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

PURPOSE

To explore the value of in-line phase-contrast imaging with computed tomography (ILPCI-CT) by synchrotron radiation (SR) for liver fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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.

KEY POINTS

• ILPCI-CT can detect fibrous material even in the early stage of liver fibrosis. • MVD, L/V, P/V, and the distribution of vascular diameter reflect pathological angiogenesis. • 3D reconstruction could be a promising approach for detecting liver fibrosis.