Optical projection tomography and contrast-enhanced microCT scanning gave clear pictures of the anatomy of the lower urinary tract and urethra
The article ‘Microtomographic Analysis of Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction,’ in Pediatric and Developmental Pathology, describes the use of two forms of imaging scanners, optical projection tomography and contrast-enhanced microCT scanning, to study 10 specimens collected at autopsy from male foetuses with lower urinary tract obstructions. Optical projection tomography uses visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light to image small, transparent specimens, and microCT scanning is X-ray–based CT scanning of small specimens made up of soft tissue or bone.
Conventional light microscopy was used to verify the findings of each scan. The results were then compared with nine age-matched controls (with no obstructions). The scans showed more of the lower urinary tract and urethra than previous techniques, and the blockages that caused foetal mortality were clearer than on a regular foetal ultrasound performed in utero.
Reportedly, microtomography performed at autopsy was able to capture 360º, three-dimensional images that are not available with the current ultrasound technology used while the foetus is in utero. Optical projection tomography and microCT scanning did, however, give clear pictures of the anatomy of the lower urinary tract and urethra that will be invaluable when diagnosing LUTO. They offered a clearer, more complete image of the condition in intact organs. This technology is currently available for use in a research setting. Hopefully, this approach may in the future by moved to the clinical arena and aid physicians to more quickly identify LUTO in the future.
The use of both optical projection scanning and microCT scanning allowed researchers to gain a clear image of the obstructions without dissecting the organs. Now there are lasting scans of the organs fully intact that can be used to gain a better understanding of the anatomy of both normal and obstructed urinary tracts.
EH News Bureau
