Diffraction-enhanced imaging of a porcine eye.
BACKGROUND
Diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI) is a synchrotron-based x-ray imaging technique that has dramatically improved contrast over standard x-ray imaging techniques. It is possible to acquire images that analyze the x-ray refraction and the apparent absorption (elimination of small-angle scattering) of the object.


METHODS
Three formalin-fixed porcine eyes were studied at the National Synchrotron Light Source using DEI. Conventional absorption-type radiography was conducted for comparison.


RESULTS
Conventional absorption radiography did not yield significant detail of the eye anatomy. DEI showed excellent characterization of many ocular structures. The cornea, iris, lens, retina, optic nerve, as well as choroidal vasculature and the ampullae of the vortex veins could all be visualized.


CONCLUSIONS
DEI represents a novel, high-resolution imaging technique that has excellent characterization of ocular anatomy. Further application of this imaging modality will be undertaken to study cataract and choroidal tumors and to examine ocular surface structures, such as the extraocular muscle insertions, more closely.
Kelly
Michael E
ME
Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio 44195, USA. kellym@ccf.org
Coupal
Dustin J
DJ
Beavis
R Cole
RC
Schultke
Elisabeth
E
Romanchuk
Kenneth
K
Juurlink
Bernhard H J
BH
Zhong
Zhong
Z
Chapman
L Dean
LD
D000818:Animals; D005123:Eye / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013552:Swine; D017356:Synchrotrons; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction / Q000295:instrumentation*