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Gureyev TE, Paganin DM, Quiney HM. Signal-to-noise and spatial resolution in in-line imaging. 1. Basic theory, numerical simulations and planar experimental images. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2024; 31:896-909. [PMID: 38843003 PMCID: PMC11226163 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577524003886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution are quantitatively analysed in the context of in-line (propagation based) X-ray phase-contrast imaging. It is known that free-space propagation of a coherent X-ray beam from the imaged object to the detector plane, followed by phase retrieval in accordance with Paganin's method, can increase the signal-to-noise in the resultant images without deteriorating the spatial resolution. This results in violation of the noise-resolution uncertainty principle and demonstrates `unreasonable' effectiveness of the method. On the other hand, when the process of free-space propagation is performed in software, using the detected intensity distribution in the object plane, it cannot reproduce the same effectiveness, due to the amplification of photon shot noise. Here, it is shown that the performance of Paganin's method is determined by just two dimensionless parameters: the Fresnel number and the ratio of the real decrement to the imaginary part of the refractive index of the imaged object. The relevant theoretical analysis is performed first, followed by computer simulations and then by a brief test using experimental images collected at a synchrotron beamline. More extensive experimental tests will be presented in the second part of this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timur E. Gureyev
- School of PhysicsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
- School of Physics and AstronomyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoria3800Australia
| | - David M. Paganin
- School of Physics and AstronomyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoria3800Australia
| | - Harry M. Quiney
- School of PhysicsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
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Brombal L, Arfelli F, Brun F, Di Trapani V, Endrizzi M, Menk RH, Perion P, Rigon L, Saccomano M, Tromba G, Olivo A. Edge-illumination spectral phase-contrast tomography. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:075027. [PMID: 38471186 PMCID: PMC10991267 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad3328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Following the rapid, but independent, diffusion of x-ray spectral and phase-contrast systems, this work demonstrates the first combination of spectral and phase-contrast computed tomography (CT) obtained by using the edge-illumination technique and a CdTe small-pixel (62μm) spectral detector. A theoretical model is introduced, starting from a standard attenuation-based spectral decomposition and leading to spectral phase-contrast material decomposition. Each step of the model is followed by quantification of accuracy and sensitivity on experimental data of a test phantom containing different solutions with known concentrations. An example of a micro CT application (20μm voxel size) on an iodine-perfusedex vivomurine model is reported. The work demonstrates that spectral-phase contrast combines the advantages of spectral imaging, i.e. high-Zmaterial discrimination capability, and phase-contrast imaging, i.e. soft tissue sensitivity, yielding simultaneously mass density maps of water, calcium, and iodine with an accuracy of 1.1%, 3.5%, and 1.9% (root mean square errors), respectively. Results also show a 9-fold increase in the signal-to-noise ratio of the water channel when compared to standard spectral decomposition. The application to the murine model revealed the potential of the technique in the simultaneous 3D visualization of soft tissue, bone, and vasculature. While being implemented by using a broad spectrum (pink beam) at a synchrotron radiation facility (Elettra, Trieste, Italy), the proposed experimental setup can be readily translated to compact laboratory systems including conventional x-ray tubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Brombal
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
- INFN Division of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvia Arfelli
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
- INFN Division of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Brun
- INFN Division of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 10, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Vittorio Di Trapani
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Endrizzi
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, GWC1E 6BT, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ralf H Menk
- INFN Division of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, I-34149 Basovizza Trieste, Italy
- Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering, Midsweden University, Holmgatan 10, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Paola Perion
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
- INFN Division of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luigi Rigon
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
- INFN Division of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 2, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mara Saccomano
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Giuliana Tromba
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, I-34149 Basovizza Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Olivo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, GWC1E 6BT, London, United Kingdom
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Donato S, Arana Peña LM, Arfelli F, Brombal L, Colmo L, Longo R, Martellani F, Tromba G, Zanconati F, Bonazza D. Integrating X-ray phase-contrast imaging and histology for comparative evaluation of breast tissue malignancies in virtual histology analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5831. [PMID: 38461221 PMCID: PMC10924917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56341-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Detecting breast tissue alterations is essential for cancer diagnosis. However, inherent bidimensionality limits histological procedures' effectiveness in identifying these changes. Our study applies a 3D virtual histology method based on X-ray phase-contrast microtomography (PhC μ CT), performed at a synchrotron facility, to investigate breast tissue samples including different types of lesions, namely intraductal papilloma, micropapillary intracystic carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. One-to-one comparisons of X-ray and histological images explore the clinical potential of 3D X-ray virtual histology. Results show that PhC μ CT technique provides high spatial resolution and soft tissue sensitivity, while being non-destructive, not requiring a dedicated sample processing and being compatible with conventional histology. PhC μ CT can enhance the visualization of morphological characteristics such as stromal tissue, fibrovascular core, terminal duct lobular unit, stromal/epithelium interface, basement membrane, and adipocytes. Despite not reaching the (sub) cellular level, the three-dimensionality of PhC μ CT images allows to depict in-depth alterations of the breast tissues, potentially revealing pathologically relevant details missed by a single histological section. Compared to serial sectioning, PhC μ CT allows the virtual investigation of the sample volume along any orientation, possibly guiding the pathologist in the choice of the most suitable cutting plane. Overall, PhC μ CT virtual histology holds great promise as a tool adding to conventional histology for improving efficiency, accessibility, and diagnostic accuracy of pathological evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Donato
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy.
- Division of Frascati, INFN, 00044, Frascati, RM, Italy.
| | - Lucia Mariel Arana Peña
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Division of Trieste, INFN, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvia Arfelli
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Division of Trieste, INFN, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Brombal
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Division of Trieste, INFN, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luisella Colmo
- Unit of Surgical Pathology of the Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Renata Longo
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Division of Trieste, INFN, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvia Martellani
- Unit of Surgical Pathology of the Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Unit of Surgical Pathology of the Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Unit of Surgical Pathology of the Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), 34149, Trieste, Italy
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Gunaseelan I, Amin Zadeh A, Arhatari B, Maksimenko A, Hall C, Hausermann D, Kumar B, Fox J, Quiney H, Lockie D, Lewis S, Brennan P, Gureyev T, Tavakoli Taba S. Propagation-based phase-contrast imaging of the breast: image quality and the effect of X-ray energy and radiation dose. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20221189. [PMID: 37665247 PMCID: PMC10546460 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20221189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) is a new imaging technique that exploits refractive and absorption properties of X-rays to enhance soft tissue contrast and improve image quality. This study compares image quality of PB-CT and absorption-based CT (AB-CT) for breast imaging while exploring X-ray energy and radiation dose. METHODS Thirty-nine mastectomy samples were scanned at energy levels of 28-34keV using a flat panel detector at radiation dose levels of 4mGy and 2mGy. Image quality was assessed using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), spatial resolution (res) and visibility (vis). Statistical analysis was performed to compare PB-CT images against their corresponding AB-CT images scanned at 32keV and 4mGy. RESULTS The PB-CT images at 4mGy, across nearly all energy levels, demonstrated superior image quality than AB-CT images at the same dose. At some energy levels, the 2mGy PB-CT images also showed better image quality in terms of CNR/Res and vis compared to the 4mGy AB-CT images. At both investigated doses, SNR and SNR/res were found to have a statistically significant difference across all energy levels. The difference in vis was statistically significant at some energy levels. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates superior image quality of PB-CT over AB-CT, with X-ray energy playing a crucial role in determining image quality parameters. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Our findings reveal that standard dose PB-CT outperforms standard dose AB-CT across all image quality metrics. Additionally, we demonstrate that low dose PB-CT can produce superior images compared to standard dose AB-CT in terms of CNR/Res and vis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indusaa Gunaseelan
- Discipline of Medical Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Camperdown, Australia
| | | | - Benedicta Arhatari
- Australian Synchrotron, Australian National Science and Technology Organisation, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anton Maksimenko
- Australian Synchrotron, Australian National Science and Technology Organisation, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher Hall
- Australian Synchrotron, Australian National Science and Technology Organisation, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel Hausermann
- Australian Synchrotron, Australian National Science and Technology Organisation, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Beena Kumar
- Monash Health Pathology Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane Fox
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Harry Quiney
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Darren Lockie
- Maroondah BreastScreen, Eastern Health, Ringwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Lewis
- Discipline of Medical Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Patrick Brennan
- Discipline of Medical Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Timur Gureyev
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Seyedamir Tavakoli Taba
- Discipline of Medical Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Camperdown, Australia
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Gureyev TE, Brown HG, Quiney HM, Allen LJ. Unified fast reconstruction algorithm for conventional, phase-contrast, and diffraction tomography. JOURNAL OF THE OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. A, OPTICS, IMAGE SCIENCE, AND VISION 2022; 39:C143-C155. [PMID: 36520754 DOI: 10.1364/josaa.468350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A unified method for three-dimensional reconstruction of objects from transmission images collected at multiple illumination directions is described. The method may be applicable to experimental conditions relevant to absorption-based, phase-contrast, or diffraction imaging using x rays, electrons, and other forms of penetrating radiation or matter waves. Both the phase retrieval (also known as contrast transfer function correction) and the effect of Ewald sphere curvature (in the cases with a shallow depth of field and significant in-object diffraction) are incorporated in the proposed algorithm and can be taken into account. Multiple scattering is not treated explicitly but can be mitigated as a result of angular averaging that constitutes an essential feature of the method. The corresponding numerical algorithm is based on three-dimensional gridding which allows for fast computational implementation, including a straightforward parallelization. The algorithm can be used with any scanning geometry involving plane-wave illumination. A software code implementing the proposed algorithm has been developed, tested on simulated and experimental image data, and made publicly available.
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Differential Efficacy of B-Ultrasound Combined with Molybdenum Target Detection Mode for Breast Cancer Staging and Correlation of Blood Flow Parameters with IGF-1 and IGF-2 Expression Level and Prognosis. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2022; 2022:9198626. [PMID: 35845730 PMCID: PMC9249492 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9198626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The study investigates the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound combined with the molybdenum target mode in breast cancer staging and the relationship between blood flow parameters and the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and factor 2 (IGF-2) and prognosis. A total of 96 patients admitted to hospital from January 2020 to January 2021 are included in the breast cancer group, and 58 patients admitted to our hospital during the same period are included in the control group, who are diagnosed with benign breast lesions. All patients receive clinicopathological diagnosis, ultrasound detection, and X-ray molybdenum detection. Ultrasound detection, molybdenum target detection, ultrasound combined with the molybdenum target detection mode, and clinicopathological diagnosis results are compared. B-ultrasound combined with the molybdenum target detection mode has high efficiency in diagnosing breast cancer and differentiating pathological stages. Besides, blood flow parameters of patients are closely related to IGF-1 and IGF-2, and IGF-1 and IGF-2 expressions are closely related to the prognosis of patients. Subsequent diagnosis of the disease degree of breast cancer patients can be carried out by ultrasound combined with the molybdenum target detection mode. In addition, the expression of IGF-1 and IGF-2 in patients can be monitored to improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment plan to improve the prognosis of patients, which has a high clinical application value and is worth promoting.
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7
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Donato S, Brombal L, Arana Peña LM, Arfelli F, Contillo A, Delogu P, Di Lillo F, Di Trapani V, Fanti V, Longo R, Oliva P, Rigon L, Stori L, Tromba G, Golosio B. Optimization of a customized simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique algorithm for phase-contrast breast computed tomography. Phys Med Biol 2022; 67. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac65d4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective. To introduce the optimization of a customized GPU-based simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (cSART) in the field of phase-contrast breast computed tomography (bCT). The presented algorithm features a 3D bilateral regularization filter that can be tuned to yield optimal performance for clinical image visualization and tissues segmentation. Approach. Acquisitions of a dedicated test object and a breast specimen were performed at Elettra, the Italian synchrotron radiation (SR) facility (Trieste, Italy) using a large area CdTe single-photon counting detector. Tomographic images were obtained at 5 mGy of mean glandular dose, with a 32 keV monochromatic x-ray beam in the free-space propagation mode. Three independent algorithms parameters were optimized by using contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), spatial resolution, and noise texture metrics. The results obtained with the cSART algorithm were compared with conventional SART and filtered back projection (FBP) reconstructions. Image segmentation was performed both with gray scale-based and supervised machine-learning approaches. Main results. Compared to conventional FBP reconstructions, results indicate that the proposed algorithm can yield images with a higher CNR (by 35% or more), retaining a high spatial resolution while preserving their textural properties. Alternatively, at the cost of an increased image ‘patchiness’, the cSART can be tuned to achieve a high-quality tissue segmentation, suggesting the possibility of performing an accurate glandularity estimation potentially of use in the realization of realistic 3D breast models starting from low radiation dose images. Significance. The study indicates that dedicated iterative reconstruction techniques could provide significant advantages in phase-contrast bCT imaging. The proposed algorithm offers great flexibility in terms of image reconstruction optimization, either toward diagnostic evaluation or image segmentation.
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8
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Materials Separation via the Matrix Method Employing Energy-Discriminating X-ray Detection. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12063198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The majority of lab-based X-ray sources are polychromatic and are not easily tunable, which can make the 3D quantitative analysis of multi-component samples challenging. The lack of effective materials separation when using conventional X-ray tube sources has motivated the development of a number of potential solutions including the application of dual-energy X-ray computed tomography (CT) as well as the use of X-ray filters. Here, we demonstrate the simultaneous decomposition of two low-density materials via inversion of the linear attenuation matrices using data from the energy-discriminating PiXirad detector. A key application for this method is soft-tissue differentiation which is widely used in biological and medical imaging. We assess the effectiveness of this approach using both simulation and experiment noting that none of the materials investigated here incorporate any contrast enhancing agents. By exploiting the energy discriminating properties of the detector, narrow energy bands are created resulting in multiple quasi-monochromatic images being formed using a broadband polychromatic source. Optimization of the key parameters for materials separation is first demonstrated in simulation followed by experimental validation using a phantom test sample in 2D and a small-animal model in 3D.
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Walsh CL, Tafforeau P, Wagner WL, Jafree DJ, Bellier A, Werlein C, Kühnel MP, Boller E, Walker-Samuel S, Robertus JL, Long DA, Jacob J, Marussi S, Brown E, Holroyd N, Jonigk DD, Ackermann M, Lee PD. Imaging intact human organs with local resolution of cellular structures using hierarchical phase-contrast tomography. Nat Methods 2021; 18:1532-1541. [PMID: 34737453 PMCID: PMC8648561 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-021-01317-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Imaging intact human organs from the organ to the cellular scale in three dimensions is a goal of biomedical imaging. To meet this challenge, we developed hierarchical phase-contrast tomography (HiP-CT), an X-ray phase propagation technique using the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)'s Extremely Brilliant Source (EBS). The spatial coherence of the ESRF-EBS combined with our beamline equipment, sample preparation and scanning developments enabled us to perform non-destructive, three-dimensional (3D) scans with hierarchically increasing resolution at any location in whole human organs. We applied HiP-CT to image five intact human organ types: brain, lung, heart, kidney and spleen. HiP-CT provided a structural overview of each whole organ followed by multiple higher-resolution volumes of interest, capturing organotypic functional units and certain individual specialized cells within intact human organs. We demonstrate the potential applications of HiP-CT through quantification and morphometry of glomeruli in an intact human kidney and identification of regional changes in the tissue architecture in a lung from a deceased donor with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Walsh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK.
| | - P Tafforeau
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France.
| | - W L Wagner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Lung Research Centre (DZL), Translational Lung Research Centre Heidelberg (TLRC), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - D J Jafree
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- UCL MB/PhD Programme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Bellier
- French Alps Laboratory of Anatomy (LADAF), Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - C Werlein
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - M P Kühnel
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Hannover, Germany
| | - E Boller
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France
| | - S Walker-Samuel
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - J L Robertus
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - D A Long
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Jacob
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, UK
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
| | - S Marussi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - E Brown
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - N Holroyd
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - D D Jonigk
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Hannover, Germany.
| | - M Ackermann
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
- Institute of Pathology and Department of Molecular Pathology, Helios University Clinic Wuppertal, University of Witten-Herdecke, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - P D Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
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Zhang L, Zhao H, Zhou Z, Jia M, Zhang L, Jiang J, Gao F. Improving spatial resolution with an edge-enhancement model for low-dose propagation-based X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography. OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 29:37399-37417. [PMID: 34808812 DOI: 10.1364/oe.440664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Propagation-based X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-PCCT) has been increasingly popular for distinguishing low contrast tissues. Phase retrieval is an important step to quantitatively obtain the phase information before the tomographic reconstructions, while typical phase retrieval methods in PB-PCCT, such as homogenous transport of intensity equation (TIE-Hom), are essentially low-pass filters and thus improve the signal to noise ratio at the expense of the reduced spatial resolution of the reconstructed image. To improve the reconstructed spatial resolution, measured phase contrast projections with high edge enhancement and the phase projections retrieved by TIE-Hom were weighted summed and fed into an iterative tomographic algorithm within the framework of the adaptive steepest descent projections onto convex sets (ASD-POCS), which was employed for suppressing the image noise in low dose reconstructions because of the sparse-view scanning strategy or low exposure time for single phase contrast projection. The merging strategy decreases the accuracy of the linear model of PB-PCCT and would finally lead to the reconstruction failure in iterative reconstructions. Therefore, the additive median root prior is also introduced in the algorithm to partly increase the model accuracy. The reconstructed spatial resolution and noise performance can be flexibly balanced by a pair of antagonistic hyper-parameters. Validations were performed by the established phase-contrast Feldkamp-Davis-Kress, phase-retrieved Feldkamp-Davis-Kress, conventional ASD-POCS and the proposed enhanced ASD-POCS with a numerical phantom dataset and experimental biomaterial dataset. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the conventional ASD-POCS in spatial evaluation assessments such as root mean square error (a ratio of 9.78%), contrast to noise ratio (CNR) (a ratio of 7.46%), and also frequency evaluation assessments such as modulation transfer function (a ratio of 66.48% of MTF50% (50% MTF value)), noise power spectrum (a ratio of 35.25% of f50% (50% value of the Nyquist frequency)) and noise equivalent quanta (1-2 orders of magnitude at high frequencies). Experimental results again confirm the superiority of proposed strategy relative to the conventional one in terms of edge sharpness and CNR (an average increase of 67.35%).
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11
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Ghani MU, Fajardo LL, Omoumi F, Yan A, Jenkins P, Wong M, Li Y, Peterson ME, Callahan EJ, Hillis SL, Zheng B, Wu X, Liu H. A phase sensitive x-ray breast tomosynthesis system: Preliminary patient images with cancer lesions. Phys Med Biol 2021; 66. [PMID: 34633295 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac2ea6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Phase-sensitive x-ray imaging continues to attract research for its ability to visualize weakly absorbing details like those often encountered in biology and medicine. We have developed and assembled the first inline-based high-energy phase sensitive breast tomosynthesis (PBT) system, which is currently undergoing patient imaging testing at a clinical site. The PBT system consists of a microfocus polychromatic x-ray source and a direct conversion-based flat panel detector coated with a 1 mm thick amorphous selenium layer allowing a high detective quantum efficiency at high energies. The PBT system scans a compressed breast over 15° with 9 angular projection views. The high-energy scan parameters are carefully selected to ensure similar or lower mean glandular dose levels to the clinical standard of care systems. Phase retrieval and data binning are applied to the phase contrast angular projection views and a filtered back-projection algorithm is used to reconstruct the final images. This article reports the distributions of radiation dose versus thickness of the compressed breasts at 59 and 89 kV and sample PBT images acquired from 3 patients. Preliminary PBT images demonstrate the feasibility of this new imaging modality to acquire breast images at lower radiation dose as compared to the clinical digital breast tomosynthesis system with enhanced lesion characteristics (i.e. lesion spiculation and margins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad U Ghani
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Laurie L Fajardo
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States of America
| | - Farid Omoumi
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Aimin Yan
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Peter Jenkins
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States of America
| | - Molly Wong
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Yuhua Li
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Michael E Peterson
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States of America
| | - Edward J Callahan
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States of America
| | - Stephen L Hillis
- Departments of Radiology and Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
| | - Bin Zheng
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Xizeng Wu
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35249, United States of America
| | - Hong Liu
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
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12
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Wan S, Arhatari BD, Nesterets YI, Mayo SC, Thompson D, Fox J, Kumar B, Prodanovic Z, Hausermann D, Maksimenko A, Hall C, Dimmock M, Pavlov KM, Lockie D, Rickard M, Gadomkar Z, Aminzadeh A, Vafa E, Peele A, Quiney HM, Lewis S, Gureyev TE, Brennan PC, Taba ST. Effect of x-ray energy on the radiological image quality in propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography of the breast. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2021; 8:052108. [PMID: 34268442 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.8.5.052108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in developing and developed countries and is responsible for 15% of women's cancer deaths worldwide. Conventional absorption-based breast imaging techniques lack sufficient contrast for comprehensive diagnosis. Propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) is a developing technique that exploits a more contrast-sensitive property of x-rays: x-ray refraction. X-ray absorption, refraction, and contrast-to-noise in the corresponding images depend on the x-ray energy used, for the same/fixed radiation dose. The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between x-ray energy and radiological image quality in PB-CT imaging. Approach: Thirty-nine mastectomy samples were scanned at the imaging and medical beamline at the Australian Synchrotron. Samples were scanned at various x-ray energies of 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 60 keV using a Hamamatsu Flat Panel detector at the same object-to-detector distance of 6 m and mean glandular dose of 4 mGy. A total of 132 image sets were produced for analysis. Seven observers rated PB-CT images against absorption-based CT (AB-CT) images of the same samples on a five-point scale. A visual grading characteristics (VGC) study was used to determine the difference in image quality. Results: PB-CT images produced at 28, 30, 32, and 34 keV x-ray energies demonstrated statistically significant higher image quality than reference AB-CT images. The optimum x-ray energy, 30 keV, displayed the largest area under the curve ( AUC VGC ) of 0.754 ( p = 0.009 ). This was followed by 32 keV ( AUC VGC = 0.731 , p ≤ 0.001 ), 34 keV ( AUC VGC = 0.723 , p ≤ 0.001 ), and 28 keV ( AUC VGC = 0.654 , p = 0.015 ). Conclusions: An optimum energy range (around 30 keV) in the PB-CT technique allows for higher image quality at a dose comparable to conventional mammographic techniques. This results in improved radiological image quality compared with conventional techniques, which may ultimately lead to higher diagnostic efficacy and a reduction in breast cancer mortalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Wan
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Benedicta D Arhatari
- Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Clayton, Australia.,University of Melbourne, School of Physics, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yakov I Nesterets
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Australia.,University of New England, School of Science and Technology, Armidale, Australia
| | - Sheridan C Mayo
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Australia
| | - Darren Thompson
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Australia.,University of New England, School of Science and Technology, Armidale, Australia
| | - Jane Fox
- Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Clayton, Australia.,Monash Health, Department of Pathology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Beena Kumar
- Monash Health, Department of Pathology, Clayton, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Matthew Dimmock
- Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Clayton, Australia
| | - Konstantin M Pavlov
- University of New England, School of Science and Technology, Armidale, Australia.,University of Canterbury, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Monash University, School of Physics and Astronomy, Clayton, Australia
| | - Darren Lockie
- Maroondah BreastScreen, Eastern Health, Ringwood, Australia
| | - Mary Rickard
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Ziba Gadomkar
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Alaleh Aminzadeh
- University of Melbourne, School of Physics, Parkville, Australia
| | - Elham Vafa
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Andrew Peele
- Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Clayton, Australia
| | - Harry M Quiney
- University of Melbourne, School of Physics, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sarah Lewis
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Timur E Gureyev
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia.,University of Melbourne, School of Physics, Parkville, Australia.,University of New England, School of Science and Technology, Armidale, Australia.,Monash University, School of Physics and Astronomy, Clayton, Australia
| | - Patrick C Brennan
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Seyedamir Tavakoli Taba
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lidcombe, Australia
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13
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Brombal L, Arana Peña LM, Arfelli F, Longo R, Brun F, Contillo A, Di Lillo F, Tromba G, Di Trapani V, Donato S, Menk RH, Rigon L. Motion artifacts assessment and correction using optical tracking in synchrotron radiation breast CT. Med Phys 2021; 48:5343-5355. [PMID: 34252212 PMCID: PMC9291820 DOI: 10.1002/mp.15084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The SYRMA‐3D collaboration is setting up a breast computed tomography (bCT) clinical program at the Elettra synchrotron radiation facility in Trieste, Italy. Unlike the few dedicated scanners available at hospitals, synchrotron radiation bCT requires the patient's rotation, which in turn implies a long scan duration (from tens of seconds to few minutes). At the same time, it allows the achievement of high spatial resolution. These features make synchrotron radiation bCT prone to motion artifacts. This article aims at assessing and compensating for motion artifacts through an optical tracking approach. Methods In this study, patients’ movements due to breathing have been first assessed on seven volunteers and then simulated during the CT scans of a breast phantom and a surgical specimen, by adding a periodic oscillatory motion (constant speed, 1 mm amplitude, 12 cycles/minute). CT scans were carried out at 28 keV with a mean glandular dose of 5 mGy. Motion artifacts were evaluated and a correction algorithm based on the optical tracking of fiducial marks was introduced. A quantitative analysis based on the structural similarity (SSIM) index and the normalized mean square error (nMSE) was performed on the reconstructed CT images. Results CT images reconstructed through the optical tracking procedure were found to be as good as the motionless reference image. Moreover, the analysis of SSIM and nMSE demonstrated that an uncorrected motion of the order of the system's point spread function (around 0.1 mm in the present case) can be tolerated. Conclusions Results suggest that a motion correction procedure based on an optical tracking system would be beneficial in synchrotron radiation bCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Brombal
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lucia Mariel Arana Peña
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvia Arfelli
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy
| | - Renata Longo
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Brun
- Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Vittorio Di Trapani
- Department of Physical sciences, Earth and environment, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Division of Pisa, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.,Division of Frascati, Istituto Nazionale di Fisca Nucleare, Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - Ralf Hendrik Menk
- Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy.,Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical Imaging, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Luigi Rigon
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy
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14
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X-ray Phase-Contrast Computed Tomography for Soft Tissue Imaging at the Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) of the Australian Synchrotron. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11094120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) is a superconducting multipole wiggler-based beamline at the 3 GeV Australian Synchrotron operated by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). The beamline delivers hard X-rays in the 25–120 keV energy range and offers the potential for a range of biomedical X-ray applications, including radiotherapy and medical imaging experiments. One of the imaging modalities available at IMBL is propagation-based X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (PCT). PCT produces superior results when imaging low-density materials such as soft tissue (e.g., breast mastectomies) and has the potential to be developed into a valuable medical imaging tool. We anticipate that PCT will be utilized for medical breast imaging in the near future with the advantage that it could provide better contrast than conventional X-ray absorption imaging. The unique properties of synchrotron X-ray sources such as high coherence, energy tunability, and high brightness are particularly well-suited for generating PCT data using very short exposure times on the order of less than 1 min. The coherence of synchrotron radiation allows for phase-contrast imaging with superior sensitivity to small differences in soft-tissue density. Here we also compare the results of PCT using two different detectors, as these unique source characteristics need to be complemented with a highly efficient detector. Moreover, the application of phase retrieval for PCT image reconstruction enables the use of noisier images, potentially significantly reducing the total dose received by patients during acquisition. This work is part of ongoing research into innovative tomographic methods aimed at the introduction of 3D X-ray medical imaging at the IMBL to improve the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Major progress in this area at the IMBL includes the characterization of a large number of mastectomy samples, both normal and cancerous, which have been scanned at clinically acceptable radiation dose levels and evaluated by expert radiologists with respect to both image quality and cancer diagnosis.
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15
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Morrison JL, Ayonrinde OT, Care AS, Clarke GD, Darby JRT, David AL, Dean JM, Hooper SB, Kitchen MJ, Macgowan CK, Melbourne A, McGillick EV, McKenzie CA, Michael N, Mohammed N, Sadananthan SA, Schrauben E, Regnault TRH, Velan SS. Seeing the fetus from a DOHaD perspective: discussion paper from the advanced imaging techniques of DOHaD applications workshop held at the 2019 DOHaD World Congress. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2021; 12:153-167. [PMID: 32955011 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Advanced imaging techniques are enhancing research capacity focussed on the developmental origins of adult health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, and consequently increasing awareness of future health risks across various subareas of DOHaD research themes. Understanding how these advanced imaging techniques in animal models and human population studies can be both additively and synergistically used alongside traditional techniques in DOHaD-focussed laboratories is therefore of great interest. Global experts in advanced imaging techniques congregated at the advanced imaging workshop at the 2019 DOHaD World Congress in Melbourne, Australia. This review summarizes the presentations of new imaging modalities and novel applications to DOHaD research and discussions had by DOHaD researchers that are currently utilizing advanced imaging techniques including MRI, hyperpolarized MRI, ultrasound, and synchrotron-based techniques to aid their DOHaD research focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Oyekoya T Ayonrinde
- Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Alison S Care
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Geoffrey D Clarke
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anna L David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Justin M Dean
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stuart B Hooper
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus J Kitchen
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Erin V McGillick
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charles A McKenzie
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute and Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Navin Michael
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nuruddin Mohammed
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Suresh Anand Sadananthan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eric Schrauben
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy R H Regnault
- Lawson Health Research Institute and Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - S Sendhil Velan
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Ghani MU, Wu X, Fajardo LL, Jing Z, Wong MD, Zheng B, Omoumi F, Li Y, Yan A, Jenkins P, Hillis SL, Linstroth L, Liu H. Development and preclinical evaluation of a patient-specific high energy x-ray phase sensitive breast tomosynthesis system. Med Phys 2021; 48:2511-2520. [PMID: 33523479 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article reports the first x-ray phase sensitive breast tomosynthesis (PBT) system that is aimed for direct translation to clinical practice for the diagnosis of breast cancer. PURPOSE To report the preclinical evaluation and comparison of the newly built PBT system with a conventional digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) system. METHODS AND MATERIALS The PBT system is developed based on a comprehensive inline phase contrast theoretical model. The system consists of a polyenergetic microfocus x-ray source and a flat panel detector mounted on an arm that is attached to a rotating gantry. It acquires nine projections over a 15° angular span in a stop-and-shoot manner. A dedicated phase retrieval algorithm is integrated with a filtered back-projection method that reconstructs tomographic slices. The American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation phantom, a contrast detail (CD) phantom and mastectomy tissue samples were imaged at the same glandular dose levels by both the PBT and a standard of care DBT system for image quality characterizations and comparisons. RESULTS The PBT imaging scores with the ACR phantom are in good to excellent range and meet the quality assurance criteria set by the Mammography Quality Standard Act. The CD phantom image comparison and associated statistical analyses from two-alternative forced-choice reader studies confirm the improvement offered by the PBT system in terms of contrast resolution, spatial resolution, and conspicuity. The artifact spread function (ASF) analyses revealed a sizable lateral spread of metal artifacts in PBT slices as compared to DBT slices. Signal-to-noise ratio values for various inserts of the ACR and CD phantoms further validated the superiority of the PBT system. Mastectomy sample images acquired by the PBT system showed a superior depiction of microcalcifications vs the DBT system. CONCLUSION The PBT imaging technology can be clinically employed for improving the accuracy of breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad U Ghani
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Xizeng Wu
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35249, USA
| | - Laurie L Fajardo
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | | | - Molly D Wong
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Bin Zheng
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Farid Omoumi
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Yuhua Li
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Aimin Yan
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35249, USA
| | - Peter Jenkins
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Stephen L Hillis
- Department of Radiology and Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Laura Linstroth
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Hong Liu
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
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17
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Walsh C, Tafforeau P, Wagner WL, Jafree DJ, Bellier A, Werlein C, Kühnel MP, Boller E, Walker-Samuel S, Robertus JL, Long DA, Jacob J, Marussi S, Brown E, Holroyd N, Jonigk DD, Ackermann M, Lee PD. Multiscale three-dimensional imaging of intact human organs down to the cellular scale using hierarchical phase-contrast tomography. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.02.03.429481. [PMID: 33564772 PMCID: PMC7872374 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.03.429481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human organs are complex, three-dimensional and multiscale systems. Spatially mapping the human body down through its hierarchy, from entire organs to their individual functional units and specialised cells, is a major obstacle to fully understanding health and disease. To meet this challenge, we developed hierarchical phase-contrast tomography (HiP-CT), an X-ray phase propagation technique utilising the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility's Extremely Brilliant Source: the world's first high-energy 4 th generation X-ray source. HiP-CT enabled three-dimensional and non-destructive imaging at near-micron resolution in soft tissues at one hundred thousand times the voxel size whilst maintaining the organ's structure. We applied HiP-CT to image five intact human parenchymal organs: brain, lung, heart, kidney and spleen. These were hierarchically assessed with HiP-CT, providing a structural overview of the whole organ alongside detail of the organ's individual functional units and cells. The potential applications of HiP-CT were demonstrated through quantification and morphometry of glomeruli in an intact human kidney, and identification of regional changes to the architecture of the air-tissue interface and alveolar morphology in the lung of a deceased COVID-19 patient. Overall, we show that HiP-CT is a powerful tool which can provide a comprehensive picture of structural information for whole intact human organs, encompassing precise details on functional units and their constituent cells to better understand human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Walsh
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, U.K
| | - P Tafforeau
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France
| | - Willi L Wagner
- Dept of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany Translational Lung Research Centre Heidelberg (TLRC), German Lung Research Centre (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - D J Jafree
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK
- UCL MB/PhD Programme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, UK
| | - A Bellier
- French Alps Laboratory of Anatomy (LADAF), Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - C Werlein
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover)
| | - M P Kühnel
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover)
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH)
| | - E Boller
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France
| | - S Walker-Samuel
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, U.K
| | - J L Robertus
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - D A Long
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK
| | - J Jacob
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Radiology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S Marussi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University College London, U.K
| | - E Brown
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, U.K
| | - N Holroyd
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, U.K
| | - D D Jonigk
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover)
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH)
| | - M Ackermann
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz
| | - P D Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University College London, U.K
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18
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Tavakoli Taba S, Arhatari BD, Nesterets YI, Gadomkar Z, Mayo SC, Thompson D, Fox J, Kumar B, Prodanovic Z, Hausermann D, Maksimenko A, Hall C, Dimmock M, Pavlov KM, Lockie D, Gity M, Peele A, Quiney HM, Lewis S, Gureyev TE, Brennan PC. Propagation-Based Phase-Contrast CT of the Breast Demonstrates Higher Quality Than Conventional Absorption-Based CT Even at Lower Radiation Dose. Acad Radiol 2021; 28:e20-e26. [PMID: 32035759 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Propagation-based phase-contrast CT (PB-CT) is an advanced X-ray imaging technology that exploits both refraction and absorption of the transmitted X-ray beam. This study was aimed at optimizing the experimental conditions of PB-CT for breast cancer imaging and examined its performance relative to conventional absorption-based CT (AB-CT) in terms of image quality and radiation dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS Surgically excised breast mastectomy specimens (n = 12) were scanned using both PB-CT and AB-CT techniques under varying imaging conditions. To evaluate the radiological image quality, visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis was used in which 11 breast specialist radiologists compared the overall image quality of PB-CT images with respect to the corresponding AB-CT images. The area under the VGC curve was calculated to measure the differences between PB-CT and AB-CT images. RESULTS The highest radiological quality was obtained for PB-CT images using a 32 keV energy X-ray beam and by applying the Homogeneous Transport of Intensity Equation phase retrieval with the value of its parameter γ set to one-half of the theoretically optimal value for the given materials. Using these optimized conditions, the image quality of PB-CT images obtained at 4 mGy and 2 mGy mean glandular dose was significantly higher than AB-CT images at 4 mGy (AUCVGC = 0.901, p = 0.001 and AUCVGC = 0.819, p = 0.011, respectively). CONCLUSION PB-CT achieves a higher radiological image quality compared to AB-CT even at a considerably lower mean glandular dose. Successful translation of the PB-CT technique for breast cancer imaging can potentially result in improved breast cancer diagnosis.
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19
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Buzmakov A, Chukalina M, Dyachkova I, Ingacheva A, Nikolaev D, Zolotov D, Schelokov I. Enhanced Tomographic Sensing Multimodality with a Crystal Analyzer. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20236970. [PMID: 33291287 PMCID: PMC7731316 DOI: 10.3390/s20236970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article demonstrates how a combination of well-known tools—a standard 2D detector (CCD (charge-coupled device) camera) and a crystal analyzer—can improve the multimodality of X-ray imaging and tomographic sensing. The use of a crystal analyzer allowed two characteristic lines of the molybdenum anode—Kα and Kβ—to be separated from the polychromatic radiation of the conventional X-ray tube. Thus, as a result of one measurement, three radiographic projections (images) were simultaneously recorded. The projection images at different wavelengths were separated in space and registered independently for further processing, which is of interest for the spectral tomography method. A projective transformation to compensate for the geometric distortions that occur during asymmetric diffraction was used. The first experimental results presented here appear promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Buzmakov
- FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (A.B.); (I.D.); (D.Z.)
| | - Marina Chukalina
- FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (A.B.); (I.D.); (D.Z.)
- Smart Engines Service LLC, 60-Letiya Oktyabrya Avenue, 9, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.); (D.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-916-806-67-35
| | - Irina Dyachkova
- FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (A.B.); (I.D.); (D.Z.)
| | - Anastasia Ingacheva
- Smart Engines Service LLC, 60-Letiya Oktyabrya Avenue, 9, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.); (D.N.)
- Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Kharkevich Institute RAS, Bolshoy Karetny Lane, 19, p. 1, 127051 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Nikolaev
- Smart Engines Service LLC, 60-Letiya Oktyabrya Avenue, 9, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.); (D.N.)
- Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Kharkevich Institute RAS, Bolshoy Karetny Lane, 19, p. 1, 127051 Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis Zolotov
- FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (A.B.); (I.D.); (D.Z.)
| | - Igor Schelokov
- Institute of Microelectronics Technology and High Purity Materials RAS, Osipyan str., 6, 142432 Moscow, Russia;
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Gureyev TE, Paganin DM, Arhatari B, Taba ST, Lewis S, Brennan PC, Quiney HM. Dark-field signal extraction in propagation-based phase-contrast imaging. Phys Med Biol 2020; 65:215029. [PMID: 32756030 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/abac9d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A method for extracting the dark-field signal in propagation-based phase-contrast imaging is proposed. In the case of objects consisting predominantly of a single material, or several different materials with similar ratios of the real decrement to the imaginary part of the complex refractive index, the proposed method requires a single image for extraction of the dark-field signal in two-dimensional projection imaging. In the case of three-dimensional tomographic imaging, the method needs only one image to be collected at each projection angle. Initial examples using simulated and experimental data indicate that this method can improve visualization of small sharp features inside a larger object, e.g. the visualization of microcalcifications in propagation-based x-ray breast cancer imaging. It is suggested that the proposed approach may be useful in other forms of biomedical imaging, where it can help one to obtain additional small-angle scattering information without increasing the radiation dose to the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E Gureyev
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia. Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe 2141, Australia. School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia. School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia
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21
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Recent advances in X-ray imaging of breast tissue: From two- to three-dimensional imaging. Phys Med 2020; 79:69-79. [PMID: 33171371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2020.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a globally widespread disease whose detection has already been significantly improved by the introduction of screening programs. Nevertheless, mammography suffers from low soft tissue contrast and the superposition of diagnostically relevant anatomical structures as well as from low values for sensitivity and specificity especially for dense breast tissue. In recent years, two techniques for X-ray breast imaging have been developed that bring advances for the early detection of breast cancer. Grating-based phase-contrast mammography is a new imaging technique that is able to provide three image modalities simultaneously (absorption-contrast, phase-contrast and dark-field signal). Thus, an enhanced detection and delineation of cancerous structures in the phase-contrast image and an improved visualization and characterization of microcalcifications in the dark-field image is possible. Furthermore, latest studies about this approach show that dose-compatible imaging with polychromatic X-ray sources is feasible. In order to additionally overcome the limitations of projection-based imaging, efforts were also made towards the development of breast computed tomography (BCT), which recently led to the first clinical installation of an absorption-based BCT system. Further research combining the benefits of both imaging technologies is currently in progress. This review article summarizes the latest advances in phase-contrast imaging for the female breast (projection-based and three-dimensional view) with special focus on possible clinical implementations in the future.
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22
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Heck L, Eggl E, Grandl S, Dierolf M, Jud C, Günther B, Achterhold K, Mayr D, Gleich B, Hellerhoff K, Pfeiffer F, Herzen J. Dose and spatial resolution analysis of grating-based phase-contrast mammography using an inverse Compton x-ray source. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2020; 7:023505. [PMID: 32341937 PMCID: PMC7175026 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.7.2.023505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Although the mortality rate of breast cancer was reduced with the introduction of screening mammography, many women undergo unnecessary subsequent examinations due to inconclusive diagnoses. Superposition of anatomical structures especially within dense breasts in conjunction with the inherently low soft tissue contrast of absorption images compromises image quality. This can be overcome by phase-contrast imaging. Approach: We analyze the spatial resolution of grating-based multimodal mammography using a mammographic phantom and one freshly dissected mastectomy specimen at an inverse Compton x-ray source. Here, the focus was on estimating the spatial resolution with the sample in the beam path and discussing benefits and drawbacks of the method used and the estimation of the mean glandular dose. Finally, the possibility of improving the spatial resolution is investigated by comparing monochromatic grating-based mammography with the standard one. Results: The spatial resolution is constant or also higher for the image acquired with monochromatic radiation and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) is higher in our approach while the dose can be reduced by up to 20%. Conclusions: In summary, phase-contrast imaging helps to improve tumor detection by advanced diagnostic image quality. We demonstrate a higher spatial resolution for one mastectomy specimen and increased CNR at an equal or lower dose for the monochromatic measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Heck
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Elena Eggl
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Susanne Grandl
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Dierolf
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Christoph Jud
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Benedikt Günther
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Klaus Achterhold
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Doris Mayr
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Institute of Pathology, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Gleich
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Karin Hellerhoff
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Pfeiffer
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Herzen
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
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23
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Tavakoli Taba S, Baran P, Nesterets YI, Pacile S, Wienbeck S, Dullin C, Pavlov K, Maksimenko A, Lockie D, Mayo SC, Quiney HM, Dreossi D, Arfelli F, Tromba G, Lewis S, Gureyev TE, Brennan PC. Comparison of propagation-based CT using synchrotron radiation and conventional cone-beam CT for breast imaging. Eur Radiol 2020; 30:2740-2750. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06567-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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