Visualization Within the Ventricles of the Brain: A Micro-Focus X-Ray Study

Conceptualization of the ventricular system of the brain by macroscopic studies is complicated by the lack of physical structure of these interconnected cavities. Dissection procedures designed to display the structures in the walls of the ventricles are destructive and not conducive for the appreciation of the ventricular system in its entirety. The application of Micro-focus X-ray tomography affords the possibility to appreciate hidden structures in a nondestructive manner. The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of using micro-focus X-ray tomography in the three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the ventricular system as well as the various neuroanatomical structures within its walls for educational purposes. Randomly selected embalmed human cadaver brains were scanned at Necsa (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation) housing the MIXRAD laboratory consisting of a Nikon XTH 225 ST micro-focus X-ray tomography facility. A 3D flythrough video of the ventricular system was reconstructed from these scans using software to view the inner surface of the ventricles. Micro-focus X-ray tomography provides feasible means of delivering high-resolution images in a nondestructive way to design a representation of the ventricular system. In addition, structures in the walls of the ventricular system could be appreciated in a novel way. It is envisaged that this 3D-fly-through video of the ventricular system will be valuable when integrated with standard prosections and atlas pictures in the educational setting. Further studies evaluating the use of this integrative visualization of the ventricular system of the brain for its applicability in the educational setting should be performed. Anat Rec, 301:1138–1147, 2018.