Application of X-ray in-line phase-contrast imaging in the study of small hepatic tumors

Background: The spatial resolution of conventional imaging examinations is mostly millimeter level, which is difficult to implement the imaging of small hepatic tumors, thus the best time for treatment is bungled. The synchrotron radiation X-ray in-line phase-contrast imaging (IL-PCI) uses the phase information carried by X-rays after passing through the objects to image, and the spatial resolution is up to micron level. Methods: In this paper, the matrix scan imaging for the hepatic tumors model of nude mice is implemented by synchrotron radiation in-line phase-contrast imaging. Then we use image stitching technology to achieve a complete liver phase image. Two tumors with the diameter of less than 1mm are observed from the image. Conclusion: The small hepatic tumors imaging can be achieved by in-line phase-contrast imaging, which is conducive to the early diagnosis of hepatic tumors.