Micro-computed tomography with contrast enhancement: An excellent technique for soft tissue examination in humans

PLoS One. 2021 Jul 9;16(7):e0254264. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254264. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Manual dissection and histologic examination are commonly used to investigate human structures, but there are limitations in the damage caused to delicate structures or the provision of limited information. Micro-computed tomography (microCT) enables a three-dimensional volume-rendered observation of the sample without destruction and deformation, but it can only visualize hard tissues in general. Therefore, contrast-enhancing agents are needed to help in visualizing soft tissue. This study aimed to introduce microCT with phosphotungstic acid preparation (PTA-microCT) by applying the method to different types of human tissue. Specimens from human cadavers were used to examine the orbicularis retaining ligament (ORL), nasolabial fold (NLF), and the calcaneal tunnel of the sole. Using PTA-microCT, relevant information of human structures was identified. In the ORL study, tiny and delicate ligamentous fibers were visualized in detail with multidirectional continuity. In the NLF study, complex structural formation consisting of various types of soft tissue were investigated comprehensively. In the calcaneal tunnel study, the space surrounded by diverse features and its inner vulnerable structures were examined without damage. Consequently, we successfully applied the PTA-microCT technique to the analysis of specific human soft tissue structures that are challenging to analyze by conventional methods.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Ligaments
  • Nasolabial Fold
  • Phosphotungstic Acid
  • Staining and Labeling
  • X-Ray Microtomography*

Substances

  • Phosphotungstic Acid

Grants and funding

This work was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korean government (Ministry of Science and ICT) (NRF-2020R1F1A1058123) and Yonsei University College of Medicine (Faculty Research Grant 6-2021-0043) to Hun-Mu Yang. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.