Monitoring of experimental rat lung transplants by high-resolution flat-panel volumetric computer tomography (fpVCT).
OBJECTIVE
Noninvasive assessment of experimental lung transplants with high resolution would be favorable to exclude technical failure and to follow up graft outcome in the living animal. Here we describe a flat-panel Volumetric Computed Tomography (fpVCT) technique using a prototype scanner.


METHODS
Lung transplantation was performed in allogeneic as well as in corresponding syngeneic rat strain combinations. At different time points post-transplantation, fpVCT was performed.


RESULTS
Lung transplants can be visualized in the living rat with high-spatial resolution. FpVCT allows a detailed analysis of the lung and the bronchi. Infiltrates developing during rejection episodes can be diagnosed and follow-up studies can easily be performed.


CONCLUSIONS
With fpVCT it is possible to control the technical success of the surgical procedure. Graft rejection can be visualized individually in the living animal noninvasively, which is highly advantageous for studying the pathogenesis of chronic rejection or to monitor new therapies.
Greschus
Susanne
S
Department of Neuroradiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
Kuchenbuch
Tim
T
Plötz
Christian
C
Obert
Martin
M
Traupe
Horst
H
Padberg
Winfried
W
Grau
Veronika
V
Hirschburger
Markus
M
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000601:surgery; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013997:Time Factors