found that these are very similar. The average time density curves for the first eight and last eight injections are slightly different, i.e., for the last eight injections, both the maximum of the average time density curves and its area under the curve are decreased by 3.8% and 7.2%, respectively, relative to the average time density curves based on the first eight injections. The radiation dose associated with our 4D micro-CT imaging is 0.16 Gy and is therefore in the range of a typical micro-CT dose.

CONCLUSIONS

4D micro-CT-based perfusion imaging demonstrated here has immediate application in a wide range of preclinical studies such as tumor perfusion, angiogenesis, and renal function. Although our imaging system is in many ways unique, we believe that our approach based on the multiple injection paradigm can be used with the newly developed flat-panel slip-ring-based micro-CT to increase their temporal resolution in dynamic perfusion studies.

Quantitative blood flow measurements in the small animal cardiopulmonary system using digital subtraction angiography

PURPOSE

The use of preclinical rodent models of disease continues to grow because these models help elucidate pathogenic mechanisms and provide robust test beds for drug development. Among the major anatomic and physiologic indicators of disease progression and genetic or drug modification of responses are measurements of blood vessel caliber and flow. Moreover, cardiopulmonary blood flow is a critical indicator of gas exchange. Current methods of measuring cardiopulmonary blood flow suffer from some or all of the following limitations--they produce relative values, are limited to global measurements, do not provide vasculature visualization, are not able to measure acute changes, are invasive, or require euthanasia.

METHODS

In this study, high-spatial and high-temporal resolution x-ray digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was used to obtain vasculature visualization, quantitative blood flow in absolute metrics (ml/min instead of arbitrary units or velocity), and relative blood volume dynamics from discrete regions of interest on a pixel-by-pixel basis (100 x 100 microm2).

RESULTS

A series of calibrations linked the DSA flow measurements to standard physiological measurement using thermodilution and Fick's method for cardiac output (CO), which in eight anesthetized Fischer-344 rats was found to be 37.0 +/- 5.1 ml/min. Phantom experiments were conducted to calibrate the radiographic density to vessel thickness, allowing a link of DSA cardiac output measurements to cardiopulmonary blood flow measurements in discrete regions of interest. The scaling factor linking relative DSA cardiac output measurements to the Fick's absolute measurements was found to be 18.90 x CODSA = COFick.

CONCLUSIONS

This calibrated DSA approach allows repeated simultaneous visualization of vasculature and measurement of blood flow dynamics on a regional level in the living rat.

Oxidative DNA damage in osteoarthritic porcine articular cartilage

Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species. This study investigated if increased oxidative DNA damage accumulates in OA articular cartilage compared with non-OA articular cartilage from pigs with spontaneous OA. Additionally, the ability of nitric oxide (NO) or peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) induced DNA damage in non-OA chondrocytes to undergo endogenous repair was investigated. Porcine femoral condyles were graded for the stage of OA, macroscopically by the Collins Scale, and histologically by the modified Mankin Grade. Levels of DNA damage were determined in non-OA and OA cartilage, using the comet assay. For calibration, DNA damage was measured by exposing non-OA chondrocytes to 0-12 Gray (Gy) of X-ray irradiation. Non-OA articular chondrocytes were treated with 0-500 microM of NO donors (NOC-18 or SIN-1), and DNA damage assessed after treatment and 5 days recovery. A significant increase (P < 0.01) in oxidative DNA damage occurred in OA chondrocytes in joints with Mankin Grades 3 or greater, compared to non-OA chondrocytes. The percentage of nuclei containing DNA damage increased significantly (P < 0.001) from early to late grades of OA. An increase of approximately 0.65-1.7 breaks/1,000 kb of DNA occurred in OA, compared to non-OA nuclei. NOC-18 or SIN-1 caused significant DNA damage (P < 0.001) in non-OA chondrocytes that did not undergo full endogenous repair after 5 days (P < 0.05). Our data suggest significant levels of oxidative DNA damage occur in OA chondrocytes that accumulates with OA progression. Additionally, DNA damage induced by NO and ONOO(-) in non-OA chondrocytes does not undergo full endogenous repair.

Application of MOSFET detectors for dosimetry in small animal radiography using short exposure times

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) X-ray imaging for small animals can be used for functional phenotyping given its ability to capture rapid physiological changes at high spatial and temporal resolution. The higher temporal and spatial requirements for small-animal imaging drive the need for short, high-flux X-ray pulses. However, high doses of ionizing radiation can affect the physiology. The purpose of this study was to verify and apply metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) technology to dosimetry for small-animal diagnostic imaging. A tungsten anode X-ray source was used to expose a tissue-equivalent mouse phantom. Dose measurements were made on the phantom surface and interior. The MOSFETs were verified with thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the MOSFET results agreed with the TLD results (bias, 0.0625). Using typical small animal DSA scan parameters, the dose ranged from 0.7 to 2.2 cGy. Application of the MOSFETs in the small animal environment provided two main benefits: (1) the availability of results in near real-time instead of the hours needed for TLD processes and (2) the ability to support multiple exposures with different X-ray techniques (various of kVp, mA and ms) using the same MOSFET. This MOSFET technology has proven to be a fast, reliable small animal dosimetry method for DSA imaging and is a good system for dose monitoring for serial and gene expression studies.

In vivo small-animal imaging using micro-CT and digital subtraction angiography

Small-animal imaging has a critical role in phenotyping, drug discovery and in providing a basic understanding of mechanisms of disease. Translating imaging methods from humans to small animals is not an easy task. The purpose of this work is to review in vivo x-ray based small-animal imaging, with a focus on in vivo micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We present the principles, technologies, image quality parameters and types of applications. We show that both methods can be used not only to provide morphological, but also functional information, such as cardiac function estimation or perfusion. Compared to other modalities, x-ray based imaging is usually regarded as being able to provide higher throughput at lower cost and adequate resolution. The limitations are usually associated with the relatively poor contrast mechanisms and potential radiation damage due to ionizing radiation, although the use of contrast agents and careful design of studies can address these limitations. We hope that the information will effectively address how x-ray based imaging can be exploited for successful in vivo preclinical imaging.

A high-precision contrast injector for small animal x-ray digital subtraction angiography

The availability of genetically altered animal models of human disease for basic research has generated great interest in new imaging methodologies. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) offers an appealing approach to functional imaging in small animals because of the high spatial and temporal resolution, and the ability to visualize and measure blood flow. The micro-injector described here meets crucial performance parameters to ensure optimal vessel enhancement without significantly increasing the total blood volume or producing overlap of enhanced structures. The micro-injector can inject small, reproducible volumes of contrast agent at high flow rates with computer-controlled timing synchronized to cardiopulmonary activity. Iterative bench-top and live animal experiments with both rat and mouse have been conducted to evaluate the performance of this computer-controlled micro-injector, a first demonstration of a new device designed explicitly for the unique requirements of DSA in small animals. Injection protocols were optimized and screened for potential physiological impact. For the optimized protocols, we found that changes in the time-density curves for representative regions of interest in the thorax were due primarily to physiological changes, independent of micro-injector parameters.

Current issues and perspectives in small rodent magnetic resonance imaging using clinical MRI scanners

Small rodents such as mice and rats are frequently used in animal experiments for several reasons. In the past, animal experiments were frequently associated with invasive methods and groups of animals had to be killed to perform longitudinal studies. Today's modern imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow non-invasive longitudinal monitoring of multiple parameters. Although only a few institutions have access to dedicated small animal MR scanners, most institutions carrying out animal experiments have access to clinical MR scanners. Technological advances and the increasing field strength of clinical scanners make MRI a broadly available and viable technique in preclinical in vivo research. This review provides an overview of current concepts, limitations, and recent studies dealing with small animal imaging using clinical MR scanners.

Tomographic digital subtraction angiography for lung perfusion estimation in rodents

In vivo measurements of perfusion present a challenge to existing small animal imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance microscopy, micro computed tomography, micro positron emission tomography, and microSPECT, due to combined requirements for high spatial and temporal resolution. We demonstrate the use of tomographic digital subtraction angiography (TDSA) for estimation of perfusion in small animals. TDSA augments conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) by providing three-dimensional spatial information using tomosynthesis algorithms. TDSA is based on the novel paradigm that the same time density curves can be reproduced in a number of consecutive injections of microL volumes of contrast at a series of different angles of rotation. The capabilities of TDSA are established in studies on lung perfusion in rats. Using an imaging system developed in-house, we acquired data for four-dimensional (4D) imaging with temporal resolution of 140 ms, in-plane spatial resolution of 100 microm, and slice thickness on the order of millimeters. Based on a structured experimental approach, we optimized TDSA imaging providing a good trade-off between slice thickness, the number of injections, contrast to noise, and immunity to artifacts. Both DSA and TDSA images were used to create parametric maps of perfusion. TDSA imaging has potential application in a number of areas where functional perfusion measurements in 4D can provide valuable insight into animal models of disease and response to therapeutics.