1
|
Dukov N, Bliznakova K, Okkalidis N, Teneva T, Encheva E, Bliznakov Z. Thermoplastic 3D printing technology using a single filament for producing realistic patient-derived breast models. Phys Med Biol 2022; 67. [PMID: 35038693 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac4c30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective. This work describes an approach for producing physical anthropomorphic breast phantoms from clinical patient data using three-dimensional (3D) fused-deposition modelling (FDM) printing.Approach. The source of the anthropomorphic model was a clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) patient image set, which was segmented slice by slice into adipose and glandular tissues, skin and tumour formations; thus obtaining a four component computational breast model. The segmented tissues were mapped to specific Hounsfield Units (HU) values, which were derived from clinical breast Computed Tomography (CT) data. The obtained computational model was used as a template for producing a physical anthropomorphic breast phantom using 3D printing. FDM technology with only one polylactic acid filament was used. The physical breast phantom was scanned at Siemens SOMATOM Definition CT. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation were carried out to assess the clinical realism of CT slices of the physical breast phantom.Main results. The comparison between selected slices from the computational breast phantom and CT slices of the physical breast phantom shows similar visual x-ray appearance of the four breast tissue structures: adipose, glandular, tumour and skin. The results from the task-based evaluation, which involved three radiologists, showed a high degree of realistic clinical radiological appearance of the modelled breast components. Measured HU values of the printed structures are within the range of HU values used in the computational phantom. Moreover, measured physical parameters of the breast phantom, such as weight and linear dimensions, agreed very well with the corresponding ones of the computational breast model.Significance. The presented approach, based on a single FDM material, was found suitable for manufacturing of a physical breast phantom, which mimics well the 3D spatial distribution of the different breast tissues and their x-ray absorption properties. As such, it could be successfully exploited in advanced x-ray breast imaging research applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Dukov
- Department of Medical Equipment, Electronic and Information Technologies in Healthcare, Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Kristina Bliznakova
- Department of Medical Equipment, Electronic and Information Technologies in Healthcare, Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | | | - Tsvetelina Teneva
- Department of Imaging Diagnostics, Interventional Radiology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Elitsa Encheva
- Department of Imaging Diagnostics, Interventional Radiology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Zhivko Bliznakov
- Department of Medical Equipment, Electronic and Information Technologies in Healthcare, Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gureyev TE, Nesterets YI, Baran PM, Taba ST, Mayo SC, Thompson D, Arhatari B, Mihocic A, Abbey B, Lockie D, Fox J, Kumar B, Prodanovic Z, Hausermann D, Maksimenko A, Hall C, Peele AG, Dimmock M, Pavlov KM, Cholewa M, Lewis S, Tromba G, Quiney HM, Brennan PC. Propagation-based x-ray phase-contrast tomography of mastectomy samples using synchrotron radiation. Med Phys 2019; 46:5478-5487. [PMID: 31574166 DOI: 10.1002/mp.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) is a method for three-dimensional x-ray imaging that utilizes refraction, as well as absorption, of x rays in the tissues to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the resultant images, in comparison with equivalent conventional absorption-only x-ray tomography (CT). Importantly, the higher SNR is achieved without sacrificing spatial resolution or increasing the radiation dose delivered to the imaged tissues. The present work has been carried out in the context of the current development of a breast CT imaging facility at the Australian Synchrotron. METHODS Seven unfixed complete mastectomy samples with and without breast cancer lesions have been imaged using absorption-only CT and PB-CT techniques under controlled experimental conditions. The radiation doses delivered to the mastectomy samples during the scans were comparable to those approved for mammographic screening. Physical characteristics of the reconstructed images, such as spatial resolution and SNR, have been measured and compared with the results of the radiological quality assessment of the complete absorption CT and PB-CT image stacks. RESULTS Despite the presence of some image artefacts, the PB-CT images have outperformed comparable absorption CT images collected at the same radiation dose, in terms of both the measured objective image characteristics and the radiological image scores. The outcomes of these experiments are shown to be consistent with predictions of the theory of PB-CT imaging and previous reported experimental studies of this imaging modality. CONCLUSIONS The results presented in this paper demonstrate that PB-CT holds a high potential for improving on the quality and diagnostic value of images obtained using existing medical x-ray technologies, such as mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). If implemented at suitable synchrotron imaging facilities, PB-CT can be used to complement existing imaging modalities, leading to more accurate breast cancer diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T E Gureyev
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, 2141, Australia.,Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia.,University of New England, Armidale, 2351, Australia
| | - Ya I Nesterets
- University of New England, Armidale, 2351, Australia.,Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, 3168, Australia
| | - P M Baran
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - S T Taba
- The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, 2141, Australia
| | - S C Mayo
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, 3168, Australia
| | - D Thompson
- University of New England, Armidale, 2351, Australia.,Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, 3168, Australia
| | - B Arhatari
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia.,La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Australia
| | - A Mihocic
- La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Australia
| | - B Abbey
- La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Australia
| | - D Lockie
- Maroondah BreastScreen, Ringwood East, 3135, Australia
| | - J Fox
- Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
| | - B Kumar
- Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
| | | | - D Hausermann
- Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Clayton, 3168, Australia
| | - A Maksimenko
- Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Clayton, 3168, Australia
| | - C Hall
- Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Clayton, 3168, Australia
| | - A G Peele
- Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Clayton, 3168, Australia
| | - M Dimmock
- Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
| | - K M Pavlov
- Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia.,University of New England, Armidale, 2351, Australia.,University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand
| | - M Cholewa
- University of Rzeszow, 35-310, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - S Lewis
- The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, 2141, Australia
| | - G Tromba
- Elettra Sincrotrone, 34149, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - H M Quiney
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - P C Brennan
- The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, 2141, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Malliori A, Bliznakova K, Bliznakov Z, Cockmartin L, Bosmans H, Pallikarakis N. Breast tomosynthesis using the multiple projection algorithm adapted for stationary detectors. JOURNAL OF X-RAY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2016; 24:23-41. [PMID: 26890907 DOI: 10.3233/xst-160538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate the validity of using the Multiple Projection Algorithm (MPA) for Breast Tomosynthesis (BT) using real projection images acquired with phantoms at a clinical setting. METHODS The CIRS-BR3D phantom with ranging thicknesses between 3 cm and 6 cm was used for all image quality evaluations. Five sets of measurements were acquired, each comprised of a 2D mammographic image followed by a set of 25 projections within an arc length of 50°. A reconstruction algorithm based on the MPA was adapted for partial isocentric rotation using a stationary detector. For reference purposes, a Back Projection (BP) algorithm was also developed for this geometry. The performance of the algorithms was evaluated, in combination with pre-filtering of the projections, in comparative studies that involved also a comparison between tomosynthesis slices and 2D mammograms. RESULTS Evaluation of tomosynthesis slices reconstructed with BP and MPA showed close performance for the two algorithms with no considerable differences in feature detection, size and appearance of the background tissue with the MPA running faster the overall process. Pre-filtering of the projections, led to better BT images compared to non-filtering. Increased thickness resulted in limited detection of the features of interest, especially the smaller sized ones. In these cases, the filtered BT slices allowed improved visualization due to removed superimposed tissue compared to the 2D images. The different breast-like slab arrangements in phantoms of the same thickness demonstrated a slight influence on the quality of reconstructed features. CONCLUSIONS The MPA which had been applied previously to reconstruct tomograms from projections acquired at synchrotron facilities, is a time efficient algorithm, and is fully compliant with and can be successfully used in BT clinical systems. Compared to 2D mammography, BT shows advantage in visualizing features of small size and for increased phantom thickness or features within a dense background with superimposed structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Malliori
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - K Bliznakova
- Department of Medical Electronics, Technical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Z Bliznakov
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - L Cockmartin
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat, Leuven, Belgium
| | - H Bosmans
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat, Leuven, Belgium
| | - N Pallikarakis
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nesterets YI, Gureyev TE, Mayo SC, Stevenson AW, Thompson D, Brown JMC, Kitchen MJ, Pavlov KM, Lockie D, Brun F, Tromba G. A feasibility study of X-ray phase-contrast mammographic tomography at the Imaging and Medical beamline of the Australian Synchrotron. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2015; 22:1509-1523. [PMID: 26524316 DOI: 10.1107/s160057751501766x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Results are presented of a recent experiment at the Imaging and Medical beamline of the Australian Synchrotron intended to contribute to the implementation of low-dose high-sensitivity three-dimensional mammographic phase-contrast imaging, initially at synchrotrons and subsequently in hospitals and medical imaging clinics. The effect of such imaging parameters as X-ray energy, source size, detector resolution, sample-to-detector distance, scanning and data processing strategies in the case of propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (CT) have been tested, quantified, evaluated and optimized using a plastic phantom simulating relevant breast-tissue characteristics. Analysis of the data collected using a Hamamatsu CMOS Flat Panel Sensor, with a pixel size of 100 µm, revealed the presence of propagation-based phase contrast and demonstrated significant improvement of the quality of phase-contrast CT imaging compared with conventional (absorption-based) CT, at medically acceptable radiation doses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yakov I Nesterets
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Timur E Gureyev
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sheridan C Mayo
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew W Stevenson
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Darren Thompson
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeremy M C Brown
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marcus J Kitchen
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Konstantin M Pavlov
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | | | - Francesco Brun
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuliana Tromba
- Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, Basovizza (Trieste), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Malliori A, Bliznakova K, Sechopoulos I, Kamarianakis Z, Fei B, Pallikarakis N. Breast tomosynthesis with monochromatic beams: a feasibility study using Monte Carlo simulations. Phys Med Biol 2014; 59:4681-96. [PMID: 25082791 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/59/16/4681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the impact on image quality of using monochromatic beams for lower dose breast tomosynthesis (BT). For this purpose, modeling and simulation of BT and mammography imaging processes have been performed using two x-ray beams: one at 28 kVp and a monochromatic one at 19 keV at different entrance surface air kerma ranging between 0.16 and 5.5 mGy. Two 4 cm thick computational breast models, in a compressed state, were used: one simple homogeneous and one heterogeneous based on CT breast images, with compositions of 50% glandular-50% adipose and 40% glandular-60% adipose tissues by weight, respectively. Modeled lesions, representing masses and calcifications, were inserted within these breast phantoms. X-ray transport in the breast models was simulated with previously developed and validated Monte Carlo application. Results showed that, for the same incident photon fluence, the use of the monochromatic beam in BT resulted in higher image quality compared to the one using polychromatic acquisition, especially in terms of contrast. For the homogenous phantom, the improvement ranged between 15% and 22% for calcifications and masses, respectively, while for the heterogeneous one this improvement was in the order of 33% for the masses and 17% for the calcifications. For different exposures, comparable image quality in terms of signal-difference-to-noise ratio and higher contrast for all features was obtained when using a monochromatic 19 keV beam at a lower mean glandular dose, compared to the polychromatic one. Monochromatic images also provide better detail and, in combination with BT, can lead to substantial improvement in visualization of features, and particularly better edge detection of low-contrast masses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Malliori
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras 26500, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|