Iodine‐enhanced x‐ray phase‐contrast CT for three‐dimensional virtual histopathology evaluation of human cirrhosis

作者：Wenjuan Lv, Yuanyuan Zhao, Xinyan Zhao, Beining Qi, Yimin Li, Yuqing Zhao, Fangzhi Li, Chenyang Ma, Chunhong Hu, Jianbo Jian · 发表于：Medical Physics · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1002/mp.70192 · 研究领域：Advanced X-ray Imaging Techniques、Advanced X-ray and CT Imaging、Digital Holography and Microscopy

Abstract Background Cirrhosis is the leading cause of liver disease‐related morbidity and mortality worldwide. The destruction and remodeling of fibrous tissue, regenerated nodules, and microvascular system are the key pathological changes in the course of cirrhosis. Therefore, comprehensive visualization and analysis of the three‐dimensional (3D) morphology of these characteristic structures using an appropriate imaging technique can provide a new approach for deep understanding of the spatial pathology of cirrhosis. Purpose To realize 3D virtual histopathology assessment of key microscopic structures of representative cirrhosis, such as biliary cirrhosis, hepatitis B cirrhosis (Hep B‐cirrhosis), and alcoholic cirrhosis via iodine‐enhanced x‐ray phase‐contrast CT (PCCT). Methods Ten patients with biliary cirrhosis, 10 patients with Hep B‐cirrhosis and 6 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis were included in the study. The integrated 3D virtual histopathology evaluation system of human cirrhosis was constructed through sample collection, iodine staining, PCCT imaging, 3D reconstruction, and quantitative evaluation. 3D observation and quantitative evaluation of key pathological anatomical structures, such as fibrous tissues, regenerated nodules, and microvascular system, were realized in all patients with cirrhosis through the 3D virtual histopathology evaluation system. Results 3D co‐construction and spatial anatomy of fibrous tissues, regenerated nodules, and microvascular struc...