Quantitative evaluation of cadaveric contrast agents: Identifying anatomcial structures with BriteVU

High-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) imaging provides a non-invasive, detailed look at internal anatomy (soft tissues, bone, and cartilage) and is used throughout the clinical, research, and academic anatomical fields. Cadaveric specimens are valuable teaching and research tools, but contrast enhancement (CE) of cadavers for clear CT imaging is challenging. The lack of blood flow and pumping mechanisms produces clotting and a barrier to injection of contrast agents. Recently, cadaver preparation techniques for introducing contrast agents have been developed; however, evaluation of cadaveric contrast agents has been qualitative in nature and does not give enough information to adequately assess its efficacy. In this study, we used both quantitative and qualitative techniques to evaluate a cadaveric contrast agent (BriteVu) and its ability to resolve kidney boundaries, structure, and surrounding tissues. We found that BriteVu was able to enhance the macrostructures of the kidneys, and some substructures could be differentiated but not adequately enough for intricate vasculature modeling. Our approach to evaluation of cadaveric contrast agents provides a structural, quantitative understanding that frames cadaveric contrast agents as a tool for structural learning and research.