Ultrasound and LED-based photoacoustic system for preclinical imaging of liver fibrosis

Francis Kalloor Joseph, Wiendelt Steenbergen, Ruchi Bansal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

125 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Histopathological analysis remains a gold standard in preclinical research, which can only be performed as an end-stage analysis. In small animal studies, in order to improve the outcome, it is important to study the disease progression and treatment response over time without sacrificing animals at different time points thereby reducing the number of animals. Photoacoustic imaging with its ability to probe endogenous chromophores in the tissue and being non-invasive has great potential in this aspect. In this work, we aim to use ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging for assessment of liver fibrosis, in particular, to monitor the disease progression. We have used ultrasound and LED-based photoacoustic (US/LED-PA) imaging system, both in its handheld and tomographic mode. In the tomographic mode, the transducer and LED arrays were scanned around the animal for imaging. The imaging was performed on healthy (control) mice and mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis. The control and fibrotic mice were followed over a duration of eight weeks using US/LEDPA imaging. The animals were euthanized, imaged and histopathological analysis were performed at the end of 8-weeks. An increase in photoacoustic contrast and ultrasound echogenicity were observed progressively in the fibrotic livers compared to the control livers. The histological analysis also validated the severity of the fibrosis in the mice. The proposed approach using longitudinal monitoring of disease progression using US/LEDPA imaging can improve the outcome of the study. Since the LED-based system is compact, eye-safe, and easy-to-use, it can be of great benefit in small animal research.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPhotons Plus Ultrasound
Subtitle of host publicationImaging and Sensing 2021
EditorsAlexander A. Oraevsky, Lihong V. Wang
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510641204
ISBN (Print)9781510641198
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Mar 2021
EventPhotons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing 2021 - Virtual, Online, United States
Duration: 6 Mar 202111 Mar 2021

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume11642
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferencePhotons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityVirtual, Online
Period6/03/2111/03/21

Keywords

  • 2022 OA procedure
  • Medical and biological imaging
  • Photoacoustic
  • small animal
  • tomography
  • ultrasound
  • liver brosis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Ultrasound and LED-based photoacoustic system for preclinical imaging of liver fibrosis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this