Assessment of fibrotic tissue and microvascular architecture by in-line phase-contrast imaging in a mouse model of liver fibrosis

作者:Fu, Yi; Peng, Hao-jie; Zhang, Xi*; Peng, Wei-jun; Wu, Jiong; Wang, Sheng-ping; Du, Min; Li, Rui-min
来源:European Radiology, 2016, 26(9): 2947-2955.
DOI:10.1007/s00330-015-4173-6

摘要

To explore the value of in-line phase-contrast imaging with computed tomography (ILPCI-CT) by synchrotron radiation (SR) for liver fibrosis. @@@ Liver fibrosis models were set up in 13 BALB/c mice by peritoneal injections of thioacetamide and evaluated by ILPCI-CT. Histological staging was used to categorize liver fibrosis into normal, mild fibrosis and advanced fibrosis groups. Microvessel density (MVD), the ratio of total vessel length to volume (L/V), the ratio of total number of branching points to liver volume (P/V) and the distribution of vessel diameter were assessed. @@@ The CT images showed slightly high-density shadows around the portal tracts in the fibrosis group. Three-dimensional reconstruction can detect vascular and nodular changes on the surface of fibrotic livers. The MVDs between the three groups were significantly different (P = 0.024). L/V was significantly different between the three groups (P = 0.014). There was a positive correlation between MVD and P/V. @@@ Fibrous material can be detected by ILPCI-CT even in the early stage of fibrosis. MVD, L/V, P/V and the distribution of vessel diameter were consistent with fibrosis-related angiogenesis progress. Three-dimensional reconstruction is a promising method to visualize morphological changes of the fibrotic liver. @@@ aEuro cent ILPCI-CT can detect fibrous material even in the early stage of liver fibrosis. @@@ aEuro cent MVD, L/V, P/V, and the distribution of vascular diameter reflect pathological angiogenesis. @@@ aEuro cent 3D reconstruction could be a promising approach for detecting liver fibrosis.