Table 1 Features of different techniques for rodent hindlimb volumetry.

From: High-resolution 3D volumetry versus conventional measuring techniques for the assessment of experimental lymphedema in the mouse hindlimb

Modality

Costs

Examination time (min ± SD)

Anesthesia required?

Lymphatic imaging possible?

μCT

+ + +

14.6 ± 2.2

yes

yes

MRI

+ + +

34.9 ± 2.8

yes

yes

hrUS

+ + +

4.9 ± 0.9

yes

no (yes)

Planimetry

+ +

1.0 ± 0.3

yes

no

Circumference

+

not assessed

no

no

Caliper

+

1.2 ± 0.2

no

no

  1. 3D techniques are associated with high costs, longer examination times (i.e. time span from anesthetic induction to end of imaging) and always require anesthesia. They bear the advantage of additional lymphatic imaging using lymph-affine contrast agents. In contrast, conventional techniques are time- and cost-efficient methods to assess surrogate parameters for rodent hindlimb volumes. For maximal accuracy, hindlimb planimetry should be performed under anesthesia as well.
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