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Bayat S, Fardin L, Cercos-Pita JL, Perchiazzi G, Bravin A. Imaging Regional Lung Structure and Function in Small Animals Using Synchrotron Radiation Phase-Contrast and K-Edge Subtraction Computed Tomography. Front Physiol 2022; 13:825433. [PMID: 35350681 PMCID: PMC8957951 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.825433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synchrotron radiation offers unique properties of coherence, utilized in phase-contrast imaging, and high flux as well as a wide energy spectrum which allow the selection of very narrow energy bands of radiation, used in K-edge subtraction imaging (KES) imaging. These properties extend X-ray computed tomography (CT) capabilities to quantitatively assess lung morphology, and to map regional lung ventilation, perfusion, inflammation, aerosol particle distribution and biomechanical properties, with microscopic spatial resolution. Four-dimensional imaging, allows the investigation of the dynamics of regional lung functional parameters simultaneously with structural deformation of the lung as a function of time. These techniques have proven to be very useful for revealing the regional differences in both lung structure and function which is crucial for better understanding of disease mechanisms as well as for evaluating treatment in small animal models of lung diseases. Here, synchrotron radiation imaging methods are described and examples of their application to the study of disease mechanisms in preclinical animal models are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Bayat
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm UA07 STROBE Laboratory, University of Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Department of Pulmonology and Clinical Physiology, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Luca Fardin
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France
| | - José Luis Cercos-Pita
- Hedenstierna Laboratory, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gaetano Perchiazzi
- Hedenstierna Laboratory, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alberto Bravin
- Department of Physics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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2
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Functional lung imaging with synchrotron radiation: Methods and preclinical applications. Phys Med 2020; 79:22-35. [PMID: 33070047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Many lung disease processes are characterized by structural and functional heterogeneity that is not directly appreciable with traditional physiological measurements. Experimental methods and lung function modeling to study regional lung function are crucial for better understanding of disease mechanisms and for targeting treatment. Synchrotron radiation offers useful properties to this end: coherence, utilized in phase-contrast imaging, and high flux and a wide energy spectrum which allow the selection of very narrow energy bands of radiation, thus allowing imaging at very specific energies. K-edge subtraction imaging (KES) has thus been developed at synchrotrons for both human and small animal imaging. The unique properties of synchrotron radiation extend X-ray computed tomography (CT) capabilities to quantitatively assess lung morphology, and also to map regional lung ventilation, perfusion, inflammation and biomechanical properties, with microscopic spatial resolution. Four-dimensional imaging, allows the investigation of the dynamics of regional lung functional parameters simultaneously with structural deformation of the lung as a function of time. This review summarizes synchrotron radiation imaging methods and overviews examples of its application in the study of disease mechanisms in preclinical animal models, as well as the potential for clinical translation both through the knowledge gained using these techniques and transfer of imaging technology to laboratory X-ray sources.
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3
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Kulpe S, Dierolf M, Günther B, Brantl J, Busse M, Achterhold K, Gleich B, Pfeiffer F, Pfeiffer D. Dynamic K-edge Subtraction Fluoroscopy at a Compact Inverse-Compton Synchrotron X-ray Source. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9612. [PMID: 32541788 PMCID: PMC7295988 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66414-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
X-ray fluoroscopy is a commonly applied diagnostic tool for morphological and functional evaluation of the intestine in clinical routine. Acquisition of repetitive X-ray images following oral or rectal application of iodine contrast agent visualizes the time dependent distribution of the contrast medium, and helps to detect for example leakages, tumors or functional disorders. However, movements of the intestine and air trapped inside usually prevent temporal subtraction imaging to be applied to fluoroscopy of the gastrointestinal tract. K-edge subtraction (KES) imaging would enable subtraction fluoroscopy because it allows for imaging of moving organs with little artefacts. Although KES imaging is a well established technique at synchrotron sources, this imaging method is not applied in clinical routine as it relies on brilliant synchrotron radiation. Recently emerging compact synchrotron X-ray sources could provide a quasi-monochromatic, high-flux X-ray beam and allow for the application of KES in a laboratory environment. Here, we present a filter-based dynamic KES approach at the Munich Compact Light Source (MuCLS), the first user-dedicated installation of a compact synchrotron X-ray source worldwide. Compared to conventional temporal subtraction X-ray radiography, our approach increases the contrast while reducing the generated image artefacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kulpe
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748, Garching, Germany. .,Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748, Garching, Germany.
| | - Martin Dierolf
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Benedikt Günther
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Johannes Brantl
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Madleen Busse
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Klaus Achterhold
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Bernhard Gleich
- Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Franz Pfeiffer
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr. 11, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Munich School of Medicine and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaniger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniela Pfeiffer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Munich School of Medicine and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaniger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
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Kulpe S, Dierolf M, Braig EM, Günther B, Achterhold K, Gleich B, Herzen J, Rummeny E, Pfeiffer F, Pfeiffer D. K-edge subtraction imaging for iodine and calcium separation at a compact synchrotron x-ray source. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2020; 7:023504. [PMID: 32341936 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.7.2.023504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: About one third of all deaths worldwide can be traced to some form of cardiovascular disease. The gold standard for the diagnosis and interventional treatment of blood vessels is digital subtraction angiography (DSA). An alternative to DSA is K-edge subtraction (KES) imaging, which has been shown to be advantageous for moving organs and for eliminating image artifacts caused by patient movement. As highly brilliant, monochromatic x-rays are required for this method, it has been limited to synchrotron facilities so far, restraining the applicability in the clinical routine. Over the past decades, compact synchrotron x-ray sources based on inverse Compton scattering have been evolving; these provide x-rays with sufficient brilliance and meet spatial and financial requirements for laboratory settings or university hospitals. Approach: We demonstrate a proof-of-principle KES imaging experiment using the Munich Compact Light Source (MuCLS), the first user-dedicated installation of a compact synchrotron x-ray source worldwide. A series of experiments were performed both on a phantom and an excised human carotid to demonstrate the ability of the proposed KES technique to separate the iodine contrast agent and calcifications. Results: It is shown that the proposed filter-based KES method allows for the iodine-contrast agent and calcium to be clearly separated, thereby providing x-ray images only showing one of the two materials. Conclusions: The results show that the quasimonochromatic spectrum of the MuCLS enables filter-based KES imaging and can become an important tool in preclinical research and possible future clinical diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kulpe
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, Munich School of BioEngineering, Garching, Germany
| | - Martin Dierolf
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, Munich School of BioEngineering, Garching, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Braig
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, Munich School of BioEngineering, Garching, Germany
| | - Benedikt Günther
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, Munich School of BioEngineering, Garching, Germany
| | - Klaus Achterhold
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, Munich School of BioEngineering, Garching, Germany
| | - Bernhard Gleich
- Technical University of Munich, Munich School of BioEngineering, Garching, Germany
| | - Julia Herzen
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, Munich School of BioEngineering, Garching, Germany
| | - Ernst Rummeny
- Munich School of Medicine and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Pfeiffer
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, Munich School of BioEngineering, Garching, Germany.,Munich School of Medicine and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniela Pfeiffer
- Munich School of Medicine and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Munich, Germany
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5
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K-edge Subtraction Computed Tomography with a Compact Synchrotron X-ray Source. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13332. [PMID: 31527643 PMCID: PMC6746727 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49899-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In clinical diagnosis, X-ray computed tomography (CT) is one of the most important imaging techniques. Yet, this method lacks the ability to differentiate similarly absorbing substances like commonly used iodine contrast agent and calcium which is typically seen in calcifications, kidney stones and bones. K-edge subtraction (KES) imaging can help distinguish these materials by subtracting two CT scans recorded at different X-ray energies. So far, this method mostly relies on monochromatic X-rays produced at large synchrotron facilities. Here, we present the first proof-of-principle experiment of a filter-based KES CT method performed at a compact synchrotron X-ray source based on inverse-Compton scattering, the Munich Compact Light Source (MuCLS). It is shown that iodine contrast agent and calcium can be clearly separated to provide CT volumes only showing one of the two materials. These results demonstrate that KES CT at a compact synchrotron source can become an important tool in pre-clinical research.
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Thomlinson W, Elleaume H, Porra L, Suortti P. K-edge subtraction synchrotron X-ray imaging in bio-medical research. Phys Med 2018; 49:58-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.04.389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Porra L, Dégrugilliers L, Broche L, Albu G, Strengell S, Suhonen H, Fodor GH, Peták F, Suortti P, Habre W, Sovijärvi ARA, Bayat S. Quantitative Imaging of Regional Aerosol Deposition, Lung Ventilation and Morphology by Synchrotron Radiation CT. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3519. [PMID: 29476086 PMCID: PMC5824954 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20986-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand the determinants of inhaled aerosol particle distribution and targeting in the lung, knowledge of regional deposition, lung morphology and regional ventilation, is crucial. No single imaging modality allows the acquisition of all such data together. Here we assessed the feasibility of dual-energy synchrotron radiation imaging to this end in anesthetized rabbits; both in normal lung (n = 6) and following methacholine (MCH)-induced bronchoconstriction (n = 6), a model of asthma. We used K-edge subtraction CT (KES) imaging to quantitatively map the regional deposition of iodine-containing aerosol particles. Morphological and regional ventilation images were obtained, followed by quantitative regional iodine deposition maps, after 5 and 10 minutes of aerosol administration. Iodine deposition was markedly inhomogeneous both in normal lung and after induced bronchoconstrition. Deposition was significantly reduced in the MCH group at both time points, with a strong dependency on inspiratory flow in both conditions (R2 = 0.71; p < 0.0001). We demonstrate for the first time, the feasibility of KES CT for quantitative imaging of lung deposition of aerosol particles, regional ventilation and morphology. Since these are among the main factors determining lung aerosol deposition, we expect this imaging approach to bring new contributions to the understanding of lung aerosol delivery, targeting, and ultimately biological efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Porra
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Central Hospital Medical Imaging Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Dégrugilliers
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - L Broche
- Hedenstierna Laboratory, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - G Albu
- Anesthesiological Investigations Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Strengell
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Central Hospital Medical Imaging Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Suhonen
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - G H Fodor
- Anesthesiological Investigations Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - F Peták
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - P Suortti
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - W Habre
- Anesthesiological Investigations Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A R A Sovijärvi
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Bayat
- University of Grenoble EA-7442 RSRM Laboratory and Department of Clinical Physiology, Sleep and Exercise, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France.
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Deman P, Tan S, Belev G, Samadi N, Martinson M, Chapman D, Ford NL. Respiratory-gated KES imaging of a rat model of acute lung injury at the Canadian Light Source. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2017; 24:679-685. [PMID: 28452761 PMCID: PMC5477483 DOI: 10.1107/s160057751700193x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In this study, contrast-enhanced X-ray tomographic imaging for monitoring and quantifying respiratory disease in preclinical rodent models is proposed. A K-edge imaging method has been developed at the Canadian Light Source to very accurately obtain measurements of the concentration of iodinated contrast agent in the pulmonary vasculature and inhaled xenon in the airspaces of rats. To compare the iodine and xenon concentration maps, a scout projection image was acquired to define the region of interest within the thorax for imaging and to ensure the same locations were imaged in each K-edge subtraction (KES) acquisition. A method for triggering image acquisition based on the real-time measurements of respiration was also developed to obtain images during end expiration when the lungs are stationary, in contrast to other previously published studies that alter the respiration to accommodate the image acquisition. In this study, images were obtained in mechanically ventilated animals using physiological parameters at the iodine K-edge in vivo and at the xenon K-edge post mortem (but still under mechanical ventilation). The imaging techniques were performed in healthy Brown Norway rats and in age-matched littermates that had an induced lung injury to demonstrate feasibility of the imaging procedures and the ability to correlate the lung injury and the quantitative measurements of contrast agent concentrations between the two KES images. The respiratory-gated KES imaging protocol can be easily adapted to image during any respiratory phase and is feasible for imaging disease models with compromised lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Deman
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T1Z3
| | - S. Tan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T1Z3
| | - G. Belev
- Canadian Light Source, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N2V3
| | - N. Samadi
- Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N5A9
| | - M. Martinson
- Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N5A9
| | - D. Chapman
- Canadian Light Source, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N2V3
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N5A9
| | - N. L. Ford
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T1Z3
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T1Z3
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Panahifar A, Samadi N, Swanston TM, Chapman LD, Cooper DML. Spectral K-edge subtraction imaging of experimental non-radioactive barium uptake in bone. Phys Med 2016; 32:1765-1770. [PMID: 27515551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2016.07.619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the feasibility of using non-radioactive barium as a bone tracer for detection with synchrotron spectral K-edge subtraction (SKES) technique. METHODS Male rats of 1-month old (i.e., developing skeleton) and 8-month old (i.e., skeletally mature) were orally dosed with low dose of barium chloride (33mg/kg/day Ba2+) for 4weeks. The fore and hind limbs were dissected for imaging in projection and computed tomography modes at 100μm and 52μm pixel sizes. The SKES method utilizes a single bent Laue monochromator to prepare a 550eV energy spectrum to encompass the K-edge of barium (37.441keV), for collecting both 'above' and 'below' the K-edge data sets in a single scan. RESULTS The SKES has a very good focal size, thus limits the 'crossover' and motion artifacts. In juvenile rats, barium was mostly incorporated in the areas of high bone turnover such as at the growth plate and the trabecular surfaces, but also in the cortical bone as the animals were growing at the time of tracer administration. However, the adults incorporated approximately half the concentration and mainly in the areas where bone remodeling was predominant and occasionally in the periosteal and endosteal layers of the diaphyseal cortical bone. CONCLUSIONS The presented methodology is simple to implement and provides both structural and functional information, after labeling with barium, on bone micro-architecture and thus has great potential for in vivo imaging of pre-clinical animal models of musculoskeletal diseases to better understand their mechanisms and to evaluate the efficacy of pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Panahifar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Nazanin Samadi
- Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Treena M Swanston
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - L Dean Chapman
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Canadian Light Source, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - David M L Cooper
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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Scopel JF, de Souza Queiroz L, O’Dowd FP, Júnior MCF, Nucci A, Hönnicke MG. Are human peripheral nerves sensitive to X-ray imaging? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116831. [PMID: 25757086 PMCID: PMC4355589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic imaging techniques play an important role in assessing the exact location, cause, and extent of a nerve lesion, thus allowing clinicians to diagnose and manage more effectively a variety of pathological conditions, such as entrapment syndromes, traumatic injuries, and space-occupying lesions. Ultrasound and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging are becoming useful methods for this purpose, but they still lack spatial resolution. In this regard, recent phase contrast x-ray imaging experiments of peripheral nerve allowed the visualization of each nerve fiber surrounded by its myelin sheath as clearly as optical microscopy. In the present study, we attempted to produce high-resolution x-ray phase contrast images of a human sciatic nerve by using synchrotron radiation propagation-based imaging. The images showed high contrast and high spatial resolution, allowing clear identification of each fascicle structure and surrounding connective tissue. The outstanding result is the detection of such structures by phase contrast x-ray tomography of a thick human sciatic nerve section. This may further enable the identification of diverse pathological patterns, such as Wallerian degeneration, hypertrophic neuropathy, inflammatory infiltration, leprosy neuropathy and amyloid deposits. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful phase contrast x-ray imaging experiment of a human peripheral nerve sample. Our long-term goal is to develop peripheral nerve imaging methods that could supersede biopsy procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Francisco Scopel
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Jataí, Goiás, 75804-020, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Luciano de Souza Queiroz
- Departamento de Anatomia Patológica, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil
| | | | | | - Anamarli Nucci
- Departamento de Neurologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gonçalves Hönnicke
- Instituto Latino-Americano de Ciências da Vida e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, 85867-970, Brazil
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