Diffraction-enhanced imaging of the rat spine.
BACKGROUND
Diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI) uses monochromatic synchrotron X-rays to image tissue. This technique has been shown to produce superior bony and soft tissue characterization when compared with conventional absorption radiography. Application of this imaging modality is under investigation, and this study represents the first DEI analysis of the vertebral column.


METHODS
Four male Wistar rats were studied. Spine muscle blocks were imaged in 3 of the rats after thoracic laminectomy (n = 1), after lumbar laminectomy (n = 1), and in a control condition (n = 1). The fourth rat was imaged as a whole animal control. Conventional radiography and synchrotron-supported DEI at 40 keV were performed on all specimens. We compared images side by side, using a nonvalidated subjective assessment technique.


RESULTS
DEI produced superior visualization of the vertebral anatomy, compared with conventional absorption radiography for all specimens. Greater bony and soft tissue detail was noted, with improved image contrast. In addition to imaging the anatomical structures, DEI showed the polyglactin suture material used for fascial closure in the 2 animals that underwent surgery. Artifact from air bubbles was present on DEI images but not on plain radiographs.


CONCLUSIONS
This represents the first use of DEI, a novel imaging modality, to image the vertebral column. It provides excellent anatomic detail with superior contrast and visualization of both bone and soft tissue when compared with conventional radiography. Future applications of this investigational technique may include analysis of spinal fusion as well as degenerative and neoplastic conditions of the spine.
Kelly
Michael E
ME
Department of Neurosurgery, Section of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery, The Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44122, USA. mebkelly@gmail.com
Beavis
R Cole
RC
Fourney
Daryl R
DR
Schültke
Elisabeth
E
Parham
Christopher
C
Juurlink
Bernhard H J
BH
Zhong
Zhong
Z
Chapman
L Dean
LD
D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction