Quantitative functional imaging and kinetic studies with high-Z contrast agents using synchrotron radiation computed...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Preclinical Research

Background:

• Diagnostic radiology increasingly requires quantitative functional and morphological data from 3D CT images.
• Synchrotron radiation computed tomography (SRCT) represents a state-of-the-art preclinical X-ray CT method, achieving near-theoretical accuracy and precision.
• SRCT overcomes beam hardening and scatter artifacts using monochromatic X-ray beams and digital subtraction, enabling absolute high-Z element contrast agent concentration measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the status and perspectives of SRCT-based functional imaging techniques for brain perfusion and lung function.
• To highlight the performance and utility of SRCT for in vivo functional imaging.
• To showcase SRCT's application in experimental pathophysiology and therapeutic intervention studies.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing monochromatic X-ray beams and digital subtraction sinogram techniques for artifact-free contrast agent concentration measurements.
• Developing functional imaging techniques for brain perfusion and lung function (ventilation/perfusion) at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.
• Reconstructing quantitative concentration-time curves from difference images for inhaled or injected high-Z contrast agents (xenon, iodine).

Main Results:

• SRCT enables quantitative imaging of absolute perfusion parameters (e.g., blood volume, flow, transit time, capillary permeability).
• SRCT provides quantitative ventilation parameters (e.g., lung volume, regional ventilation, airway compliance).
• High accuracy and precision are achieved in parametric imaging for both brain perfusion and lung function.

Conclusions:

• SRCT is a powerful in vivo functional imaging tool for precise hemodynamic and ventilation measurements.
• The technique is valuable for investigating experimental pathophysiology and evaluating therapeutic interventions.
• SRCT offers significant potential for advancing preclinical functional imaging research.