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Barufaldi B, Gomes JV, Filho TS, do Rêgo TG, Malheiros Y, Vent TL, Gastounioti A, Maidment A. Assessment of Volumetric Dense Tissue Segmentation in Tomosynthesis Using Deep Virtual Clinical Trials. PATTERN RECOGNITION 2024; 153:110494. [PMID: 38706638 PMCID: PMC11065113 DOI: 10.1016/j.patcog.2024.110494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging requires careful evaluation of machine-learning algorithms. We propose the use of a "deep virtual clinical trial" (DeepVCT) method to effectively evaluate the performance of AI algorithms. In this paper, DeepVCTs have been proposed to elucidate limitations of AI applications and predictions of clinical outcomes, avoiding biases in study designs. The DeepVCT method was used to evaluate the performance of nnU-Net models in assessing volumetric breast density (VBD) from digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images. In total, 2,010 anatomical breast models were simulated. Projections were simulated using the acquisition geometry of a clinical DBT system. The projections were reconstructed using 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 mm plane spacing. nnU-Net models were developed using the center-most planes of the reconstructions with the respective ground-truth. The results show that the accuracy of the nnU-Net improves significantly with DBT images reconstructed with 0.1 mm plane spacing (78.4×205.3×40.1 mm3). The segmentations resulted in Dice values up to 0.84 with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92. The optimization of plane spacing for VBD assessment was used as an exemplar of a DeepVCT application, allowing us to interpret better the input parameters and outcomes of the nnU-Net. Thus, DeepVCTs can provide a plethora of evidence to predict the efficacy of these algorithms using large-scale simulation-based data.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Barufaldi
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3640 Hamilton Walk, PA 19104, United States
| | - J V Gomes
- Center of Informatics, Federal University of Paraíba, Rua dos Escoteiros s/n, João Pessoa, PB 58058-600, Brazil
| | - Tm Silva Filho
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I - Jardim Cidade Universitária, João Pessoa - PB, 58051-090, Brazil
| | - T G do Rêgo
- Center of Informatics, Federal University of Paraíba, Rua dos Escoteiros s/n, João Pessoa, PB 58058-600, Brazil
| | - Y Malheiros
- Center of Informatics, Federal University of Paraíba, Rua dos Escoteiros s/n, João Pessoa, PB 58058-600, Brazil
| | - T L Vent
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3640 Hamilton Walk, PA 19104, United States
| | - A Gastounioti
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3640 Hamilton Walk, PA 19104, United States
| | - Ada Maidment
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3640 Hamilton Walk, PA 19104, United States
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Barufaldi B, Gomes J, Rego TGD, Malheiros Y, Filho TMS, Borges LR, Acciavatti RJ, Surti S, Maidment ADA. Impact of Tomosynthesis Acquisition on 3D Segmentations of Breast Outline and Adipose/Dense Tissue with AI: A Simulation-Based Study. Tomography 2023; 9:1303-1314. [PMID: 37489471 PMCID: PMC10366831 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9040103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) reconstructions introduce out-of-plane artifacts and false-tissue boundaries impacting the dense/adipose and breast outline (convex hull) segmentations. A virtual clinical trial method was proposed to segment both the breast tissues and the breast outline in DBT reconstructions. The DBT images of a representative population were simulated using three acquisition geometries: a left-right scan (conventional, I), a two-directional scan in the shape of a "T" (II), and an extra-wide range (XWR, III) left-right scan at a six-times higher dose than I. The nnU-Net was modified including two losses for segmentation: (1) tissues and (2) breast outline. The impact of loss (1) and the combination of loss (1) and (2) was evaluated using models trained with data simulating geometry I. The impact of the geometry was evaluated using the combined loss (1&2). The loss (1&2) improved the convex hull estimates, resolving 22.2% of the false classification of air voxels. Geometry II was superior to I and III, resolving 99.1% and 96.8% of the false classification of air voxels. Geometry III (Dice = (0.98, 0.94)) was superior to I (0.92, 0.78) and II (0.93, 0.74) for the tissue segmentation (adipose, dense, respectively). Thus, the loss (1&2) provided better segmentation, and geometries T and XWR improved the dense/adipose and breast outline segmentations relative to the conventional scan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Barufaldi
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jordy Gomes
- Center of Informatics, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Thais G do Rego
- Center of Informatics, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Yuri Malheiros
- Center of Informatics, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Telmo M Silva Filho
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
| | - Lucas R Borges
- Real Time Tomography, LCC, Villanova, PA 19085-1801, USA
| | - Raymond J Acciavatti
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Suleman Surti
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andrew D A Maidment
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Tirada N, Li G, Dreizin D, Robinson L, Khorjekar G, Dromi S, Ernst T. Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: Physics, Artifacts, and Quality Control Considerations. Radiographics 2019; 39:413-426. [PMID: 30768362 DOI: 10.1148/rg.2019180046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
As digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) becomes widely used, radiologists must understand the basic principles of (a) image acquisition, (b) artifacts, and (c) quality control (QC) that are specific to DBT. Standard acquisition parameters common to both full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and DBT are combinations of x-ray tube voltage, current exposure time, and anode target and filter combinations. Image acquisition parameters specific to DBT include tube motion, sweep angle, and number of projections. Continuous tube motion or x-ray emission decreases imaging time but leads to focal spot blurring when compared with step-and-shoot techniques. The sweep angle and number of projections determines resolution. Wider sweep angles allow greater out-of-plane (z-axis) resolution, improving visualization of masses and architecture distortion. A greater number of projections increases in-plane or x-y axis resolution, improving visualization of microcalcifications. Artifacts related to DBT include blurring-ripple, truncation, and loss of skin and superficial tissue resolution. Motion artifacts are difficult to recognize because of inherent out-of-plane blurring. To maintain optimal image quality and an "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) radiation dose, regular QC must be performed. DBT is considered a new imaging modality; therefore, breast imaging facilities are required to obtain a separate certification in addition to that in FFDM, and all personnel (radiologists, technologists, and medical physicists) are mandated to complete initial DBT training and maintain appropriate continuing medical education credits. ©RSNA, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Tirada
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Guang Li
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - David Dreizin
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Luke Robinson
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Gauri Khorjekar
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Sergio Dromi
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Thomas Ernst
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201
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Wei Z, Yuan L, Liu B, Wei C, Sun C, Yin P, Wei L. A micro-CL system and its applications. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2017; 88:115107. [PMID: 29195415 DOI: 10.1063/1.4989444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The computed laminography (CL) method is preferable to computed tomography for the non-destructive testing of plate-like objects. A micro-CL system is developed for three-dimensional imaging of plate-like objects. The details of the micro-CL system are described, including the system architecture, scanning modes, and reconstruction algorithm. The experiment results of plate-like fossils, insulated gate bipolar translator module, ball grid array packaging, and printed circuit board are also presented to demonstrate micro-CL's ability for 3D imaging of flat specimens and universal applicability in various fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenghui Wei
- Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lulu Yuan
- Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baodong Liu
- Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Cunfeng Wei
- Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Cuili Sun
- Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pengfei Yin
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origin of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Long Wei
- Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Maidment ADA. Commentary on “Whole-Body Clinical Applications of Digital Tomosynthesis,” with Response from Dr Machida and Colleagues. Radiographics 2016; 36:750-2. [DOI: 10.1148/rg.2016160028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Guan H, Xu Q, Garson AB, Anastasio MA. Boundary-enhancement in propagation-based x-ray phase-contrast tomosynthesis improves depth position characterization. Phys Med Biol 2015; 60:N151-65. [PMID: 25831266 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/60/8/n151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Propagation-based x-ray phase-contrast (PB XPC) tomosynthesis combines the concepts of tomosynthesis and XPC imaging to realize the advantages of both for biological imaging applications. Tomosynthesis permits reductions in acquisition times compared with full-view tomography, while XPC imaging provides the opportunity to resolve weakly absorbing structures. In this note, an investigation of the depth resolving properties of PB XPC tomosynthesis is conducted. The results demonstrate that in-plane structures display strong boundary-enhancement while out-of-plane structures do not. This effect can facilitate the identification of in-plane structures in PB XPC tomosynthesis that could normally not be distinguished from out-of-plane structures in absorption-based tomosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Guan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63112, USA
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Acciavatti RJ, Maidment ADA. Oblique reconstructions in tomosynthesis. II. Super-resolution. Med Phys 2013; 40:111912. [PMID: 24320445 DOI: 10.1118/1.4819942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In tomosynthesis, super-resolution has been demonstrated using reconstruction planes parallel to the detector. Super-resolution allows for subpixel resolution relative to the detector. The purpose of this work is to develop an analytical model that generalizes super-resolution to oblique reconstruction planes. METHODS In a digital tomosynthesis system, a sinusoidal test object is modeled along oblique angles (i.e., "pitches") relative to the plane of the detector in a 3D divergent-beam acquisition geometry. To investigate the potential for super-resolution, the input frequency is specified to be greater than the alias frequency of the detector. Reconstructions are evaluated in an oblique plane along the extent of the object using simple backprojection (SBP) and filtered backprojection (FBP). By comparing the amplitude of the reconstruction against the attenuation coefficient of the object at various frequencies, the modulation transfer function (MTF) is calculated to determine whether modulation is within detectable limits for super-resolution. For experimental validation of super-resolution, a goniometry stand was used to orient a bar pattern phantom along various pitches relative to the breast support in a commercial digital breast tomosynthesis system. RESULTS Using theoretical modeling, it is shown that a single projection image cannot resolve a sine input whose frequency exceeds the detector alias frequency. The high frequency input is correctly visualized in SBP or FBP reconstruction using a slice along the pitch of the object. The Fourier transform of this reconstructed slice is maximized at the input frequency as proof that the object is resolved. Consistent with the theoretical results, experimental images of a bar pattern phantom showed super-resolution in oblique reconstructions. At various pitches, the highest frequency with detectable modulation was determined by visual inspection of the bar patterns. The dependency of the highest detectable frequency on pitch followed the same trend as the analytical model. It was demonstrated that super-resolution is not achievable if the pitch of the object approaches 90°, corresponding to the case in which the test frequency is perpendicular to the breast support. Only low frequency objects are detectable at pitches close to 90°. CONCLUSIONS This work provides a platform for investigating super-resolution in oblique reconstructions for tomosynthesis. In breast imaging, this study should have applications in visualizing microcalcifications and other subtle signs of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond J Acciavatti
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4206
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