Mapping lead distribution in bones by dual-energy computed microtomography with synchrotron radiation

We investigated the feasibility of the micro computed tomography dual-energy imaging to map of lead deposition inside bone. Femora of Wistar rats were imaged at the SYRMEP beamline at the ELETTRA synchrotron facility at Trieste, Italy, using two different energies, one just below (15.75 keV) and other just above (16.10 keV) the L-edge absorption energy of lead. By utilizing dual-energy micro-tomography the distribution-map of lead in the specimens was obtained. On the three-dimensional subtraction images, lead distribution could be clearly visualized over trabecular and cortical bone tissues.