X-ray Phase Contrast osteo-articular imaging: a pilot study on cadaveric human hands

X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging (PCI) is an emerging modality whose availability in clinics for mammography and lung imaging is expected to materialize within the coming years. In this study, we evaluate the PCI Computed Tomography (PCI-CT) performances with respect to current conventional imaging modalities in the context of osteo-articular disorders diagnosis. X-ray PCI-CT was performed on 3 cadaveric human hands and wrists using a synchrotron beam. Conventional CT, MRI and Ultrasound were also performed on these three samples using routine procedures as well as research protocols. Six radiologists and rheumatologists independently evaluated qualitatively and semi quantitatively the 3D images' quality. Medical interpretations were also made from the images. PCI-CT allows the simultaneous visualization of both the high absorbing and the softer tissues. The 6 reader evaluations characterized PCI-CT as a visualization tool with improved performances for all tissue types (significant p-values), which provides sharper outlines and clearer internal structures than images obtained using conventional modalities. The PCI-CT images contain overall more information, especially at smaller scales with for instance more visible micro-calcifications in our chondrocalcinosis case. Despite a reduced number of samples used, this pilot study highlights the possible medical benefits of PCI for osteo-articular disorders evaluation. Although PCI-CT is not yet available in hospitals, the improved visualization capabilities demonstrated so far and the enhanced tissue measurement quality let suggest strong diagnosis benefits for rheumatology in case of a widespread application of PCI.