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

• Published in: Journal of synchrotron radiation Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 252 - 256
• Main Authors: Takeda, Tohoru, Yoneyama, Akio, Wu, Jin, Momose, Atsushi, Hyodo, Kazuyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 5 Abbey Square, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2HU, England International Union of Crystallography 01.03.2012
• Subjects: Angiography - methods; Animals; Biocompatibility; Biomedical materials; Capillaries - diagnostic imaging; Contrast Media; Imaging; in vivo hepatic vessel imaging; In vivo testing; In vivo tests; Interferometry; Liver - blood supply; Liver - diagnostic imaging; Liver Circulation; Perfusion - methods; phase-contrast X-ray technique; physiological saline; Portal Vein - diagnostic imaging; Radiographic Image Enhancement - methods; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sodium Chloride; Surgical implants; two-crystal interferometer; Veins; X-Rays
• ISSN: 1600-5775; 0909-0495; 1600-5775
• DOI: 10.1107/S0909049511056226

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.