Ultrastructural analysis of human gallstones using synchrotron radiation µCT

OBJECTIVE: Gallstone formation is a pathological process of mineralization in the human body. Determination of the morphology and ultrastructure of gallstones holds the key to understanding the pathophysiology of gallbladder disease. Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast Xray microtomography is a novel technology, which is designed for comprehensive analysis of gallstone ultrastructure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine human gallstones were obtained from the Department of Pathology, Qingpu branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (China), and scanned by synchrotron radiation µCT (SR µCT). The imaging data generated by SR µCT scan were analyzed. RESULTS: The three-dimensional ultrastructure of human gallstones corresponding to their cholesterol and bile pigment composition was determined. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrastructure of gallstones exhibits considerable diversity and complexity. The synchrotron radiation phase-contrast X-ray microtomography is a valuable tool for in-depth study of human gallstones.