Appel, A.A.A.A.AppelCHENG-YING CHOULarson, J.C.J.C.LarsonZhong, Z.Z.ZhongSchoen, F.J.F.J.SchoenJohnston, C.M.C.M.JohnstonBrey, E.M.E.M.BreyAnastasio, M.A.M.A.Anastasio2018-09-102018-09-102013http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84871860801&partnerID=MN8TOARShttp://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/378125Carotid artery plaque instability can result in rupture and lead to ischaemic stroke. Stability of plaques appears to be a function of composition. Current non-invasive imaging techniques are limited in their ability to classify distinct histological regions within plaques. Phase-contrast (PC) X-ray imaging methods are an emerging class of techniques that have shown promise for identifying soft-tissue features without use of exogenous contrast agents. This is the first study to apply analyser-based X-ray PC imaging in CT mode to provide three-dimensional (3D) images of excised atherosclerotic plaques. The results provide proof of principle for this technique as a promising method for analysis of carotid plaque microstructure. Multiple image radiography CT (MIR-CT), a tomographic implementation of X-ray PC imaging that employs crystal optics, was employed to image excised carotid plaques. MIR-CT imaging yields three complementary images of the plaque's 3D X-ray absorption, refraction and scatter properties. These images were compared with histological sections of the tissue. X-ray PC images were able to identify the interface between the plaque and the medial wall. In addition, lipid-rich and highly vascularized regions were visible in the images as well as features depicting inflammation. This preliminary research shows MIR-CT imaging can reveal details about plaque structure not provided by traditional absorption-based X-ray imaging and appears to identify specific histological regions within plaques. This is the first study to apply analyser-based X-ray PC imaging to human carotid artery plaques to identify distinct soft-tissue regions. ? 2013 The British Institute of Radiology.[SDGs]SDG3artery calcification; article; carotid atherosclerosis; computed tomography scanner; computer assisted tomography; histology; human; human tissue; image quality; image reconstruction; in vivo study; light refraction; phase contrast X ray imaging; radiation absorption; three dimensional imaging; X ray; angiography; atherosclerosis; carotid artery disease; computer assisted tomography; equipment design; equipment failure analysis; instrumentation; pilot study; radiography; reproducibility; sensitivity and specificity; Angiography; Atherosclerosis; Carotid Artery Diseases; Equipment Design; Equipment Failure Analysis; Humans; Pilot Projects; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computedjournal article10.1259/bjr.20120318