Micron three-dimensional reconstruction image of a rabbit lower limb lymphedema model: Feasibility of synchrotron radiation in-line phase contrast imaging technique / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The conventional X-ray imaging has low absorption contrast for lymphoedema, and the resolution is about mm level, which is not conducive to early diagnosis. Micro-imaging of biological soft tissues can be achieved by phase-contras imaging technique. OBJECTIVE: Using synchrotron radiation in-line phase contrast imaging technique to achieve the lymphoedema model imaging and observe the lesions characteristic of lymphatic vessels. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Observational experiment. The lymphoedema model was prepared at the Capital Medical University from May to June in 2009. And the experiment was completed in Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF) BL13W1 in June 2009. MATERIALS: Five New Zealand rabbits were prepared for lower extremity lymphoedema models. METHODS: The lower extremity lymph node eradicates operation was performed on rabbits to result in lower extremity lymphoedema. And the synchrotron radiation in-line phase contrast imaging technology was used to collect the projected image of specimens within the 180°, and to reconstruct three-dimensional image. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Severity of lymphatic vessels and the wall thickness. RESULTS: The lymphatic vessel was swollen, bent and distorted. And the lymphatic vessel generates lateral branches in order to promote lymphatic drainage, which was clearly observed from the image obtained by phase contrast imaging technology.CONCLUSION: The use of synchrotron radiation type coaxial imaging technology can be achieved for lymphedema model for micro-imaging, which has certain significance to the early diagnosis of lymphedema.