1
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Enhancing the radiographic imaging of void defects in grouts by attenuation coefficient modification of grouting materials. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.110886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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2
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Lioliou G, Navarrete-León C, Astolfo A, Savvidis S, Bate D, Endrizzi M, Hagen CK, Olivo A. A laboratory-based beam tracking x-ray imaging method achieving two-dimensional phase sensitivity and isotropic resolution with unidirectional undersampling. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8707. [PMID: 37248325 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35901-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Beam tracking X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging is a "Shack-Hartmann" type approach which uses a pre-sample mask to split the x-rays into "beamlets" which are interrogated by a detector with sufficient resolution. The ultimate spatial resolution is determined by the size of the mask apertures, however achieving this resolution level requires "stepping" the sample or the mask in increments equal to the aperture size ("dithering"). If an array of circular apertures is used (which also provides two-dimensional phase sensitivity) instead of long parallel slits, this stepping needs to be carried out in two directions, which lengthens scan times significantly. We present a mask design obtained by offsetting rows of circular apertures, allowing for two-dimensional sensitivity and isotropic resolution while requiring sample or mask stepping in one direction only. We present images of custom-built phantoms and biological specimens, demonstrating that quantitative phase retrieval and near aperture-limited spatial resolutions are obtained in two orthogonal directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lioliou
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - C Navarrete-León
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - A Astolfo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - S Savvidis
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - D Bate
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Nikon X-Tek Systems Ltd, Tring, HP23 4JX, Herts, UK
| | - M Endrizzi
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - C K Hagen
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - A Olivo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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3
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Yang JS, Jeon SY, Choi JH. Acquisition of a single grid-based phase-contrast X-ray image using instantaneous frequency and noise filtering. Biomed Eng Online 2022; 21:92. [PMID: 36575491 PMCID: PMC9793636 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-022-01061-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To obtain phase-contrast X-ray images, single-grid imaging systems are effective, but Moire artifacts remain a significant issue. The solution for removing Moire artifacts from an image is grid rotation, which can distinguish between these artifacts and sample information within the Fourier space. However, the mechanical movement of grid rotation is slower than the real-time change in Moire artifacts. Thus, Moire artifacts generated during real-time imaging cannot be removed using grid rotation. To overcome this problem, we propose an effective method to obtain phase-contrast X-ray images using instantaneous frequency and noise filtering. RESULT The proposed phase-contrast X-ray image using instantaneous frequency and noise filtering effectively suppressed noise with Moire patterns. The proposed method also preserved the clear edge of the inner and outer boundaries and internal anatomical information from the biological sample, outperforming conventional Fourier analysis-based methods, including absorption, scattering, and phase-contrast X-ray images. In particular, when comparing the phase information for the proposed method with the x-axis gradient image from the absorption image, the proposed method correctly distinguished two different types of soft tissue and the detailed information, while the latter method did not. CONCLUSION This study successfully achieved a significant improvement in image quality for phase-contrast X-ray images using instantaneous frequency and noise filtering. This study can provide a foundation for real-time bio-imaging research using three-dimensional computed tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Suk Yang
- grid.255649.90000 0001 2171 7754Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760 Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Young Jeon
- grid.255649.90000 0001 2171 7754Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760 Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Hwan Choi
- grid.255649.90000 0001 2171 7754Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760 Republic of Korea
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4
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Yoneyama A, Takeya S, Lwin TT, Takamatsu D, Baba R, Konishi K, Fujita R, Kobayashi K, Shima A, Kawamoto M, Setoyama H, Ishiji K, Seno Y. Advanced X-ray imaging at beamline 07 of the SAGA Light Source. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2021; 28:1966-1977. [PMID: 34738952 PMCID: PMC8570222 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577521009553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The SAGA Light Source provides X-ray imaging resources based on high-intensity synchrotron radiation (SR) emitted from the superconducting wiggler at beamline 07 (BL07). By combining quasi-monochromatic SR obtained by the newly installed water-cooled metal filter and monochromatic SR selected by a Ge double-crystal monochromator (DCM) with high-resolution lens-coupled X-ray imagers, fast and low-dose micro-computed tomography (CT), fast phase-contrast CT using grating-based X-ray interferometry, and 2D micro-X-ray absorption fine structure analysis can be performed. In addition, by combining monochromatic SR obtained by a Si DCM with large-area fiber-coupled X-ray imagers, high-sensitivity phase-contrast CT using crystal-based X-ray interferometry can be performed. Low-temperature CT can be performed using the newly installed cryogenic system, and time-resolved analysis of the crystallinity of semiconductor devices in operation can be performed using a time-resolved topography system. The details of each instrument and imaging method, together with exemplary measurements, are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akio Yoneyama
- Beamline Group, SAGA Light Source, 8-7 Yayoigaoka, Tosu, Saga 841-0005, Japan
- Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
- Research and Development Group, Hitachi Ltd, 1-280 Higashi-koigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8601, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takeya
- National Metrology Institute of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Thet Thet Lwin
- Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minamiku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Daiko Takamatsu
- Research and Development Group, Hitachi Ltd, 1-280 Higashi-koigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8601, Japan
| | - Rika Baba
- Research and Development Group, Hitachi Ltd, 1-280 Higashi-koigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8601, Japan
| | - Kumiko Konishi
- Research and Development Group, Hitachi Ltd, 1-280 Higashi-koigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8601, Japan
| | - Ryusei Fujita
- Research and Development Group, Hitachi Ltd, 1-280 Higashi-koigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8601, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kobayashi
- Research and Development Group, Hitachi Ltd, 1-280 Higashi-koigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8601, Japan
| | - Akio Shima
- Research and Development Group, Hitachi Ltd, 1-280 Higashi-koigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8601, Japan
| | - Masahide Kawamoto
- Beamline Group, SAGA Light Source, 8-7 Yayoigaoka, Tosu, Saga 841-0005, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Setoyama
- Beamline Group, SAGA Light Source, 8-7 Yayoigaoka, Tosu, Saga 841-0005, Japan
| | - Kotaro Ishiji
- Beamline Group, SAGA Light Source, 8-7 Yayoigaoka, Tosu, Saga 841-0005, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Seno
- Beamline Group, SAGA Light Source, 8-7 Yayoigaoka, Tosu, Saga 841-0005, Japan
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5
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Zverev D, Snigireva I, Kohn V, Kuznetsov S, Yunkin V, Snigirev A. X-ray phase-sensitive imaging using a bilens interferometer based on refractive optics. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:21856-21868. [PMID: 32752459 DOI: 10.1364/oe.389940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The phase-sensitive X-ray imaging technique based on the bilens interferometer is developed. The essence of the method consists of scanning a sample, which is set upstream of the bilens across the beam of one lens of the interferometer by recording changes in the interference pattern using a high-resolution image detector. The proposed approach allows acquiring the absolute value of a phase shift profile of the sample with a fairly high phase and spatial resolution. The possibilities of the imaging technique were studied theoretically and experimentally using fibres with different sizes as the test samples at the ESRF ID06 beamline with 12 keV X-rays. The corresponding phase shift profile reconstructions and computer simulations were performed. The experimental results are fully consistent with theoretical concepts and appropriate numerical calculations. Applications of the interferometric imaging technique are discussed, as well as future improvements.
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6
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Yang Y, Fus F, Pacureanu A, da Silva JC, De Nolf W, Biot C, Bohic S, Cloetens P. Three-Dimensional Correlative Imaging of a Malaria-Infected Cell with a Hard X-ray Nanoprobe. Anal Chem 2019; 91:6549-6554. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b05957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Yang
- ESRF - the European Sychrotron, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - F. Fus
- ESRF - the European Sychrotron, 38043 Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, EA-7442 Rayonnement Synchrotron et Recherche Médicale, 38058 Grenoble, France
| | - A. Pacureanu
- ESRF - the European Sychrotron, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | | | - W. De Nolf
- ESRF - the European Sychrotron, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - C. Biot
- Université de Lille, Faculté des sciences et technologies, 59655 Villeneuve d’ Ascq, France
| | - S. Bohic
- ESRF - the European Sychrotron, 38043 Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, EA-7442 Rayonnement Synchrotron et Recherche Médicale, 38058 Grenoble, France
| | - P. Cloetens
- ESRF - the European Sychrotron, 38043 Grenoble, France
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7
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Godoi W, Coraiola G, Junior SR, Swinka-Filho V, de Geus K, Portella KF, Medeiros B, Cunha de Andrade F, Hönnicke M. Expounding structures of roller compacted concrete dam specimens by means of hard conventional X-ray inspection. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01467. [PMID: 31008399 PMCID: PMC6458474 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A simple solution to improve the contrast between the different concrete composites in X-ray imaging (radiography and tomography) of a highly compressed composite sample of real size roller compacted concrete (RCC) specimens is presented. This is made by applying a 9.5 mm thick Copper (Cu) filter at the output window of the X ray tube in a conventional X-ray inspection equipment. Our results show that with the employed filtration, at 140 kV and 200 kV, we were able to distinguish the gravel from the other concrete composites even in a highly compacted specimen. Cement and sand grains as well as porosity were not detected mainly due to the low spatial resolution of our detector system. This suggests a further improvement by using the now available high voltage microfocus X-ray tube (>= 200 kV), a bow-tie (or through) Cu filters and a high resolution flat panel detector for phase contrast imaging on real size compacted concrete specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- W.C. Godoi
- Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, 80230-901, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
| | - G. Coraiola
- Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, 80230-901, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - V. Swinka-Filho
- Lactec, Caixa Postal 19067, 81531-990, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - K. de Geus
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Copel Geração e Transmissão S. A., 81200-240, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - B.L. Medeiros
- Lactec, Caixa Postal 19067, 81531-990, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - M.G. Hönnicke
- Universidade Federal da Int. Lat.-Americana, Foz do Iguacu, PR 85867-990, Brazil
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8
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Baran P, Mayo S, McCormack M, Pacile S, Tromba G, Dullin C, Zanconati F, Arfelli F, Dreossi D, Fox J, Prodanovic Z, Cholewa M, Quiney H, Dimmock M, Nesterets Y, Thompson D, Brennan P, Gureyev T. High-Resolution X-Ray Phase-Contrast 3-D Imaging of Breast Tissue Specimens as a Possible Adjunct to Histopathology. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 2018; 37:2642-2650. [PMID: 29994112 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2018.2845905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Histopathological analysis is the current gold standard in breast cancer diagnosis and management, however, as imaging technology improves, the amount of potential diagnostic information that may be demonstrable radiologically should also increase. We aimed to evaluate the potential clinical usefulness of 3-D phase-contrast micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging at high spatial resolutions as an adjunct to conventional histological microscopy. Ten breast tissue specimens, 2 mm in diameter, were scanned at the SYRMEP beamline of the Elettra Synchrotron using the propagation-based phase-contrast micro-tomography method. We obtained pixel size images, which were analyzed and compared with corresponding histological sections examined under light microscopy. To evaluate the effect of spatial resolution on breast cancer diagnosis, scans with four different pixel sizes were also performed. Our comparative analysis revealed that high-resolution images can enable, at a near-histological level, detailed architectural assessment of tissue that may permit increased breast cancer diagnostic sensitivity and specificity when compared with current imaging practices. The potential clinical applications of this method are also discussed.
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9
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Yoneyama A, Hyodo K, Baba R, Takeya S, Takeda T. Feasibility study of phase-contrast X-ray laminography using X-ray interferometry. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2018; 25:1841-1846. [PMID: 30407197 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577518013826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
For fine observation of laminar samples, phase-contrast X-ray laminography using X-ray interferometry was developed. An imaging system fitted with a two-crystal X-ray interferometer was used to perform the observations, and the sectional images were calculated by a three-dimensional iterative reconstruction method. Obtained images of an old flat slab of limestone from the Carnic Alps depicted fusulinids in the Carboniferous period with 3 mg cm-3 density resolution, and those of carbon paper used for a fuel-cell battery displayed the inner fibrous structures clearly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akio Yoneyama
- SAGA Light Source, 8-7 Yayoigaoka, Tosu, Saga 841-0005, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Hyodo
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
| | - Rika Baba
- Research and Development Group, Hitachi Ltd, 1-280 Higashi-koigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8601, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takeya
- Research Institute for Material and Chemical Measurement, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Tohoru Takeda
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
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10
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Pacilè S, Baran P, Dullin C, Dimmock M, Lockie D, Missbach-Guntner J, Quiney H, McCormack M, Mayo S, Thompson D, Nesterets Y, Hall C, Pavlov K, Prodanovic Z, Tonutti M, Accardo A, Fox J, Tavakoli Taba S, Lewis S, Brennan P, Hausermann D, Tromba G, Gureyev T. Advantages of breast cancer visualization and characterization using synchrotron radiation phase-contrast tomography. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2018; 25:1460-1466. [PMID: 30179186 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577518010172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to highlight the advantages that propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) with synchrotron radiation can provide in breast cancer diagnostics. For the first time, a fresh and intact mastectomy sample from a 60 year old patient was scanned on the IMBL beamline at the Australian Synchrotron in PB-CT mode and reconstructed. The clinical picture was described and characterized by an experienced breast radiologist, who underlined the advantages of providing diagnosis on a PB-CT volume rather than conventional two-dimensional modalities. Subsequently, the image quality was assessed by 11 breast radiologists and medical imaging experts using a radiological scoring system. The results indicate that, with the radiation dose delivered to the sample being equal, the accuracy of a diagnosis made on PB-CT images is significantly higher than one using conventional techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Pacilè
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Basovizza, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Patrycja Baran
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Matthew Dimmock
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Darren Lockie
- Maroondah BreastScreen, Ringwood East 3135, Australia
| | - Jeannine Missbach-Guntner
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Harry Quiney
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Sheridan Mayo
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Australia
| | - Darren Thompson
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Australia
| | - Yakov Nesterets
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | - Chris Hall
- Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, Australia
| | - Konstantin Pavlov
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | | | - Maura Tonutti
- Department of Radiology, Academic Hospital of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Agostino Accardo
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jane Fox
- Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
| | - Seyedamir Tavakoli Taba
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Lewis
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Patrick Brennan
- Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Giuliana Tromba
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Basovizza, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Tim Gureyev
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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11
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Wu D, Wong MD, Li Y, Fajardo L, Zheng B, Wu X, Liu H. Quantitative investigation of the edge enhancement in in-line phase contrast projections and tomosynthesis provided by distributing microbubbles on the interface between two tissues: a phantom study. Phys Med Biol 2017; 62:9357-9376. [PMID: 29161236 PMCID: PMC5731655 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aa9548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to quantitatively investigate the ability to distribute microbubbles along the interface between two tissues, in an effort to improve the edge and/or boundary features in phase contrast imaging. The experiments were conducted by employing a custom designed tissue simulating phantom, which also simulated a clinical condition where the ligand-targeted microbubbles are self-aggregated on the endothelium of blood vessels surrounding malignant cells. Four different concentrations of microbubble suspensions were injected into the phantom: 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%. A time delay of 5 min was implemented before image acquisition to allow the microbubbles to become distributed at the interface between the acrylic and the cavity simulating a blood vessel segment. For comparison purposes, images were acquired using three system configurations for both projection and tomosynthesis imaging with a fixed radiation dose delivery: conventional low-energy contact mode, low-energy in-line phase contrast and high-energy in-line phase contrast. The resultant images illustrate the edge feature enhancements in the in-line phase contrast imaging mode when the microbubble concentration is extremely low. The quantitative edge-enhancement-to-noise ratio calculations not only agree with the direct image observations, but also indicate that the edge feature enhancement can be improved by increasing the microbubble concentration. In addition, high-energy in-line phase contrast imaging provided better performance in detecting low-concentration microbubble distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, 110 West Boyd Street, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
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12
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Baran P, Pacile S, Nesterets YI, Mayo SC, Dullin C, Dreossi D, Arfelli F, Thompson D, Lockie D, McCormack M, Taba ST, Brun F, Pinamonti M, Nickson C, Hall C, Dimmock M, Zanconati F, Cholewa M, Quiney H, Brennan PC, Tromba G, Gureyev TE. Optimization of propagation-based x-ray phase-contrast tomography for breast cancer imaging. Phys Med Biol 2017; 62:2315-2332. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aa5d3d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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13
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Ruiz-Yaniz M, Zanette I, Sarapata A, Birnbacher L, Marschner M, Chabior M, Olbinado M, Pfeiffer F, Rack A. Hard X-ray phase-contrast tomography of non-homogeneous specimens: grating interferometry versus propagation-based imaging. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2016; 23:1202-9. [PMID: 27577776 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577516009164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
X-ray phase-contrast imaging is an effective approach to drastically increase the contrast and sensitivity of microtomographic techniques. Numerous approaches to depict the real part of the complex-valued refractive index of a specimen are nowadays available. A comparative study using experimental data from grating-based interferometry and propagation-based phase contrast combined with single-distance phase retrieval applied to a non-homogeneous sample is presented (acquired at beamline ID19-ESRF). It is shown that grating-based interferometry can handle density gradients in a superior manner. The study underlines the complementarity of the two techniques for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Ruiz-Yaniz
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Rue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Irene Zanette
- Lehrstuhl für Biomedizinische Physik, Physik-Department and Institut für Medizintechnik, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Adrian Sarapata
- Lehrstuhl für Biomedizinische Physik, Physik-Department and Institut für Medizintechnik, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Lorenz Birnbacher
- Lehrstuhl für Biomedizinische Physik, Physik-Department and Institut für Medizintechnik, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Mathias Marschner
- Lehrstuhl für Biomedizinische Physik, Physik-Department and Institut für Medizintechnik, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Chabior
- Lehrstuhl für Biomedizinische Physik, Physik-Department and Institut für Medizintechnik, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Margie Olbinado
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Rue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Franz Pfeiffer
- Lehrstuhl für Biomedizinische Physik, Physik-Department and Institut für Medizintechnik, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Alexander Rack
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Rue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
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14
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Montgomery JE, Wesolowski MJ, Wolkowski B, Chibbar R, Snead ECR, Singh J, Pettitt M, Malhi PS, Barboza T, Adams G. Demonstration of synchrotron x-ray phase contrast imaging computed tomography of infiltrative transitional cell carcinoma of the prostatic urethra in a dog. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2016; 3:015504. [PMID: 27014719 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.3.1.015504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostatic urethral transitional cell carcinoma with prostatic invasion in a dog was imaged with abdominal radiography and abdominal ultrasonography antemortem. Synchrotron in-line x-ray phase contrast imaging computed tomography (XPCI-CT) was performed on the prostate ex vivo at the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron and compared to histology. XPCI-CT imaging provides greater soft tissue contrast than conventional absorption-based x-ray imaging modalities, permitting visualization of regions of inflammatory cell infiltration, differentiation of invasive versus noninvasive tumor regions, and areas of necrosis and mineralization. This represents the first report of XPCI-CT images of an invasive prostatic urothelial neoplasm in a dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Montgomery
- University of Saskatchewan , College of Medicine, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Michal J Wesolowski
- University of Saskatchewan , Department of Medical Imaging, College of Medicine, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Bailey Wolkowski
- University of Saskatchewan , Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Rajni Chibbar
- University of Saskatchewan , Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Elisabeth C R Snead
- University of Saskatchewan , Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Jaswant Singh
- University of Saskatchewan , Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Murray Pettitt
- University of Saskatchewan , Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Pritpal S Malhi
- Prairie Diagnostic Services , 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Trinita Barboza
- University of Saskatchewan , Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Gregg Adams
- University of Saskatchewan , Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
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Wang H, Kashyap Y, Sawhney K. From synchrotron radiation to lab source: advanced speckle-based X-ray imaging using abrasive paper. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20476. [PMID: 26847921 PMCID: PMC4742822 DOI: 10.1038/srep20476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
X-ray phase and dark-field imaging techniques provide complementary and inaccessible information compared to conventional X-ray absorption or visible light imaging. However, such methods typically require sophisticated experimental apparatus or X-ray beams with specific properties. Recently, an X-ray speckle-based technique has shown great potential for X-ray phase and dark-field imaging using a simple experimental arrangement. However, it still suffers from either poor resolution or the time consuming process of collecting a large number of images. To overcome these limitations, in this report we demonstrate that absorption, dark-field, phase contrast, and two orthogonal differential phase contrast images can simultaneously be generated by scanning a piece of abrasive paper in only one direction. We propose a novel theoretical approach to quantitatively extract the above five images by utilising the remarkable properties of speckles. Importantly, the technique has been extended from a synchrotron light source to utilise a lab-based microfocus X-ray source and flat panel detector. Removing the need to raster the optics in two directions significantly reduces the acquisition time and absorbed dose, which can be of vital importance for many biological samples. This new imaging method could potentially provide a breakthrough for numerous practical imaging applications in biomedical research and materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchang Wang
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Yogesh Kashyap
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Kawal Sawhney
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
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16
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Fatima A, Kulkarni VK, Banda NR, Agrawal AK, Singh B, Sarkar PS, Tripathi S, Shripathi T, Kashyap Y, Sinha A. Non-destructive evaluation of teeth restored with different composite resins using synchrotron based micro-imaging. JOURNAL OF X-RAY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2016; 24:119-132. [PMID: 26890899 DOI: 10.3233/xst-160530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Application of high resolution synchrotron micro-imaging in microdefects studies of restored dental samples. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the defects in restorations done by two different resin systems on teeth samples using synchrotron based micro-imaging techniques namely Phase Contrast Imaging (PCI) and micro-computed tomography (MCT). With this aim acquired image quality was also compared with routinely used RVG (Radiovisiograph). METHODS Crowns of human teeth samples were fractured mechanically involving only enamel and dentin, without exposure of pulp chamber and were divided into two groups depending on the restorative composite materials used. Group A samples were restored using a submicron Hybrid composite material and Group B samples were restored using a Nano-Hybrid restorative composite material. Synchrotron based PCI and MCT was performed with the aim of visualization of tooth structure, composite resin and their interface. RESULTS The quantitative and qualitative comparison of phase contrast and absorption contrast images along with MCT on the restored teeth samples shows comparatively large number of voids in Group A samples. CONCLUSIONS Quality assessment of dental restorations using synchrotron based micro-imaging suggests Nano-Hybrid resin restorations (Group B) are better than Group A.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fatima
- UGC- DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, University Campus, Indore (M.P.), India
| | - V K Kulkarni
- Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Modern Dental College, Indore (M.P.), India
| | - N R Banda
- Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Modern Dental College, Indore (M.P.), India
| | - A K Agrawal
- Neutron & X-ray Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai, India
| | - B Singh
- Neutron & X-ray Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai, India
| | - P S Sarkar
- Neutron & X-ray Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai, India
| | - S Tripathi
- UGC- DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, University Campus, Indore (M.P.), India
| | - T Shripathi
- UGC- DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, University Campus, Indore (M.P.), India
| | - Y Kashyap
- Neutron & X-ray Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai, India
| | - A Sinha
- Neutron & X-ray Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai, India
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17
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Brankov JG, Saiz-Herranz A, Wernick MN. Noise properties and task-based evaluation of diffraction-enhanced imaging. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2015; 1:033503. [PMID: 26158056 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.1.3.033503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI) is an emerging x-ray imaging method that simultaneously yields x-ray attenuation and refraction images and holds great promise for soft-tissue imaging. The DEI has been mainly studied using synchrotron sources, but efforts have been made to transition the technology to more practical implementations using conventional x-ray sources. The main technical challenge of this transition lies in the relatively lower x-ray flux obtained from conventional sources, leading to photon-limited data contaminated by Poisson noise. Several issues that must be understood in order to design and optimize DEI imaging systems with respect to noise performance are addressed. Specifically, we: (a) develop equations describing the noise properties of DEI images, (b) derive the conditions under which the DEI algorithm is statistically optimal,
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovan G Brankov
- Illinois Institute of Technology , Medical Imaging Research Center, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
| | - Alejandro Saiz-Herranz
- Illinois Institute of Technology , Medical Imaging Research Center, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
| | - Miles N Wernick
- Illinois Institute of Technology , Medical Imaging Research Center, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
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18
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Ruiz-Gonzalez Y, Perez-Diaz M, Martínez-Aguila D, Diaz-Barreto M, Fleitas I, Mora-Machado R, Rigon L, Tromba G, Bregant P. Objective measurements of image quality in synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging versus digital mammography. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2015; 11:181-8. [PMID: 26092659 DOI: 10.1007/s11548-015-1237-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Phase-contrast mammography with synchrotron radiation is an innovative X-ray imaging practice that improves the identification of breast lesions. Previous studies have proven the superiority of the mammography images taken in the phase-contrast modality using synchrotron radiation beams as compared with images taken in conventional mammography by subjective analyses. However, to our knowledge, no previous study has compared different acquisition systems in order to quantify this improvement by means of objective robust indicators. In this research, we intend to quantify the superiority of phase-contrast imaging by means of objective metrics of image quality. METHODS Images from the American College of Radiology Mammographic Accreditation Phantom were obtained at hospitals, in two digital mammography equipment and at the Elettra synchrotron radiation facility (Trieste, Italy), using free space propagation phase-contrast modality. Regions of interest were selected to analyze image quality at the fibers (phase object) and masses (area object) simulated on the phantom by means of the signal-to-noise ratio, the figure of merit, the contrast and the edge visibility. RESULTS The image contrast and edge visibility were significantly higher at the phase-contrast modality as compared with digital mammography equipment. The figure of merit using phase-contrast modality was higher for the fibers and comparable for the masses. CONCLUSION The results showed an improvement of the contrast and edge visibility in phase-contrast images. These improvements may be important in the detection of small lesions and details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Ruiz-Gonzalez
- Center for Studies on Electronics and Information Technologies, Central University of Las Villas, Villa Clara, Cuba.
| | - M Perez-Diaz
- Center for Studies on Electronics and Information Technologies, Central University of Las Villas, Villa Clara, Cuba
| | - D Martínez-Aguila
- Center for Studies on Electronics and Information Technologies, Central University of Las Villas, Villa Clara, Cuba
| | - M Diaz-Barreto
- Centro para el Control Estatal de Medicamentos, Equipos y Dispositivos Médicos, Habana, Cuba
| | - I Fleitas
- Centro para el Control Estatal de Medicamentos, Equipos y Dispositivos Médicos, Habana, Cuba
| | - R Mora-Machado
- Centro para el Control Estatal de Medicamentos, Equipos y Dispositivos Médicos, Habana, Cuba
| | - L Rigon
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste and INFN, Trieste, Italy
| | - G Tromba
- ELETTRA, Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, Trieste, Italy
| | - P Bregant
- Health Physics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria "Ospedali Riuniti", Trieste, Italy
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19
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Bao Y, Wang Y, Li P, Wu Z, Shao Q, Gao K, Wang Z, Ju Z, Zhang K, Yuan Q, Huang W, Zhu P, Wu Z. A novel crystal-analyzer phase retrieval algorithm and its noise property. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2015; 22:786-795. [PMID: 25931098 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577515003616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A description of the rocking curve in diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) is presented in terms of the angular signal response function and a simple multi-information retrieval algorithm based on the cosine function fitting. A comprehensive analysis of noise properties of DEI is also given considering the noise transfer characteristic of the X-ray source. The validation has been performed with synchrotron radiation experimental data and Monte Carlo simulations based on the Geant4 toolkit combined with the refractive process of X-rays, which show good agreement with each other. Moreover, results indicate that the signal-to-noise ratios of the refraction and scattering images are about one order of magnitude better than that of the absorption image at the edges of low-Z samples. The noise penalty is drastically reduced with the increasing photon flux and visibility. Finally, this work demonstrates that the analytical method can build an interesting connection between DEI and GDPCI (grating-based differential phase contrast imaging) and is widely suitable for a variety of measurement noise in the angular signal response imaging prototype. The analysis significantly contributes to the understanding of noise characteristics of DEI images and may allow improvements to the signal-to-noise ratio in biomedical and material science imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Bao
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Panyun Li
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Wu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, People's Republic of China
| | - Qigang Shao
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Gao
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhili Wang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, People's Republic of China
| | - Zaiqiang Ju
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxi Yuan
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanxia Huang
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiping Zhu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyu Wu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, People's Republic of China
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20
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Szafraniec MB, Konstantinidis AC, Tromba G, Dreossi D, Vecchio S, Rigon L, Sodini N, Naday S, Gunn S, McArthur A, Olivo A. Synchrotron based planar imaging and digital tomosynthesis of breast and biopsy phantoms using a CMOS active pixel sensor. Phys Med 2014; 31:192-8. [PMID: 25498332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The SYRMEP (SYnchrotron Radiation for MEdical Physics) beamline at Elettra is performing the first mammography study on human patients using free-space propagation phase contrast imaging. The stricter spatial resolution requirements of this method currently force the use of conventional films or specialized computed radiography (CR) systems. This also prevents the implementation of three-dimensional (3D) approaches. This paper explores the use of an X-ray detector based on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor (APS) technology as a possible alternative, for acquisitions both in planar and tomosynthesis geometry. Results indicate higher quality of the images acquired with the synchrotron set-up in both geometries. This improvement can be partly ascribed to the use of parallel, collimated and monochromatic synchrotron radiation (resulting in scatter rejection, no penumbra-induced blurring and optimized X-ray energy), and partly to phase contrast effects. Even though the pixel size of the used detector is still too large - and thus suboptimal - for free-space propagation phase contrast imaging, a degree of phase-induced edge enhancement can clearly be observed in the images.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sara Vecchio
- I.M.S. Internazionale Medico Scientifica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Rigon
- Sincrotrone Trieste, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Steve Naday
- Dexela Ltd (a PerkinElmer Company), London N17EU, UK
| | - Spencer Gunn
- Dexela Ltd (a PerkinElmer Company), London N17EU, UK
| | - Alan McArthur
- Dexela Ltd (a PerkinElmer Company), London N17EU, UK
| | - Alessandro Olivo
- Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, UCL, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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21
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Brun E, Grandl S, Sztrókay-Gaul A, Barbone G, Mittone A, Gasilov S, Bravin A, Coan P. Breast tumor segmentation in high resolution x-ray phase contrast analyzer based computed tomography. Med Phys 2014; 41:111902. [DOI: 10.1118/1.4896124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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22
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Basnayaka U, Chapman D, Adams G, Wysokinski T, Belev G, Baerwald A. Diffraction-enhanced Synchrotron Imaging of Bovine Ovaries Ex Vivo. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2014; 45:307-315. [PMID: 31051983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI), a synchrotron x-ray imaging technique, would provide greater contrast for evaluating bovine ovaries compared with conventional diagnostic ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bovine ovaries were evaluated ex vivo as follows: fresh without radiographic arterial contrast (n = 2), fresh with contrast (n = 1), preserved in 10% formalin without contrast (n = 2), and preserved with contrast (n = 1). Each ovary was imaged with DEI and subsequently with ultrasonography and histology. The ability to visualize and differentiate preantral and antral follicles, corpora lutea (CL), and cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were compared using DEI, ultrasonography, and histology. The diameter of follicles and CL were measured and compared using ultrasonography, DEI, and histology. The diameter of the smallest follicle detected was reported using each of the three imaging methods. The number of antral follicles (antral follicle count ≥2 mm) was compared between ultrasonography and DEI. RESULTS DEI enabled the detection of 71% of follicles and 67% of CL that were detected ultrasonographically. However, DEI did not allow the detection of COCs and cell layers of the follicle wall that were visualized histologically. Luteal tissues were not easily distinguished using DEI, and DEI was inferior for differentiating follicles and CL compared with ultrasonography. The mean follicle diameter was similar between DEI (4.00 ± 0.35 mm, fresh with contrast; 9.62 ± 2.43 mm, fresh without contrast) and ultrasonography (3.85 ± 0.28 mm, fresh with contrast; 8.97 ± 2.60 mm, fresh without contrast) (P > .05). However, the mean follicle diameter was greater using both DEI (4.00 ± 0.35 mm) and ultrasonography (3.85 ± 0.28 mm) compared with histology (2.21 ± 0.38 mm; P = .01, fresh ovaries with contrast). The mean CL diameter was similar between DEI (11.64 ± 1.67 mm), ultrasonography (9.34 ± 0.35 mm), and histology (9.59 ± 0.36 mm) (P > .05). The mean diameter of the smallest follicle detected was similar between DEI (3.06 ± 0.45 mm) and ultrasonography (2.95 ± 0.74 mm); both DEI and ultrasonographic measurements were greater than histology (0.39 ± 0.04 mm, P < .0001). The mean antral follicle count was similar between ultrasonography (6.50 ± 0.71 mm, fresh with no contrast; 6.50 ± 2.50 mm, preserved with no contrast) and DEI (4.50 ± 0.50 mm, fresh with no contrast; 6.50 ± 0.50 mm, preserved with no contrast) (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS The contrast resolution of antral follicles, CL, and COCs in bovine ovaries was inferior using DEI compared with ultrasonography and histology. Alternative synchrotron techniques, such as phase-contrast computed tomography and DEI computed tomography, may prove more effective than DEI for imaging ovaries ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upekha Basnayaka
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Dean Chapman
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Gregg Adams
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - George Belev
- Canadian Light Source, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Angela Baerwald
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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Majidi K, Li J, Muehleman C, Brankov JG. Noise and analyzer-crystal angular position analysis for analyzer-based phase-contrast imaging. Phys Med Biol 2014; 59:1877-97. [PMID: 24651402 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/59/8/1877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The analyzer-based phase-contrast x-ray imaging (ABI) method is emerging as a potential alternative to conventional radiography. Like many of the modern imaging techniques, ABI is a computed imaging method (meaning that images are calculated from raw data). ABI can simultaneously generate a number of planar parametric images containing information about absorption, refraction, and scattering properties of an object. These images are estimated from raw data acquired by measuring (sampling) the angular intensity profile of the x-ray beam passed through the object at different angular positions of the analyzer crystal. The noise in the estimated ABI parametric images depends upon imaging conditions like the source intensity (flux), measurements angular positions, object properties, and the estimation method. In this paper, we use the Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB) to quantify the noise properties in parametric images and to investigate the effect of source intensity, different analyzer-crystal angular positions and object properties on this bound, assuming a fixed radiation dose delivered to an object. The CRLB is the minimum bound for the variance of an unbiased estimator and defines the best noise performance that one can obtain regardless of which estimation method is used to estimate ABI parametric images. The main result of this paper is that the variance (hence the noise) in parametric images is directly proportional to the source intensity and only a limited number of analyzer-crystal angular measurements (eleven for uniform and three for optimal non-uniform) are required to get the best parametric images. The following angular measurements only spread the total dose to the measurements without improving or worsening CRLB, but the added measurements may improve parametric images by reducing estimation bias. Next, using CRLB we evaluate the multiple-image radiography, diffraction enhanced imaging and scatter diffraction enhanced imaging estimation techniques, though the proposed methodology can be used to evaluate any other ABI parametric image estimation technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keivan Majidi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
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24
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Nesterets YI. Quantitative evaluation of in-line x-ray phase contrast for a class of edge objects. OPTICS EXPRESS 2014; 22:5937-5949. [PMID: 24663931 DOI: 10.1364/oe.22.005937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In order to quantify the effect of phase contrast on X-ray image formation, the theory of statistical decision making has been applied to a binary classification task between two signals known exactly, namely, a phase-contrast image (that combines both the absorption and phase contrast) and the corresponding hypothetical pure absorption image that would be obtained under the same imaging conditions but without diffraction/refraction effects. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for two widely used observers, including the ideal observer (also known as the prewhitening matched filter) and a non-ideal observer (the non-prewhitening matched filter) has been estimated in the case of in-line phase-contrast imaging, thus providing a figure-of-merit for the optimisation of the imaging conditions. A broad class of edge objects has been investigated and simple analytical expressions for the corresponding SNRs have been obtained and discussed.
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25
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Zhou T, Lundström U, Thüring T, Rutishauser S, Larsson DH, Stampanoni M, David C, Hertz HM, Burvall A. Comparison of two x-ray phase-contrast imaging methods with a microfocus source. OPTICS EXPRESS 2013; 21:30183-30195. [PMID: 24514597 DOI: 10.1364/oe.21.030183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We present a comparison for high-resolution imaging with a laboratory source between grating-based (GBI) and propagation-based (PBI) x-ray phase-contrast imaging. The comparison is done through simulations and experiments using a liquid-metal-jet x-ray microfocus source. Radiation doses required for detection in projection images are simulated as a function of the diameter of a cylindrical sample. Using monochromatic radiation, simulations show a lower dose requirement for PBI for small object features and a lower dose for GBI for larger object features. Using polychromatic radiation, such as that from a laboratory microfocus source, experiments and simulations show a lower dose requirement for PBI for a large range of feature sizes. Tested on a biological sample, GBI shows higher noise levels than PBI, but its advantage of quantitative refractive index reconstruction for multi-material samples becomes apparent.
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27
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Bravin A, Coan P, Suortti P. X-ray phase-contrast imaging: from pre-clinical applications towards clinics. Phys Med Biol 2012; 58:R1-35. [PMID: 23220766 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/58/1/r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 379] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Phase-contrast x-ray imaging (PCI) is an innovative method that is sensitive to the refraction of the x-rays in matter. PCI is particularly adapted to visualize weakly absorbing details like those often encountered in biology and medicine. In past years, PCI has become one of the most used imaging methods in laboratory and preclinical studies: its unique characteristics allow high contrast 3D visualization of thick and complex samples even at high spatial resolution. Applications have covered a wide range of pathologies and organs, and are more and more often performed in vivo. Several techniques are now available to exploit and visualize the phase-contrast: propagation- and analyzer-based, crystal and grating interferometry and non-interferometric methods like the coded aperture. In this review, covering the last five years, we will give an overview of the main theoretical and experimental developments and of the important steps performed towards the clinical implementation of PCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Bravin
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 6 rue Horowitz, 38043 Grenoble Cedex, France.
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28
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Diemoz PC, Bravin A, Langer M, Coan P. Analytical and experimental determination of signal-to-noise ratio and figure of merit in three phase-contrast imaging techniques. OPTICS EXPRESS 2012; 20:27670-90. [PMID: 23262715 DOI: 10.1364/oe.20.027670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
We present a theoretical and experimental comparison of three X-ray phase-contrast techniques: propagation-based imaging, analyzer-based imaging and grating interferometry. The signal-to-noise ratio and the figure of merit are quantitatively compared for the three techniques on the same phantoms and using the same X-ray source and detector. Principal dependencies of the signal upon the numerous acquisition parameters, the spatial resolution and X-ray energy are discussed in detail. The sensitivity of each technique, in terms of the smallest detectable phase shift, is also evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Diemoz
- Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85748 Garching, Germany
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Sztrókay A, Diemoz PC, Schlossbauer T, Brun E, Bamberg F, Mayr D, Reiser MF, Bravin A, Coan P. High-resolution breast tomography at high energy: a feasibility study of phase contrast imaging on a whole breast. Phys Med Biol 2012; 57:2931-42. [PMID: 22516937 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/57/10/2931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies on phase contrast imaging (PCI) mammography have demonstrated an enhancement of breast morphology and cancerous tissue visualization compared to conventional imaging. We show here the first results of the PCI analyser-based imaging (ABI) in computed tomography (CT) mode on whole and large (>12 cm) tumour-bearing breast tissues. We demonstrate in this work the capability of the technique of working at high x-ray energies and producing high-contrast images of large and complex specimens. One entire breast of an 80-year-old woman with invasive ductal cancer was imaged using ABI-CT with monochromatic 70 keV x-rays and an area detector of 92×92 µm² pixel size. Sagittal slices were reconstructed from the acquired data, and compared to corresponding histological sections. Comparison with conventional absorption-based CT was also performed. Five blinded radiologists quantitatively evaluated the visual aspects of the ABI-CT images with respect to sharpness, soft tissue contrast, tissue boundaries and the discrimination of different structures/tissues. ABI-CT excellently depicted the entire 3D architecture of the breast volume by providing high-resolution and high-contrast images of the normal and cancerous breast tissues. These results are an important step in the evolution of PCI-CT towards its clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sztrókay
- Institute of Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
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Diemoz PC, Bravin A, Coan P. Theoretical comparison of three X-ray phase-contrast imaging techniques: propagation-based imaging, analyzer-based imaging and grating interferometry. OPTICS EXPRESS 2012; 20:2789-805. [PMID: 22330515 DOI: 10.1364/oe.20.002789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Various X-ray phase-contrast imaging techniques have been developed and applied over the last twenty years in different domains, such as material sciences, biology and medicine. However, no comprehensive inter-comparison exists in the literature. We present here a theoretical study that compares three among the most used techniques: propagation-based imaging (PBI), analyzer-based imaging (ABI) and grating interferometry (GI). These techniques are evaluated in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, figure of merit and spatial resolution. Both area and edge signals are considered. Dependences upon the object properties (absorption, phase shift) and the experimental acquisition parameters (energy, system point-spread function etc.) are derived and discussed. The results obtained from this analysis can be used as the reference for determining the most suitable technique for a given application.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Diemoz
- Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munchen, 85748 Garching, Germany.
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Keyriläinen J, Fernández M, Bravin A, Karjalainen-Lindsberg ML, Leidenius M, von Smitten K, Tenhunen M, Kangasmäki A, Sipilä P, Nemoz C, Virkkunen P, Suortti P. Comparison of in vitro breast cancer visibility in analyser-based computed tomography with histopathology, mammography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2011; 18:689-696. [PMID: 21862846 DOI: 10.1107/s090904951102810x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
High-resolution analyser-based X-ray imaging computed tomography (HR ABI-CT) findings on in vitro human breast cancer are compared with histopathology, mammography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. The HR ABI-CT images provided significantly better low-contrast visibility compared with the standard radiological images. Fine cancer structures indistinguishable and superimposed in mammograms were seen, and could be matched with the histopathological results. The mean glandular dose was less than 1 mGy in mammography and 12-13 mGy in CT and ABI-CT. The excellent visibility of in vitro breast cancer suggests that HR ABI-CT may have a valuable role in the future as an adjunct or even alternative to current breast diagnostics, when radiation dose is further decreased, and compact synchrotron radiation sources become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Keyriläinen
- Department of Physics, HUCH Cancer Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
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Zhu N, Chapman D, Cooper D, Schreyer DJ, Chen X. X-ray diffraction enhanced imaging as a novel method to visualize low-density scaffolds in soft tissue engineering. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2011; 17:1071-80. [PMID: 21870940 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2011.0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scaffold visualization is challenging yet essential to the success of various tissue engineering applications. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of X-ray diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) as a novel method for the visualization of low density engineered scaffolds in soft tissue. Imaging of the scaffolds made from poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and chitosan was conducted using synchrotron radiation-based radiography, in-line phase-contrast imaging (in-line PCI), and DEI techniques as well as laboratory-based radiography. Scaffolds were visualized in air, water, and rat muscle tissue. Compared with the images from X-ray radiography and in-line PCI techniques, DEI images more clearly show the structure of the low density scaffold in air and have enhanced image contrast. DEI was the only technique able to visualize scaffolds embedded in unstained muscle tissue; this method could also define the microstructure of muscle tissue in the boundary areas. At a photon energy of 20 KeV, DEI had the capacity to image PLLA/chitosan scaffolds in soft tissue with a sample thickness of up to 4 cm. The DEI technique can be applied at high X-ray energies, thus facilitating lower in vivo radiation doses to tissues during imaging as compared to conventional radiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhu
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Artyukov I, Feschenko R, Vinogradov A, Bugayev Y, Devizenko O, Kondratenko V, Kasyanov Y, Hatano T, Yamamoto M, Saveliev S. Soft X-ray imaging of thick carbon-based materials using the normal incidence multilayer optics. Micron 2010; 41:722-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2010.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2010] [Revised: 06/21/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to evaluate whether a novel radiographic technique, diffraction-enhanced radiographic imaging, would render high-contrast images of mouse livers, hearts, and kidneys and to determine whether blood vessels and bile ducts can be differentiated on images of mouse livers. MATERIALS AND METHODS For imaging of the bile ducts, mouse livers were excised 20 or 35 days after ligation of the common bile duct. Livers, hearts, and kidneys of control mice also were excised for imaging. The diffraction-enhanced imaging experiments were performed with a silicon 333 crystal diffraction plane and an 18-keV x-ray beam. The beam incident to the sample measured 20 mm (horizontal) x 11 mm (vertical). Images were acquired with the analyzer crystal set at different positions of the rocking curve. RESULTS Only dilated bile ducts, no normal bile ducts, were found. With diffraction-enhanced imaging without a contrast agent, the blood vessels of the liver, heart, and kidney were visualized to a scale of tens of micrometers. CONCLUSION Diffraction-enhanced imaging with a silicon 333 crystal plane had excellent contrast in the detection of blood vessels and pathologically dilated bile ducts and may be a promising radiographic technique for basic medical research.
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Liu X, Zhao J, Sun J, Gu X, Xiao T, Liu P, Xu LX. Lung cancer and angiogenesis imaging using synchrotron radiation. Phys Med Biol 2010; 55:2399-409. [PMID: 20360634 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/55/8/017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Early detection of lung cancer is the key to a cure, but a difficult task using conventional x-ray imaging. In the present study, synchrotron radiation in-line phase-contrast imaging was used to study lung cancer. Lewis lung cancer and 4T1 breast tumor metastasis in the lung were imaged, and the differences were clearly shown in comparison to normal lung tissue. The effect of the object-detector distance and the energy level on the phase-contrast difference was investigated and found to be in good agreement with the theory of in-line phase-contrast imaging. Moreover, 3D image reconstruction of lung tumor angiogenesis was obtained for the first time using a contrast agent, demonstrating the feasibility of micro-angiography with synchrotron radiation for imaging tumor angiogenesis deep inside the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Liu
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Faulconer L, Parham C, Connor DM, Zhong Z, Kim E, Zeng D, Livasy C, Cole E, Kuzmiak C, Koomen M, Pavic D, Pisano E. Radiologist evaluation of an X-ray tube-based diffraction-enhanced imaging prototype using full-thickness breast specimens. Acad Radiol 2009; 16:1329-37. [PMID: 19596593 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 05/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Conventional mammographic image contrast is derived from x-ray absorption, resulting in breast structure visualization due to density gradients that attenuate radiation without distinction between transmitted, scattered, or refracted x-rays. Diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI) allows for increased contrast with decreased radiation dose compared to conventional mammographic imaging because of monochromatic x-rays, its unique refraction-based contrast mechanism, and excellent scatter rejection. However, a lingering drawback to the clinical translation of DEI has been the requirement for synchrotron radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors' laboratory developed a DEI prototype (DEI-PR) using a readily available tungsten x-ray tube source and traditional DEI crystal optics, providing soft tissue images at 60 keV. Images of full-thickness human breast tissue specimens were acquired on synchrotron-based DEI (DEI-SR), DEI-PR, and digital mammographic systems. A panel of expert radiologists evaluated lesion feature visibility and correlation with pathology after receiving training on the interpretation of refraction contrast mammographic images. RESULTS For mammographic features (mass, calcification), no significant differences were detected between the DEI-SR and DEI-PR systems. Benign lesions were perceived as better seen by radiologists using the DEI-SR system than the DEI-PR system at the [111] reflectivity, with generalizations limited by small sample size. No significant differences between DEI-SR and DEI-PR were detected for any other lesion type (atypical, cancer) at either crystal reflectivity. CONCLUSIONS Thus, except for benign lesion characterizations, the DEI-PR system's performance was roughly equivalent to that of the traditional DEI system, demonstrating a significant step toward clinical translation of this modality for breast cancer applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Faulconer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7000, 4030 Bondurant Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Xi Z, Qing-Xi Y, Xin-Rong Y, Hai-Qing L, Yu C, Shao-Liang C, Pei-Ping Z, Wan-Xia H. Medical application of diffraction enhanced imaging in mouse liver blood vessels. CHINESE PHYSICS C 2009; 33:986-990. [DOI: 10.1088/1674-1137/33/11/011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
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De Caro L, Giannini C, Bellotti R, Tangaro S. A theoretical study on phase-contrast mammography with Thomson-scattering x-ray sources. Med Phys 2009; 36:4644-53. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3213086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Design and implementation of a compact low-dose diffraction enhanced medical imaging system. Acad Radiol 2009; 16:911-7. [PMID: 19375952 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2009.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2008] [Revised: 02/02/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI) is a new x-ray imaging modality that differs from conventional radiography in its use of three physical mechanisms to generate contrast. DEI is able to generate contrast from x-ray absorption, refraction, and ultra-small-angle scatter rejection (extinction) to produce high-contrast images with a much lower radiation dose compared to conventional radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prototype DEI system was constructed using a 1-kW tungsten x-ray tube and a single silicon monochromator and analyzer crystal. The monochromator crystal was aligned to reflect the combined Kalpha1 (59.32 keV) and Kalpha2 (57.98 keV) characteristic emission lines of tungsten using a tube voltage of 160 kV. System performance and demonstration of contrast were evaluated using a nylon monofilament refraction phantom, full-thickness breast specimens, a human thumb, and a live mouse. RESULTS Images acquired using this system successfully demonstrated all three DEI contrast mechanisms. Flux measurements acquired using this 1-kW prototype system demonstrated that this design can be scaled to use a more powerful 60-kW x-ray tube to generate similar images with an image time of approximately 30 seconds. This single-crystal pair design can be further modified to allow for an array of crystals to reduce clinical image times to <3 seconds. CONCLUSIONS This paper describes the design, construction, and performance of a new DEI system using a commercially available tungsten anode x-ray tube and includes the first high-quality low-dose diffraction-enhanced images of full-thickness human tissue specimens.
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Connor DM, Benveniste H, Dilmanian FA, Kritzer MF, Miller LM, Zhong Z. Computed tomography of amyloid plaques in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease using diffraction enhanced imaging. Neuroimage 2009; 46:908-14. [PMID: 19303447 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Revised: 02/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of early development in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is clouded by the scale at which the disease progresses; amyloid beta (Abeta) plaques, a hallmark feature of AD, are small (approximately 50 microm) and low contrast in diagnostic clinical imaging techniques. Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI), a phase contrast x-ray imaging technique, has greater soft tissue contrast than conventional radiography and generates higher resolution images than magnetic resonance microimaging. Thus, in this proof of principle study, DEI in micro-CT mode was performed on the brains of AD-model mice to determine if DEI can visualize Abeta plaques. Results revealed small nodules in the cortex and hippocampus of the brain. Histology confirmed that the features seen in the DEI images of the brain were Abeta plaques. Several anatomical structures, including hippocampal subregions and white matter tracks, were also observed. Thus, DEI has strong promise in early diagnosis of AD, as well as general studies of the mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean M Connor
- National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA.
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41
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Olivo A, Rigon L, Vinnicombe SJ, Cheung KC, Ibison M, Speller RD. Phase contrast imaging of breast tumours with synchrotron radiation. Appl Radiat Isot 2009; 67:1033-41. [PMID: 19249215 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2009.01.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Revised: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 01/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Even though the potential of phase contrast (PC) imaging has been demonstrated in a number of biological tissue samples, the availability of free-space propagation phase contrast images of real breast tumours is still limited. The aim of this study was to obtain phase contrast images of two different pathological breast specimens containing tumours of differing morphological type at two synchrotron radiation (SR) facilities, and to assess any qualitative improvements in the evaluation and characterisation of the masses through the use of phase contrast imaging. A second aim was to assess the effects of parameters such as detector resolution, beam energy and sample-to-detector distance on image quality using the same breast specimens, as to date these effects have been modelled and discussed only for geometric phantoms. At each synchrotron radiation facility a range of images was acquired with different detectors and by varying the above parameters. Images of the same samples were also acquired with the absorption-based approach to allow a direct comparison and estimation of the advantages specifically ascribable to the PC technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Olivo
- Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, Malet Place, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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42
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Akio Y, Jin W, Kazuyuki H, Tohoru T. Quantitative comparison of imaging performance of x-ray interferometric imaging and diffraction enhanced imaging. Med Phys 2008; 35:4724-34. [PMID: 18975717 DOI: 10.1118/1.2977543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
For detailed biomedical observations using the optimum phase-contrast x-ray imaging, quantitative comparisons of imaging performances of two major imaging methods--x-ray interferometric imaging (XII) and diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI)--were performed. Density sensitivity and spatial resolution of each imaging method were evaluated using phantom tomograms obtained by each method with the same x-ray dosage. For practical comparison of the methods, biological samples were also observed under the same conditions. The results show that XII has a higher sensitivity than that of DEI and is thus suitable for observation of soft biological tissues. On the other hand, DEI has a wider dynamic range of density and is thus suitable for observation of samples with large differences in density of different regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoneyama Akio
- Advanced Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd., 2520 Akanuma, Hatoyama, Saitama, 350-0395, Japan.
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43
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De Caro L, Cedola A, Giannini C, Bukreeva I, Lagomarsino S. In-line phase-contrast imaging for strong absorbing objects. Phys Med Biol 2008; 53:6619-37. [DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/53/22/021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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44
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Zhang X, Liu XS, Yang XR, Chen SL, Zhu PP, Yuan QX. Mouse blood vessel imaging by in-line x-ray phase-contrast imaging. Phys Med Biol 2008; 53:5735-43. [PMID: 18824782 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/53/20/011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
It is virtually impossible to observe blood vessels by conventional x-ray imaging techniques without using contrast agents. In addition, such x-ray systems are typically incapable of detecting vessels with diameters less than 200 microm. Here we show that vessels as small as 30 microm could be detected using in-line phase-contrast x-ray imaging without the use of contrast agents. Image quality was greatly improved by replacing resident blood with physiological saline. Furthermore, an entire branch of the portal vein from the main axial portal vein to the eighth generation of branching could be captured in a single phase-contrast image. Prior to our work, detection of 30 microm diameter blood vessels could only be achieved using x-ray interferometry, which requires sophisticated x-ray optics. Our results thus demonstrate that in-line phase-contrast x-ray imaging, using physiological saline as a contrast agent, provides an alternative to the interferometric method that can be much more easily implemented and also offers the advantage of a larger field of view. A possible application of this methodology is in animal tumor models, where it can be used to observe tumor angiogenesis and the treatment effects of antineoplastic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated ZhongShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Hönnicke MG, Cusatis C. Analyzer-based x-ray phase-contrast microscopy combining channel-cut and asymmetrically cut crystals. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2007; 78:113708. [PMID: 18052481 DOI: 10.1063/1.2814022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
An analyzer-based x-ray phase-contrast microscopy (ABM) setup combining a standard analyzer-based x-ray phase-contrast imaging (ABI) setup [nondispersive 4-crystal setup (Bonse-Hart setup)] and diffraction by asymmetrically cut crystals is presented here. An attenuation-contrast microscopy setup with conventional x-ray source and asymmetrically cut crystals is first analyzed. Edge-enhanced effects attributed to phase jumps or refraction/total external reflection on the fiber borders were detected. However, the long exposure times and the possibility to achieve high contrast microscopies by using extremely low attenuation-contrast samples motivated us to assemble the ABM setup using a synchrotron source. This setup was found to be useful for low contrast attenuation samples due to the low exposure time, high contrast, and spatial resolution found. Moreover, thanks to the combination with the nondispersive ABI setup, the diffraction-enhanced x-ray imaging algorithm could be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Hönnicke
- LORXI, Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 19091, 81531-990 Curitiba, Parana, Brazil.
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Hashimoto E, Maksimenko A, Sugiyama H, Hyodo K, Shimao D, Nishino Y, Ishikawa T, Ando M. First application of X-ray refraction-based computed tomography to a biomedical object. Zoolog Sci 2007; 23:809-13. [PMID: 17043403 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.23.809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We have developed X-ray refraction-based computed tomography (CT) that is able to visualize soft tissue in between hard tissue. The experimental system consists of Si(220) diffraction double-crystals and is called the DEI (diffraction-enhanced imaging) method, in which the object is located between the crystals and a CCD camera to acquire data as 360 X-ray images. The X-ray energy used was 17.5 keV. The algorithm used to reconstruct CT images was developed by A. Maksimenko and colleagues. We successfully visualized articular cartilage and the distribution of bone marrow, which are inner structures. Our method has much higher contrast compared to the conventional absorption-based CT system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiko Hashimoto
- Department of Photon-Science, School of Advanced Studies, Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan.
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47
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Gao X, Luo S, Yin H, Liu B, Xu M, Yuan Q, Gao X, Zhu P. A micro-tomography method based on X-ray diffraction enhanced imaging for the visualization of micro-organs and soft tissues. Comput Med Imaging Graph 2006; 30:339-47. [PMID: 17052887 DOI: 10.1016/j.compmedimag.2006.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) is one of the phase contrast imaging methods using the monochromatic X-ray from synchrotron, which provides information on the out-of-plane angular deviation of X-ray. DEI allows the investigation of micro-structures inside weakly absorbing samples at high spatial resolution without serious radiation exposure. Tomographic techniques can be applied readily to phase contrast images. The combination of DEI and tomography allows for a reconstruction of refractive index gradient distribution inside weakly absorbing samples with micrometer resolution, particularly suited for the 3D observation of micro-organisms and tissues. The existing phase contrast tomography methods based on DEI use phase contrast images as projections, such images contain not only the phase information, but also the absorption information. A novel method (DEI in the tomography mode) was developed to greatly increase the proportion of refraction information in phase contrast images by computing the difference between the two sets of images acquired at different angles of the rocking curve to adopt the projections with a complete set (2pi) for reconstruction. The reconstructed images of cochlea of a guinea pig showed the spatial structures and the micro-features inside the samples. The new method reveals higher spatial resolution compared to the conventional phase contrast tomography methods and is more suitable to the investigation of micro-structures of micro-organisms and tissue materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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48
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Abstract
As a new method, x-ray diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) has extremely high sensitivity for weakly absorbing low-Z samples in medical and biological fields. Conventional performance parameters, such as spatial resolution and low-contrast resolution, are not enough to describe the characteristics of a DEI system. This paper focuses on refraction-angle resolution which describes the ability of a DEI system to differentiate the x-rays refracted by the sample. The analysis of refraction-angle resolution is composed of two parts: the analysis of the single DEI image measured in a certain position of the rocking curve and the analysis of the refraction-angle image calculated by extraction methods. A 2D computer simulation experiment is performed to prove the results of the analyses. The limitations and conclusions of refraction-angle resolution are described in the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Feng Huang
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100 084, People's Republic of China.
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Brankov JG, Wernick MN, Yang Y, Li J, Muehleman C, Zhong Z, Anastasio MA. A computed tomography implementation of multiple-image radiography. Med Phys 2006; 33:278-89. [PMID: 16532932 DOI: 10.1118/1.2150788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional x-ray computed tomography (CT) produces a single volumetric image that represents the spatially variant linear x-ray attenuation coefficient of an object. However, in many situations, differences in the x-ray attenuation properties of soft tissues are very small and difficult to measure in conventional x-ray imaging. In this work, we investigate an analyzer-based imaging method, called computed tomography multiple-image radiography (CT-MIR), which is a tomographic implementation of the recently proposed multiple-image radiography method. The CT-MIR method reconstructs concurrently three physical properties of the object. In addition to x-ray attenuation, CT-MIR produces volumetric images that represent the refraction and ultrasmall-angle scattering properties of the object. These three images can provide a rich description of the object's physical properties that are revealed by the probing x-ray beam. An imaging model for CT-MIR that is based on the x-ray transform of the object properties is established. The CT-MIR method is demonstrated by use of experimental data acquired at a synchroton radiation imaging beamline, and is compared to the pre-existing diffraction-enhanced imaging CT method. We also investigate the merit of an iterative reconstruction method for use with future clinical implementations of CT-MIR, which we anticipate would be photon limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovan G Brankov
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
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Kitchen MJ, Lewis RA, Yagi N, Uesugi K, Paganin D, Hooper SB, Adams G, Jureczek S, Singh J, Christensen CR, Hufton AP, Hall CJ, Cheung KC, Pavlov KM. Phase contrast X-ray imaging of mice and rabbit lungs: a comparative study. Br J Radiol 2005; 78:1018-27. [PMID: 16249603 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/13024611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The significant degree of X-ray phase contrast created by air-tissue interfaces, coupled with the poor radiographic contrast of conventional chest radiographs, makes the inflated lung an ideal candidate for investigating the potential diagnostic improvement afforded by phase contrast X-ray imaging. In small animals these methods highlight the lung airways and lobe boundaries and reveal the lung tissue as a speckled intensity pattern not seen in other soft tissues. We have compared analyser-based and propagation-based phase contrast imaging modalities, together with conventional radiographic imaging, to ascertain which technique shows the greatest image enhancement for various lung sizes. The conventional radiographic image of a mouse was obtained on a Siemens Nova 3000 mammography system, whilst phase contrast images of mice and rabbit chests were acquired at the medical imaging beamline (20B2) at the SPring-8 synchrotron radiation research facility in Japan. For mice aged 1 day, 1 week and 1 month old it was determined that analyser-based imaging showed the greatest overall image contrast, however, for an adult rabbit both techniques yielded excellent contrast. The success of these methods in creating high quality images for rabbit lungs raises the possibility of improving human lung imaging using phase contrast techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Kitchen
- School of Physics, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
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