Evaluation of Intracranial Microvessel Visualization in Mouse and Dog Models by Using a New Rotating Cerium Anode...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Neurology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Lacunar stroke is often caused by blockages in small perforating arteries of the middle cerebral artery.
• Accurate visualization of these tiny vessels is crucial for understanding stroke mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a microangiographic X-ray system using a cerium anode for visualizing perforating cerebral artery branches.
• To assess the system's capability in detecting contrast material within these small vessels.

Main Methods:

• A cerium anode X-ray system was designed, leveraging the characteristic X-ray emission of cerium (34.6 keV) to detect small amounts of contrast material.
• System resolution was tested using an X-ray chart. The system was then applied to visualize perforating arteries in mouse brains ex vivo and dog brains ex vivo and in vivo, with iodine contrast.

Main Results:

• The cerium anode X-ray system achieved a resolution of 4.86 line pairs.
• Perforating branches of the middle cerebral artery were successfully visualized in mouse brains.
• These vessels were clearly observed in dog brains ex vivo, even through acrylic, outperforming conventional X-ray imaging.
• The system visualized iodine contrast agent within perforating arteries in living dogs.

Conclusions:

• The developed cerium anode microangiographic X-ray system enables visualization of the middle cerebral artery's perforating branches in living subjects.
• This advancement offers a potential tool for diagnosing and understanding lacunar stroke.