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

Christopher M. Laperle, Theron J. Hamilton, Philip Wintermeyer, Evan J. Walker, Daxin Shi, Mark A. Anastasio, Zoltan Derdak, Jack R. Wands, Gerald Diebold, Christoph Rose-Petruck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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 νm, 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6911-6923
Number of pages13
JournalPhysics in medicine and biology
Volume53
Issue number23
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 7 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology

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