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Scaling up contrast-enhanced micro-CT imaging: Optimizing contrast and acquisition for large ex-vivo human samples

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  • Additional Information
    • Publisher Information:
      Elsevier BV 2024
    • Abstract:
      Microfocus Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) is a novel method for non-destructive 3D imaging of samples, reaching microscale resolutions. While initially prominent in material sciences for small samples, micro-CT now gains significance in biological and medical studies. Here we present our utilization of micro-CT for imaging large ex-vivo human samples for anatomical and forensic research in three recent experiments and discuss the fundamentals of micro-CT imaging. For pelvic anatomical research, whole human pelvises were imaged to explore nerve anatomy around the prostate using various concentrations of buffered lugol (B-lugol). Advanced acquisition protocols were essential due to X-ray attenuation properties of the sample, which required higher energy for sufficient photon transmission. For fetal research, B-lugol stained fetuses of 20–24 gestational weeks underwent full body imaging. However, this led to challenging acquisition parameters and images of insufficient quality. Subsequent destaining yielded less dense, yet contrast-maintaining samples allowing higher quality images. Refined acquisition protocols with reduced energy improved image quality. For forensic research, explanted hyoid-larynx complexes were imaged. Micro-CT imaging showed potential in visualizing micro-fractures. The addition of B-lugol allowed for excellent soft tissue contrast and promising possibilities for forensic evaluation. In conclusion, micro-CT imaging accommodates a diversity of large ex-vivo human samples for anatomical and forensic purposes, though challenges arise with optimal soft tissue staining and acquisition protocols. We describe partial destaining as a new possibility to alleviate scanning issues to improve scan quality and highlight topics for future research. Micro-CT imaging is a promising new avenue for medical research and forensic evaluation.
    • Subject Terms:
      info:eu-repo/semantics/article
    • Availability:
      Open access content. Open access content
      info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
    • Note:
      English
    • Other Numbers:
      UCDLC oai:dial.uclouvain.be:boreal:287328
      boreal:287328
      info:doi/10.1016/j.fri.2024.200596
      urn:ISSN:2666-2256
      1508050368
    • Contributing Source:
      UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN
      From OAIster®, provided by the OCLC Cooperative.
    • Accession Number:
      edsoai.on1508050368
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