Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health challenge, expected to affect 10% of the population. It is characterised by progressive and irreversible loss of kidney function, increased complications and a high healthcare burden. The major causes are diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases and genetic disorders.
Despite its prevalence, current diagnostic methods rely on kidney function tests, invasive biopsies and two-dimensional histology, which offer limited insight into the complex three-dimensional architecture of kidney tissue.
In this pilot project, we will assess the feasibility of using synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) to image human kidney tissue in 3D. This method is non-destructive and offers high resolution. It enables the visualisation of glomeruli, tubules and intrarenal vessels without the need for slicing or staining. We will use archived, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded kidney samples from the existing ENBIBA cohort to evaluate the quality and reproducibility of the imaging, as well as its correlation with conventional CT, histology and kidney function (eGFR).
If successful, this pilot study will establish a new technological platform for detecting disease-specific structural changes in CKD and supporting earlier diagnosis, the discovery of novel biomarkers, and more targeted treatment strategies based on the type and extent of CKD damage.
Figure 1. FFPE kidney biopsies were used for both H&E histology and 3D SR-µCT phase-contrast imaging. X-ray µCT (3 µm resolution) was applied for quality control, ensuring sample integrity prior to synchrotron imaging. The same region was then visualized non-destructively in 3D, complementing classical histology. The emphasized area reveals detailed microstructures of the tissue at 550 nm resolution. FFPE: Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded; H&E: Hematoxylin and Eosin; SR-µCT: Synchrotron Radiation Micro-Computed Tomography.
For further information about this HALRIC pilot project, please contact:
Mads Hornum
Rigshospitalet
Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology
mads.hornum@regionh.dk
