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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Contrast Enhanced Vessel Imaging using MicroCT
Published on: January 27, 2011
Small animal micro-CT colonography
Benjamin Y Durkee1, Jamey P Weichert, Richard B Halberg
1Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
Abstract:
Microcomputed tomography colonography (mCTC) is a new method for detecting colonic tumors in living animals and estimating their volume, which allows investigators to determine the spontaneous fate of individually annotated tumors as well as their response to chemotherapeutics. This imaging platform was developed using the Min mouse, but is applicable to any murine model of human colorectal cancer. MicroCT is capable of 20 micron resolution, however, 100 microns is sufficient for this application. Scan quality is primarily dependent on animal preparation with the most critical parameters being proper anesthesia, bowel cleansing, and sufficient insufflation. The detection of colonic tumors is possible by both 2D and 3D rendering of image data. Tumor volume is estimated using a semi-automated five-step process which is based on three algorithms within the Amira software package. The estimates are precise, accurate and reproducible enabling changes in volume as small as 16% to be readily observed. Confirmation of mCTC observations by gross examination and histology is sometimes useful in this otherwise non-invasive protocol. Finally, mCTC is compared to other newly developed small animal imaging platforms including microMRI and microoptical colonoscopy. A major advantage of these platforms is that investigators can be perform longitudinal studies, which often have much greater statistical power than traditional cross-sectional studies; consequently, fewer animals are required for testing.
Insights
Microcomputed tomography colonography (mCTC) enables precise detection and volume estimation of colon tumors in mice. This non-invasive imaging method supports longitudinal studies for evaluating tumor fate and therapeutic responses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Oncology Imaging
- Preclinical Cancer Research
Background:
- Colorectal cancer research in mice requires accurate tumor monitoring.
- Existing imaging techniques have limitations in resolution and longitudinal tracking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate microcomputed tomography colonography (mCTC) for detecting and quantifying colonic tumors in murine models.
- To assess the precision, accuracy, and reproducibility of mCTC for tumor volume estimation.
- To compare mCTC with other small animal imaging modalities.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing microCT with 100-micron resolution for colonic tumor imaging in mice.
- Optimizing scan quality through proper anesthesia, bowel cleansing, and insufflation.
- Employing 2D and 3D rendering for tumor detection and semi-automated algorithms in Amira software for volume estimation.
Main Results:
- mCTC accurately detects colonic tumors in murine models, applicable to various colorectal cancer models.
- Tumor volume estimation is precise, accurate, and reproducible, detecting volume changes as small as 16%.
- mCTC facilitates longitudinal studies, enhancing statistical power and reducing animal usage compared to cross-sectional studies.
Conclusions:
- Microcomputed tomography colonography is a valuable non-invasive tool for preclinical colorectal cancer research.
- mCTC allows for precise monitoring of tumor progression and therapeutic efficacy in longitudinal studies.
- This imaging platform offers advantages over other small animal imaging techniques for colon tumor analysis.
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