The human endosalpinx: anatomical three-dimensional study and reconstruction using confocal microtomography

Multimodal Optical Imaging of Ex Vivo Fallopian Tubes to Distinguish Early and Occult Tubo-Ovarian Cancers

Background: There are currently no effective screening measures to detect early or occult tubo-ovarian cancers, resulting in late-stage detection and high mortality. This work explores whether an optical imaging catheter can detect early-stage tubo-ovarian cancers or precursor lesions where they originate in the fallopian tubes. Methods: This device collects co-registered optical coherence tomography (OCT) and autofluorescence imaging (AFI). OCT provides three-dimensional assessment of underlying tissue structures; autofluorescence imaging provides functional contrast of endogenous fluorophores. Ex vivo fallopian tubes (n = 28; n = 7 cancer patients) are imaged; we present methods for the calculation of and analyze eleven imaging biomarkers related to fluorescence, optical attenuation, and OCT texture for their potential to detect tubo-ovarian cancers and other lesions of interest. Results: We visualize folded plicae, vessel-like structures, tissue layering, hemosiderin deposits, and regions of fibrotic change. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma appears as reduced autofluorescence paired with homogenous OCT and reduced mean optical attenuation. Specimens containing cancerous lesions demonstrate a significant increase in median autofluorescence intensity and decrease in Shannon entropy compared to specimens with no lesion. Non-cancerous specimens demonstrate an increase in optical attenuation in the fimbriae when compared to the isthmus or the ampulla. Conclusions: We conclude that this approach shows promise and merits further investigation of its diagnostic potential.

Exploring swine oviduct anatomy through micro-computed tomography: a 3D modeling perspective

The oviduct plays a crucial role in the reproductive process, serving as the stage for fertilization and the early stages of embryonic development. When the environment of this organ has been mimicked, it has been shown to enhance in vitro embryo epigenetic reprogramming and to improve the yield of the system. This study explores the anatomical intricacies of two oviduct regions, the uterotubal junction (UTJ) and the ampullary-isthmic junction (AIJ) by using micro-computed tomography (MicroCT). In this study, we have characterized and 3D-reconstructed the oviduct structure, by measuring height and width of the oviduct's folds, along with the assessments of fractal dimension, lacunarity and shape factor. Results indicate distinct structural features in UTJ and AIJ, with UTJ displaying small, uniformly distributed folds and high lacunarity, while AIJ shows larger folds with lower lacunarity. Fractal dimension analysis reveals values for UTJ within 1.189-1.1779, while AIJ values range from 1.559-1.770, indicating differences in structural complexity between these regions. Additionally, blind sacs or crypts are observed, akin to those found in various species, suggesting potential roles in sperm sequestration or reservoir formation. These morphological differences align with functional variations and are essential for developing an accurate 3D model. In conclusion, this research provides information about the oviduct anatomy, leveraging MicroCT technology for detailed 3D reconstructions, which can significantly contribute to the understanding of geometric-morphological characteristics influencing functional traits, providing a foundation for a biomimetic oviduct-on-a-chip.

A Review: Biomechanical Aspects of the Fallopian Tube Relevant to its Function in Fertility

The fallopian tube (FT) plays a crucial role in the reproductive process by providing an ideal biomechanical and biochemical environment for fertilization and early embryo development. Despite its importance, the biomechanical functions of the FT that originate from its morphological aspects, and ultrastructural aspects, as well as the mechanical properties of FT, have not been studied nor used sufficiently, which limits the understanding of fertilization, mechanotrasduction, and mechanobiology during embryo development, as well as the replication of the FT in laboratory settings for infertility treatments. This paper reviews and revives valuable information on human FT reported in medical literature in the past five decades relevant to the biomechanical aspects of FT. In this review, we summarized the current state of knowledge concerning the morphological, ultrastructural aspects, and mechanical properties of the human FT. We also investigate the potential arising from a thorough consideration of the biomechanical functions and exploring often neglected mechanical aspects. Our investigation encompasses both macroscopic measurements (such as length, diameter, and thickness) and microscopic measurements (including the height of epithelial cells, the percentage of ciliated cells, cilia structure, and ciliary beat frequency). Our primary focus has been on healthy women of reproductive age. We have examined various measurement techniques, encompassing conventional metrology, 2D histological data as well as new spatial measurement techniques such as micro-CT.

Volumetric Tissue Imaging of Surgical Tissue Specimens Using Micro-Computed Tomography: An Emerging Digital Pathology Modality for Nondestructive, Slide-Free Microscopy-Clinical Applications of Digital Pathology in 3 Dimensions

OBJECTIVES

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a novel, nondestructive, slide-free digital imaging modality that enables the acquisition of high-resolution, volumetric images of intact surgical tissue specimens. The aim of this systematic mapping review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the available literature on clinical applications of micro-CT tissue imaging and to assess its relevance and readiness for pathology practice.

METHODS

A computerized literature search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases. To gain insight into regulatory and financial considerations for performing and examining micro-CT imaging procedures in a clinical setting, additional searches were performed in medical device databases.

RESULTS

Our search identified 141 scientific articles published between 2000 and 2021 that described clinical applications of micro-CT tissue imaging. The number of relevant publications is progressively increasing, with the specialties of pulmonology, cardiology, otolaryngology, and oncology being most commonly concerned. The included studies were mostly performed in pathology departments. Current micro-CT devices have already been cleared for clinical use, and a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code exists for reimbursement of micro-CT imaging procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Micro-CT tissue imaging enables accurate volumetric measurements and evaluations of entire surgical specimens at microscopic resolution across a wide range of clinical applications.