Contrast-enhanced μCT of the intervertebral disc: A comparison of anionic and cationic contrast agents for biochemical and morphological characterization.

The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the contrast-enhancing properties of the anionic contrast agent ioxaglate/Hexabrix, and cationic contrast agent CA for biochemical and morphological characterization of the intervertebral disc (IVD) via μCT. Optimal contrast agent concentrations were determined by incubating rat lumbar IVDs in dilutions of Hexabrix-320 (20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) and CA (10, 20, 30, and 40 mg I/ml). μCT imaging was performed at 70 kVp, 114 μA, and 250 ms integration time, 12 μm voxel size.