High resolution X-ray computed tomographic (CT) images of chondrites and a chondrule

In order to study internal textures of meteorites, images were obtained by X-ray computer tomography (CT). This combined high resolution X-ray radiography and computer tomography system belongs to the so-called third generation type with a micro-focus X-ray source and a linear CCD detector with 2048 elements. This allows a spacial resolution of a few μm in the images. Samples examined include the Moorabie meteorite (L3), Allende meteorite (CV3), and a chondrule removed from Allende meteorite. In images, Fe-Ni alloy, troilite, and silicates can be distinguished clearly, and chondrules can be resolved from their Fe-rich rims in Moorabie meteorite. In Allende Fe-Ni alloy, pentlandite, and silicates can be distinguished, and chondrules, CAI\u27s, and matrix can be recognized. Many euhedral crystals, probably olivine and/or pyroxene, were identified in a chondrule, suggesting that the chondrule has a porphyritic texture. In addition to minerals or their assemblages, holes can be identified by the X-ray CT method and were found in chondrules in Allende

タンノウ テキシュツジュツ デ チュウイ スベキ タンカン ソウコウ イジョウ Cystohepatic duct ノ 1レイ

　A 74-year-old man presented with epigastralgia and was diagnosed as having cholelithiasis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) initially visualized the cystic duct with the Heister valve from the common bile duct, and then two intra-hepatic biliary ducts of segment 5 (B5) were visualized from the neck of the gallbladder. There was a contrast medium filling defect in B5, which was considered to be due to an incarcerated stone. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) cholangiography showed similar findings, suggesting that the patient had a biliary anomaly of the cystohepatic duct in which two intrahepatic bile ducts (B5) flowed into the neck of the gallbladder and a stone incarcerated in the neck of the gallbladder.　At surgery, during mobilization of the gallbladder, there was a thick string between the liver and the gallbladder, and this was considered to be the junction of B5 with the gallbladder. Therefore, the neck of the gallbladder was cut, and an incarcerated stone 10 mm in diameter was removed. Intraoperative cholangiography revealed that the cystohepatic ducts were preserved. The postoperative course was uneventful and there was no bile leakage or liver dysfunction.　Although cystohepatic duct is a rare biliary anomaly, the surgeon should be alert for its possible presence during cholecystectomy. When cholecystectomy is scheduled, more than one preoperative examination by three-dimensional CT cholangiography, MRCP or ERCP should be performed, and the surgeon should be careful not to overlook any biliary anomaly.　Keywords: cystohepatic duct, biliary duct anomaly, cholecystectomy, three-dimensional computed tomography, gallston