title: X-ray phase contrast tomography; proof of principle for post-mortem imaging.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the feasibility of using X-ray phase-contrast tomography to assess internal organs in a post-mortem piglet model, as a possible non-invasive imaging autopsy technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tomographic images of a new-born piglet were obtained using a free-space propagation X-ray phase-contrast imaging setup at a synchrotron (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France). A monochromatic X-ray beam (52 keV) was used in combination with a detector pixel size of 46 × 46 µm(2). A phase-retrieval algorithm was applied to all projections, which were then reconstructed into tomograms using the filtered-back projection algorithm. Images were assessed for diagnostic quality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Images obtained with the free-space propagation setup presented high soft-tissue contrast and sufficient resolution for resolving organ structure. All of the main body organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and intestines) were easily identified and adequately visualized. In addition, grey/white matter differentiation in the cerebellum while still contained within the skull was shown.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The feasibility of using X-ray phase-contrast tomography as a post-mortem imaging technique in an animal model has been demonstrated. Future studies will focus on translating this experiment to a laboratory-based setup.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Appropriate image processing and analysis enable the simultaneous visualization of both soft- and hard-tissue structures in X-ray phase-contrast images of a complex, thick sample.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zamir
authors.affiliation: 2 Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London UK.|3 Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Owen J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Arthurs
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Charlotte K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Hagen
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Paul C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Diemoz
authors.affiliation: 4 European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France.
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Brochard
authors.affiliation: 4 European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bravin
authors.affiliation: 2 Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London UK.|3 Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Neil J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Sebire
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Olivo
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001344:Autopsy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D013552:Swine; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*