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Donato S, Brombal L, Arana Peña LM, Arfelli F, Contillo A, Delogu P, Di Lillo F, Di Trapani V, Fanti V, Longo R, Oliva P, Rigon L, Stori L, Tromba G, Golosio B. Optimization of a customized simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique algorithm for phase-contrast breast computed tomography. Phys Med Biol 2022; 67. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac65d4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective. To introduce the optimization of a customized GPU-based simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (cSART) in the field of phase-contrast breast computed tomography (bCT). The presented algorithm features a 3D bilateral regularization filter that can be tuned to yield optimal performance for clinical image visualization and tissues segmentation. Approach. Acquisitions of a dedicated test object and a breast specimen were performed at Elettra, the Italian synchrotron radiation (SR) facility (Trieste, Italy) using a large area CdTe single-photon counting detector. Tomographic images were obtained at 5 mGy of mean glandular dose, with a 32 keV monochromatic x-ray beam in the free-space propagation mode. Three independent algorithms parameters were optimized by using contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), spatial resolution, and noise texture metrics. The results obtained with the cSART algorithm were compared with conventional SART and filtered back projection (FBP) reconstructions. Image segmentation was performed both with gray scale-based and supervised machine-learning approaches. Main results. Compared to conventional FBP reconstructions, results indicate that the proposed algorithm can yield images with a higher CNR (by 35% or more), retaining a high spatial resolution while preserving their textural properties. Alternatively, at the cost of an increased image ‘patchiness’, the cSART can be tuned to achieve a high-quality tissue segmentation, suggesting the possibility of performing an accurate glandularity estimation potentially of use in the realization of realistic 3D breast models starting from low radiation dose images. Significance. The study indicates that dedicated iterative reconstruction techniques could provide significant advantages in phase-contrast bCT imaging. The proposed algorithm offers great flexibility in terms of image reconstruction optimization, either toward diagnostic evaluation or image segmentation.
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2
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Synchrotron X-ray Radiation (SXR) in Medical Imaging: Current Status and Future Prospects. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12083790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Synchrotron X-ray radiation (SXR) has been widely studied to explore the structure of matter. Recently, there has been an intense focus on the medical application of SXR in imaging. This review is intended to explore the latest applications of SXR in medical imaging and to shed light on the advantages and drawbacks of this modality. The article highlights the latest developments in other fields that can greatly enhance the capability and applicability of SXR. The potentials of using machine and deep learning (DL)-based methods to generate synthetic images to use in regular clinics along with the use of photon counting X-ray detectors for spectral medical imaging with SXR are also discussed.
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3
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Brombal L, Arana Peña LM, Arfelli F, Longo R, Brun F, Contillo A, Di Lillo F, Tromba G, Di Trapani V, Donato S, Menk RH, Rigon L. Motion artifacts assessment and correction using optical tracking in synchrotron radiation breast CT. Med Phys 2021; 48:5343-5355. [PMID: 34252212 PMCID: PMC9291820 DOI: 10.1002/mp.15084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The SYRMA‐3D collaboration is setting up a breast computed tomography (bCT) clinical program at the Elettra synchrotron radiation facility in Trieste, Italy. Unlike the few dedicated scanners available at hospitals, synchrotron radiation bCT requires the patient's rotation, which in turn implies a long scan duration (from tens of seconds to few minutes). At the same time, it allows the achievement of high spatial resolution. These features make synchrotron radiation bCT prone to motion artifacts. This article aims at assessing and compensating for motion artifacts through an optical tracking approach. Methods In this study, patients’ movements due to breathing have been first assessed on seven volunteers and then simulated during the CT scans of a breast phantom and a surgical specimen, by adding a periodic oscillatory motion (constant speed, 1 mm amplitude, 12 cycles/minute). CT scans were carried out at 28 keV with a mean glandular dose of 5 mGy. Motion artifacts were evaluated and a correction algorithm based on the optical tracking of fiducial marks was introduced. A quantitative analysis based on the structural similarity (SSIM) index and the normalized mean square error (nMSE) was performed on the reconstructed CT images. Results CT images reconstructed through the optical tracking procedure were found to be as good as the motionless reference image. Moreover, the analysis of SSIM and nMSE demonstrated that an uncorrected motion of the order of the system's point spread function (around 0.1 mm in the present case) can be tolerated. Conclusions Results suggest that a motion correction procedure based on an optical tracking system would be beneficial in synchrotron radiation bCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Brombal
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lucia Mariel Arana Peña
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvia Arfelli
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy
| | - Renata Longo
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Brun
- Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Vittorio Di Trapani
- Department of Physical sciences, Earth and environment, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Division of Pisa, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.,Division of Frascati, Istituto Nazionale di Fisca Nucleare, Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - Ralf Hendrik Menk
- Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy.,Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical Imaging, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Luigi Rigon
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Division of Trieste, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Trieste, Italy
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Birnbacher L, Braig EM, Pfeiffer D, Pfeiffer F, Herzen J. Quantitative X-ray phase contrast computed tomography with grating interferometry : Biomedical applications of quantitative X-ray grating-based phase contrast computed tomography. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2021; 48:4171-4188. [PMID: 33846846 PMCID: PMC8566444 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The ability of biomedical imaging data to be of quantitative nature is getting increasingly important with the ongoing developments in data science. In contrast to conventional attenuation-based X-ray imaging, grating-based phase contrast computed tomography (GBPC-CT) is a phase contrast micro-CT imaging technique that can provide high soft tissue contrast at high spatial resolution. While there is a variety of different phase contrast imaging techniques, GBPC-CT can be applied with laboratory X-ray sources and enables quantitative determination of electron density and effective atomic number. In this review article, we present quantitative GBPC-CT with the focus on biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Birnbacher
- Physics Department, Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Braig
- Physics Department, Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniela Pfeiffer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Pfeiffer
- Physics Department, Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Herzen
- Physics Department, Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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5
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Ghani MU, Wu X, Fajardo LL, Jing Z, Wong MD, Zheng B, Omoumi F, Li Y, Yan A, Jenkins P, Hillis SL, Linstroth L, Liu H. Development and preclinical evaluation of a patient-specific high energy x-ray phase sensitive breast tomosynthesis system. Med Phys 2021; 48:2511-2520. [PMID: 33523479 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article reports the first x-ray phase sensitive breast tomosynthesis (PBT) system that is aimed for direct translation to clinical practice for the diagnosis of breast cancer. PURPOSE To report the preclinical evaluation and comparison of the newly built PBT system with a conventional digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) system. METHODS AND MATERIALS The PBT system is developed based on a comprehensive inline phase contrast theoretical model. The system consists of a polyenergetic microfocus x-ray source and a flat panel detector mounted on an arm that is attached to a rotating gantry. It acquires nine projections over a 15° angular span in a stop-and-shoot manner. A dedicated phase retrieval algorithm is integrated with a filtered back-projection method that reconstructs tomographic slices. The American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation phantom, a contrast detail (CD) phantom and mastectomy tissue samples were imaged at the same glandular dose levels by both the PBT and a standard of care DBT system for image quality characterizations and comparisons. RESULTS The PBT imaging scores with the ACR phantom are in good to excellent range and meet the quality assurance criteria set by the Mammography Quality Standard Act. The CD phantom image comparison and associated statistical analyses from two-alternative forced-choice reader studies confirm the improvement offered by the PBT system in terms of contrast resolution, spatial resolution, and conspicuity. The artifact spread function (ASF) analyses revealed a sizable lateral spread of metal artifacts in PBT slices as compared to DBT slices. Signal-to-noise ratio values for various inserts of the ACR and CD phantoms further validated the superiority of the PBT system. Mastectomy sample images acquired by the PBT system showed a superior depiction of microcalcifications vs the DBT system. CONCLUSION The PBT imaging technology can be clinically employed for improving the accuracy of breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad U Ghani
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Xizeng Wu
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35249, USA
| | - Laurie L Fajardo
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | | | - Molly D Wong
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Bin Zheng
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Farid Omoumi
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Yuhua Li
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Aimin Yan
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35249, USA
| | - Peter Jenkins
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Stephen L Hillis
- Department of Radiology and Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Laura Linstroth
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Hong Liu
- Advanced Medical Imaging Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
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6
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Recent advances in X-ray imaging of breast tissue: From two- to three-dimensional imaging. Phys Med 2020; 79:69-79. [PMID: 33171371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2020.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a globally widespread disease whose detection has already been significantly improved by the introduction of screening programs. Nevertheless, mammography suffers from low soft tissue contrast and the superposition of diagnostically relevant anatomical structures as well as from low values for sensitivity and specificity especially for dense breast tissue. In recent years, two techniques for X-ray breast imaging have been developed that bring advances for the early detection of breast cancer. Grating-based phase-contrast mammography is a new imaging technique that is able to provide three image modalities simultaneously (absorption-contrast, phase-contrast and dark-field signal). Thus, an enhanced detection and delineation of cancerous structures in the phase-contrast image and an improved visualization and characterization of microcalcifications in the dark-field image is possible. Furthermore, latest studies about this approach show that dose-compatible imaging with polychromatic X-ray sources is feasible. In order to additionally overcome the limitations of projection-based imaging, efforts were also made towards the development of breast computed tomography (BCT), which recently led to the first clinical installation of an absorption-based BCT system. Further research combining the benefits of both imaging technologies is currently in progress. This review article summarizes the latest advances in phase-contrast imaging for the female breast (projection-based and three-dimensional view) with special focus on possible clinical implementations in the future.
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Oliva P, Di Trapani V, Arfelli F, Brombal L, Donato S, Golosio B, Longo R, Mettivier G, Rigon L, Taibi A, Tromba G, Zanconati F, Delogu P. Experimental optimization of the energy for breast-CT with synchrotron radiation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17430. [PMID: 33060795 PMCID: PMC7567093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74607-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast Computed Tomography (bCT) is a three-dimensional imaging technique that is raising interest among radiologists as a viable alternative to mammographic planar imaging. In X-rays imaging it would be desirable to maximize the capability of discriminating different tissues, described by the Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR), while minimizing the dose (i.e. the radiological risk). Both dose and CNR are functions of the X-ray energy. This work aims at experimentally investigating the optimal energy that, at fixed dose, maximizes the CNR between glandular and adipose tissues. Acquisitions of both tissue-equivalent phantoms and actual breast specimens have been performed with the bCT system implemented within the Syrma-3D collaboration at the Syrmep beamline of the Elettra synchrotron (Trieste). The experimental data have been also compared with analytical simulations and the results are in agreement. The CNR is maximized at energies around 26–28 keV. These results are in line with the outcomes of a previously presented simulation study which determined an optimal energy of 28 keV for a large set of breast phantoms with different diameters and glandular fractions. Finally, a study on photon starvation has been carried out to investigate how far the dose can be reduced still having suitable images for diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piernicola Oliva
- Dipartimento Di Chimica E Farmacia, Università Di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,I.N.F.N. Sezione Di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vittorio Di Trapani
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Fisiche, Della Terra E Dell'Ambiente, Università Di Siena, Siena, Italy. .,I.N.F.N. Sezione Di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Fulvia Arfelli
- Dipartimento Di Fisica, Università Di Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,I.N.F.N. Sezione Di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Brombal
- Dipartimento Di Fisica, Università Di Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,I.N.F.N. Sezione Di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- Dipartimento Di Fisica, Università Della Calabria, Cosenza, Italy.,I.N.F.N. Laboratori Nazionali Di Frascati, Frascati, Italy.,Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, Basovizza, Italy
| | - Bruno Golosio
- I.N.F.N. Sezione Di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Dipartimento Di Fisica, Università Di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Renata Longo
- Dipartimento Di Fisica, Università Di Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,I.N.F.N. Sezione Di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mettivier
- Dipartimento Di Fisica, Università Di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy.,I.N.F.N. Sezione Di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Rigon
- Dipartimento Di Fisica, Università Di Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,I.N.F.N. Sezione Di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Angelo Taibi
- Dipartimento Di Fisica E Scienze Della Terra, Università Di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,I.N.F.N. Sezione Di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Mediche Chirurgiche E Della Salute, Università Di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pasquale Delogu
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Fisiche, Della Terra E Dell'Ambiente, Università Di Siena, Siena, Italy.,I.N.F.N. Sezione Di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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8
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Mettivier G, Masi M, Arfelli F, Brombal L, Delogu P, Di Lillo F, Donato S, Fedon C, Golosio B, Oliva P, Rigon L, Sarno A, Taibi A, Russo P. Radiochromic film dosimetry in synchrotron radiation breast computed tomography: a phantom study. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2020; 27:762-771. [PMID: 32381779 PMCID: PMC7285685 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577520001745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study relates to the INFN project SYRMA-3D for in vivo phase-contrast breast computed tomography using the SYRMEP synchrotron radiation beamline at the ELETTRA facility in Trieste, Italy. This peculiar imaging technique uses a novel dosimetric approach with respect to the standard clinical procedure. In this study, optimization of the acquisition procedure was evaluated in terms of dose delivered to the breast. An offline dose monitoring method was also investigated using radiochromic film dosimetry. Various irradiation geometries have been investigated for scanning the prone patient's pendant breast, simulated by a 14 cm-diameter polymethylmethacrylate cylindrical phantom containing pieces of calibrated radiochromic film type XR-QA2. Films were inserted mid-plane in the phantom, as well as wrapped around its external surface, and irradiated at 38 keV, with an air kerma value that would produce an estimated mean glandular dose of 5 mGy for a 14 cm-diameter 50% glandular breast. Axial scans were performed over a full rotation or over 180°. The results point out that a scheme adopting a stepped rotation irradiation represents the best geometry to optimize the dose distribution to the breast. The feasibility of using a piece of calibrated radiochromic film wrapped around a suitable holder around the breast to monitor the scan dose offline is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Mettivier
- Dipartimento di Fisica ‘Ettore Pancini’, Università di Napoli ‘Federico II’, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
- INFN, Sezione di Napoli, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marica Masi
- Dipartimento di Fisica ‘Ettore Pancini’, Università di Napoli ‘Federico II’, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
- INFN, Sezione di Napoli, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Fulvia Arfelli
- Department of Physics, Università di Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
- Sezione di Trieste, INFN, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Brombal
- Department of Physics, Università di Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
- Sezione di Trieste, INFN, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Pasquale Delogu
- Department of Physical Science, Earth and Environment, Università di Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
- Sezione di Pisa, INFN, I-34127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Lillo
- Dipartimento di Fisica ‘Ettore Pancini’, Università di Napoli ‘Federico II’, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
- INFN, Sezione di Napoli, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
- ELETTRA-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, Bassovizza, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- Department of Physics, Università di Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
- Sezione di Trieste, INFN, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Christian Fedon
- Sezione di Trieste, INFN, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno Golosio
- Department of Physics, Università di Cagliari, I-09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Sezione di Cagliari, INFN, I-09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Piernicola Oliva
- Sezione di Cagliari, INFN, I-09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luigi Rigon
- Department of Physics, Università di Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
- Sezione di Trieste, INFN, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Taibi
- Department of Physics and Earth Science, Università di Ferrara, I-44122 Ferrara, Italy
- Sezione di Ferrara, INFN, I-44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Russo
- Dipartimento di Fisica ‘Ettore Pancini’, Università di Napoli ‘Federico II’, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
- INFN, Sezione di Napoli, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
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9
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Brombal L, Arfelli F, Delogu P, Donato S, Mettivier G, Michielsen K, Oliva P, Taibi A, Sechopoulos I, Longo R, Fedon C. Image quality comparison between a phase-contrast synchrotron radiation breast CT and a clinical breast CT: a phantom based study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17778. [PMID: 31780707 PMCID: PMC6882794 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54131-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we compared the image quality of a synchrotron radiation (SR) breast computed tomography (BCT) system with a clinical BCT in terms of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), noise power spectrum (NPS), spatial resolution and detail visibility. A breast phantom consisting of several slabs of breast-adipose equivalent material with different embedded targets (i.e., masses, fibers and calcifications) was used. Phantom images were acquired using a dedicated BCT system installed at the Radboud University Medical Center (Nijmegen, The Netherlands) and the SR BCT system at the SYRMEP beamline of Elettra SR facility (Trieste, Italy) based on a photon-counting detector. Images with the SR setup were acquired mimicking the clinical BCT conditions (i.e., energy of 30 keV and radiation dose of 6.5 mGy). Images were reconstructed with an isotropic cubic voxel of 273 µm for the clinical BCT, while for the SR setup two phase-retrieval (PhR) kernels (referred to as “smooth” and “sharp”) were alternatively applied to each projection before tomographic reconstruction, with voxel size of 57 × 57 × 50 µm3. The CNR for the clinical BCT system can be up to 2-times higher than SR system, while the SNR can be 3-times lower than SR system, when the smooth PhR is used. The peak frequency of the NPS for the SR BCT is 2 to 4-times higher (0.9 mm−1 and 1.4 mm−1 with smooth and sharp PhR, respectively) than the clinical BCT (0.4 mm−1). The spatial resolution (MTF10%) was estimated to be 1.3 lp/mm for the clinical BCT, and 5.0 lp/mm and 6.7 lp/mm for the SR BCT with the smooth and sharp PhR, respectively. The smallest fiber visible in the SR BCT has a diameter of 0.15 mm, while for the clinical BCT is 0.41 mm. Calcification clusters with diameter of 0.13 mm are visible in the SR BCT, while the smallest diameter for the clinical BCT is 0.29 mm. As expected, the image quality of the SR BCT outperforms the clinical BCT system, providing images with higher spatial resolution and SNR, and with finer granularity. Nevertheless, this study assesses the image quality gap quantitatively, giving indications on the benefits associated with SR BCT and providing a benchmarking basis for its clinical implementation. In addition, SR-based studies can provide a gold-standard in terms of achievable image quality, constituting an upper-limit to the potential clinical development of a given technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Brombal
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy.,INFN Division of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvia Arfelli
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy.,INFN Division of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pasquale Delogu
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy.,INFN Division of Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy.,INFN Division of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mettivier
- Department of Physics, University of Napoli Federico II, 80126, Fuorigrotta Napoli, Italy.,INFN Division of Napoli, 80126, Fuorigrotta Napoli, Italy
| | - Koen Michielsen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Piernicola Oliva
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.,INFN Division of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angelo Taibi
- Department of Physics and Earth Science, University of Ferrara, 44122, Ferrara, Italy.,INFN Division of Ferrara, 44122, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ioannis Sechopoulos
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Dutch Expert Center for Screening (LRCB), 6503 GJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Renata Longo
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy. .,INFN Division of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Christian Fedon
- INFN Division of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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10
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Optimization of the energy for Breast monochromatic absorption X-ray Computed Tomography. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13135. [PMID: 31511550 PMCID: PMC6739417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49351-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The limits of mammography have led to an increasing interest on possible alternatives such as the breast Computed Tomography (bCT). The common goal of all X-ray imaging techniques is to achieve the optimal contrast resolution, measured through the Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR), while minimizing the radiological risks, quantified by the dose. Both dose and CNR depend on the energy and the intensity of the X-rays employed for the specific imaging technique. Some attempts to determine an optimal energy for bCT have suggested the range 22 keV-34 keV, some others instead suggested the range 50 keV-60 keV depending on the parameters considered in the study. Recent experimental works, based on the use of monochromatic radiation and breast specimens, show that energies around 32 keV give better image quality respect to setups based on higher energies. In this paper we report a systematic study aiming at defining the range of energies that maximizes the CNR at fixed dose in bCT. The study evaluates several compositions and diameters of the breast and includes various reconstruction algorithms as well as different dose levels. The results show that a good compromise between CNR and dose is obtained using energies around 28 keV.
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Piai A, Contillo A, Arfelli F, Bonazza D, Brombal L, Assunta Cova M, Delogu P, Di Trapani V, Donato S, Golosio B, Mettivier G, Oliva P, Rigon L, Taibi A, Tonutti M, Tromba G, Zanconati F, Longo R. Quantitative characterization of breast tissues with dedicated CT imaging. Phys Med Biol 2019; 64:155011. [PMID: 31234148 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ab2c29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A quantitative characterization of the soft tissues composing the human breast is achieved by means of a monochromatic CT phase-contrast imaging system, through accurate measurements of their attenuation coefficients within the energy range of interest for breast CT clinical examinations. Quantitative measurements of linear attenuation coefficients are performed on tomographic reconstructions of surgical samples, using monochromatic x-ray beams from a synchrotron source and a free space propagation setup. An online calibration is performed on the obtained reconstructions, in order to reassess the validity of the standard calibration procedure of the CT scanner. Three types of healthy tissues (adipose, glandular, and skin) and malignant tumors, when present, are considered from each sample. The measured attenuation coefficients are in very good agreement with the outcomes of similar studies available in the literature, although they span an energy range that was mostly neglected in the previous studies. No globally significant differences are observed between healthy and malignant dense tissues, although the number of considered samples does not appear sufficient to address the issue of a quantitative differentiation of tumors. The study assesses the viability of the proposed methodology for the measurement of linear attenuation coefficients, and provides a denser sampling of attenuation data in the energy range useful to breast CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Piai
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 2, 34127 Trieste, Italy. INFN Division of Trieste, Via Valerio 2, 34127 Trieste, Italy. Present address: Department of Physics, University of Milan, Via G. Celoria 16, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Brun F, Brombal L, Di Trapani V, Delogu P, Donato S, Dreossi D, Rigon L, Longo R. Post-reconstruction 3D single-distance phase retrieval for multi-stage phase-contrast tomography with photon-counting detectors. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2019; 26:510-516. [PMID: 30855262 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577519000237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the case of single-distance propagation-based phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography with synchrotron radiation, the conventional reconstruction pipeline includes an independent 2D phase retrieval filtering of each acquired projection prior to the actual reconstruction. In order to compensate for the limited height of the X-ray beam or the small sensitive area of most modern X-ray photon-counting detectors, it is quite common to image large objects with a multi-stage approach, i.e. several acquisitions at different vertical positions of the sample. In this context, the conventional reconstruction pipeline may introduce artifacts at the margins of each vertical stage. This article presents a modified computational protocol where a post-reconstruction 3D volume phase retrieval is applied. By comparing the conventional 2D and the proposed 3D reconstructions of a large mastectomy specimen (9 cm in diameter and 3 cm in height), it is here shown that the 3D approach compensates for the multi-stage artifacts, it avoids refined projection stitching, and the image quality in terms of spatial resolution, contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio is preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Brun
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) - Trieste Division, Italy
| | - Luca Brombal
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) - Trieste Division, Italy
| | - Vittorio Di Trapani
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Delogu
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) - Trieste Division, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Rigon
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) - Trieste Division, Italy
| | - Renata Longo
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) - Trieste Division, Italy
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Brombal L, Donato S, Dreossi D, Arfelli F, Bonazza D, Contillo A, Delogu P, Di Trapani V, Golosio B, Mettivier G, Oliva P, Rigon L, Taibi A, Longo R. Phase-contrast breast CT: the effect of propagation distance. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 63:24NT03. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aaf2e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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