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Zekavat AR, Lioliou G, Roche I Morgó O, Maughan Jones C, Galea G, Maniou E, Doherty A, Endrizzi M, Astolfo A, Olivo A, Hagen C. Phase contrast micro-CT with adjustable in-slice spatial resolution at constant magnification. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:105017. [PMID: 38631365 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad4000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective.To report on a micro computed tomography (micro-CT) system capable of x-ray phase contrast imaging and of increasing spatial resolution at constant magnification.Approach.The micro-CT system implements the edge illumination (EI) method, which relies on two absorbing masks with periodically spaced transmitting apertures in the beam path; these split the beam into an array of beamlets and provide sensitivity to the beamlets' directionality, i.e. refraction. In EI, spatial resolution depends on the width of the beamlets rather than on the source/detector point spread function (PSF), meaning that resolution can be increased by decreasing the mask apertures, without changing the source/detector PSF or the magnification.Main results.We have designed a dedicated mask featuring multiple bands with differently sized apertures and used this to demonstrate that resolution is a tuneable parameter in our system, by showing that increasingly small apertures deliver increasingly detailed images. Phase contrast images of a bar pattern-based resolution phantom and a biological sample (a mouse embryo) were obtained at multiple resolutions.Significance.The new micro-CT system could find application in areas where phase contrast is already known to provide superior image quality, while the added tuneable resolution functionality could enable more sophisticated analyses in these applications, e.g. by scanning samples at multiple scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Reza Zekavat
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Grammatiki Lioliou
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oriol Roche I Morgó
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Maughan Jones
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Galea
- University College London, GOS Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eirini Maniou
- University College London, GOS Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Doherty
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Endrizzi
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Astolfo
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Olivo
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Hagen
- University College London, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
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Donato S, Arana Peña LM, Arfelli F, Brombal L, Colmo L, Longo R, Martellani F, Tromba G, Zanconati F, Bonazza D. Integrating X-ray phase-contrast imaging and histology for comparative evaluation of breast tissue malignancies in virtual histology analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5831. [PMID: 38461221 PMCID: PMC10924917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56341-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Detecting breast tissue alterations is essential for cancer diagnosis. However, inherent bidimensionality limits histological procedures' effectiveness in identifying these changes. Our study applies a 3D virtual histology method based on X-ray phase-contrast microtomography (PhC μ CT), performed at a synchrotron facility, to investigate breast tissue samples including different types of lesions, namely intraductal papilloma, micropapillary intracystic carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. One-to-one comparisons of X-ray and histological images explore the clinical potential of 3D X-ray virtual histology. Results show that PhC μ CT technique provides high spatial resolution and soft tissue sensitivity, while being non-destructive, not requiring a dedicated sample processing and being compatible with conventional histology. PhC μ CT can enhance the visualization of morphological characteristics such as stromal tissue, fibrovascular core, terminal duct lobular unit, stromal/epithelium interface, basement membrane, and adipocytes. Despite not reaching the (sub) cellular level, the three-dimensionality of PhC μ CT images allows to depict in-depth alterations of the breast tissues, potentially revealing pathologically relevant details missed by a single histological section. Compared to serial sectioning, PhC μ CT allows the virtual investigation of the sample volume along any orientation, possibly guiding the pathologist in the choice of the most suitable cutting plane. Overall, PhC μ CT virtual histology holds great promise as a tool adding to conventional histology for improving efficiency, accessibility, and diagnostic accuracy of pathological evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Donato
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy.
- Division of Frascati, INFN, 00044, Frascati, RM, Italy.
| | - Lucia Mariel Arana Peña
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Division of Trieste, INFN, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvia Arfelli
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Division of Trieste, INFN, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Brombal
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Division of Trieste, INFN, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luisella Colmo
- Unit of Surgical Pathology of the Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Renata Longo
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Division of Trieste, INFN, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvia Martellani
- Unit of Surgical Pathology of the Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Unit of Surgical Pathology of the Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Unit of Surgical Pathology of the Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), 34149, Trieste, Italy
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3
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Liu X, Bao Y, Sui L, Cao J, Wang Y, Yu C, Qiao G, Cong Y. Mammographically detected breast clustered microcalcifications localized by chest thin-section computed tomography. World J Surg Oncol 2024; 22:72. [PMID: 38419107 PMCID: PMC10902948 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-024-03354-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the capability and clinical significance of chest thin-section computed tomography (CT) for localization of mammographically detected clustered microcalcifications. METHODS A total of 69 patients with 71 mammographically detected clustered microcalcifications received surgical biopsy under the guidance of mammography (MG), CT was used to localize calcifications combined with MG if calcifications can be seen on CT. Intraoperative mammography of the specimens were performed in all cases for identification of the resected microcalcifications. The clinical, imaging and pathological information of these patients were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 42 (59.15%) cases of calcifications were localized by CT + MG, 29 (40.85%) cases were guided only by the mammography. All suspicious calcifications on the mammography were successfully removed. Pathological results showed 42 cases were cancer, 23 cases were benign, and 6 cases were atypical hyperplasia. The mean age in the CT + MG group was older than that of the MG group (54.12 vs. 49.27 years; P = 0.014). The maximum diameter of clusters of microcalcifications on mammography in the CT + MG group was larger than that of the MG group [(cranio-caudal view, 1.52 vs. 0.61 mm, P = 0.000; mediolateral oblique (MLO) view, 1.53 vs. 0.62 mm, P = 0.000)]. The gray value ratio (calcified area / paraglandular; MLO, P = 0.004) and the gray value difference (calcified area - paraglandular; MLO, P = 0.005) in the CT + MG group was higher than that of the MG group. Multivariate analysis showed that the max diameter of clusters of microcalcifications (MLO view) was a significant predictive factor of localization by CT in total patients (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS About half of the mammographically detected clustered microcalcifications could be localized by thin-section CT. Maximum diameter of clusters of microcalcifications (MLO view) was a predictor of visibility of calcifications by CT. Chest thin-section CT may be useful for localization of calcifications in some patients, especially for calcifications that are only visible in one view on the mammography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjie Liu
- Surgery Department of West Area, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai, Shandong, 264001, P.R. China
| | - Yuhan Bao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250031, P.R. China
| | - Laijian Sui
- Department of Orthopedics and Arthrology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai, Shandong, 264001, P.R. China
| | - Jianqiao Cao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai, Shandong, 264001, P.R. China
| | - Yidan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai, Shandong, 264001, P.R. China
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai, Shandong, 264001, P.R. China
| | - Guangdong Qiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai, Shandong, 264001, P.R. China
| | - Yizi Cong
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai, Shandong, 264001, P.R. China.
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Arana Peña LM, Donato S, Bonazza D, Brombal L, Martellani F, Arfelli F, Tromba G, Longo R. Multiscale X-ray phase-contrast tomography: From breast CT to micro-CT for virtual histology. Phys Med 2023; 112:102640. [PMID: 37441823 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.102640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Phase-contrast imaging techniques address the issue of poor soft-tissue contrast encountered in traditional X-ray imaging. This can be accomplished with the propagation-based phase-contrast technique by employing a coherent photon beam, which is available at synchrotron facilities, as well as long sample-to-detector distances. This study demonstrates the optimization of propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (CT) techniques for multiscale X-ray imaging of the breast at the Elettra synchrotron facility (Trieste, Italy). Two whole breast mastectomy samples were acquired with propagation-based breast-CT using a monochromatic synchrotron beam at a pixel size of 60 µm. Paraffin-embedded blocks sampled from the same tissues were scanned with propagation-based micro-CT imaging using a polychromatic synchrotron beam at a pixel size of 4 µm. Images of both methodologies and of the same sample were spatially registered. The resulting images showed the transition from whole breast imaging with propagation-based breast-CT methodology to virtual histology with propagation-based micro-CT imaging of the same sample. Additionally, conventional histological images were matched to virtual histology images. Phase-contrast images offer a high resolution with low noise, which allows for a highly precise match between virtual and conventional histology. Furthermore, those techniques allow a clear discernment of breast structures, lesions, and microcalcifications, being a promising clinically-compatible tool for breast imaging in a multiscale approach, to either assist in the detection of cancer in full volume breast samples or to complement structure identification in paraffin-embedded breast tissue samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Arana Peña
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via Alfonso Valerio 2, Trieste I-34127, Italy; INFN Division of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 Km 163,5, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, (Trieste), Italy
| | - S Donato
- Department of Physics and STAR Lab, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 31C, Rende, (CS), I-87036, Italy; INFN Division of Frascati, Via E. Fermi 54, Frascati I-00044, Italy.
| | - D Bonazza
- Unit of Surgical Pathology, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), Strada di Fiume, 447, Trieste I-34149, Italy
| | - L Brombal
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via Alfonso Valerio 2, Trieste I-34127, Italy; INFN Division of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - F Martellani
- Unit of Surgical Pathology, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isontina (ASUGI), Strada di Fiume, 447, Trieste I-34149, Italy
| | - F Arfelli
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via Alfonso Valerio 2, Trieste I-34127, Italy; INFN Division of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - G Tromba
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 Km 163,5, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, (Trieste), Italy
| | - R Longo
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via Alfonso Valerio 2, Trieste I-34127, Italy; INFN Division of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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5
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Polikarpov M, Vila-Comamala J, Wang Z, Pereira A, van Gogh S, Gasser C, Jefimovs K, Romano L, Varga Z, Lång K, Schmeltz M, Tessarini S, Rawlik M, Jermann E, Lewis S, Yun W, Stampanoni M. Towards virtual histology with X-ray grating interferometry. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9049. [PMID: 37270642 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35854-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. Diagnosing breast cancer relies on clinical examination, imaging and biopsy. A core-needle biopsy enables a morphological and biochemical characterization of the cancer and is considered the gold standard for breast cancer diagnosis. A histopathological examination uses high-resolution microscopes with outstanding contrast in the 2D plane, but the spatial resolution in the third, Z-direction, is reduced. In the present paper, we propose two high-resolution table-top systems for phase-contrast X-ray tomography of soft-tissue samples. The first system implements a classical Talbot-Lau interferometer and allows to perform ex-vivo imaging of human breast samples with a voxel size of 5.57 μm. The second system with a comparable voxel size relies on a Sigray MAAST X-ray source with structured anode. For the first time, we demonstrate the applicability of the latter to perform X-ray imaging of human breast specimens with ductal carcinoma in-situ. We assessed image quality of both setups and compared it to histology. We showed that both setups made it possible to target internal features of breast specimens with better resolution and contrast than previously achieved, demonstrating that grating-based phase-contrast X-ray CT could be a complementary tool for clinical histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Polikarpov
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland.
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - J Vila-Comamala
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
| | - Z Wang
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - A Pereira
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - S van Gogh
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Gasser
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K Jefimovs
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
| | - L Romano
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Z Varga
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zürich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K Lång
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Unilabs Mammography Unit, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - M Schmeltz
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
| | - S Tessarini
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Rawlik
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - S Lewis
- Sigray Inc., Concord, CA, 94520, USA
| | - W Yun
- Sigray Inc., Concord, CA, 94520, USA
| | - M Stampanoni
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
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6
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Vommaro ML, Donato S, Lo LK, Brandmayr P, Giglio A. Anatomical study of the red flour beetle using synchrotron radiation X-ray phase-contrast micro-tomography. J Anat 2023; 242:510-524. [PMID: 36417320 PMCID: PMC9919503 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13796] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast microtomography (SR-PhC micro-CT) is well established, fast and non-destructive imaging technique for data acquisition that is currently being used to obtain new insights into insect anatomy and function in physiological, morphological and phylogenetic studies. In this study, we described in situ the internal organs of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst 1797, a widespread pest of cereals and stored food causing serious damage to the human economy. Two-dimensional virtual sections and volumetric reconstructions of the nervous, alimentary and reproductive systems were carried out in both sexes. The results provided a comprehensive overview of the morphological characteristics of this species, such as the different maturation stages of ovarioles and the realistic location, size and shape of internal organs. Given the great interest in this model species in experimental biology and forensic entomology, complete knowledge of the general anatomy is required for future functional applications in pest control and experimental studies. In addition, this study confirms SR-PhC micro-CT as a powerful and innovative tool in entomology, particularly suitable for small species and chitinized structures that are difficult to analyse using conventional dissection and histological methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luigia Vommaro
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy.,Division of Frascati, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Rome, Italy
| | - Lai Ka Lo
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Pietro Brandmayr
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Anita Giglio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
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Zhu Y, O'Connell AM, Ma Y, Liu A, Li H, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Ye Z. Dedicated breast CT: state of the art-Part II. Clinical application and future outlook. Eur Radiol 2021; 32:2286-2300. [PMID: 34476564 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dedicated breast CT is being increasingly used for breast imaging. This technique provides images with no compression, removal of tissue overlap, rapid acquisition, and available simultaneous assessment of microcalcifications and contrast enhancement. In this second installment in a 2-part review, the current status of clinical applications and ongoing efforts to develop new imaging systems are discussed, with particular emphasis on how to achieve optimized practice including lesion detection and characterization, response to therapy monitoring, density assessment, intervention, and implant evaluation. The potential for future screening with breast CT is also addressed. KEY POINTS: • Dedicated breast CT is an emerging modality with enormous potential in the future of breast imaging by addressing numerous clinical needs from diagnosis to treatment. • Breast CT shows either noninferiority or superiority with mammography and numerical comparability to MRI after contrast administration in diagnostic statistics, demonstrates excellent performance in lesion characterization, density assessment, and intervention, and exhibits promise in implant evaluation, while potential application to breast cancer screening is still controversial. • New imaging modalities such as phase-contrast breast CT, spectral breast CT, and hybrid imaging are in the progress of R & D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqiang Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, Hexi District, 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Avice M O'Connell
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 648, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, Hexi District, 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Aidi Liu
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, Hexi District, 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Haijie Li
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, Hexi District, 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, Hexi District, 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Koning Corporation, Lennox Tech Enterprise Center, 150 Lucius Gordon Drive, Suite 112, West Henrietta, NY, 14586, USA
| | - Zhaoxiang Ye
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, Hexi District, 300060, Tianjin, China.
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8
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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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9
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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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Heck L, Eggl E, Grandl S, Dierolf M, Jud C, Günther B, Achterhold K, Mayr D, Gleich B, Hellerhoff K, Pfeiffer F, Herzen J. Dose and spatial resolution analysis of grating-based phase-contrast mammography using an inverse Compton x-ray source. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2020; 7:023505. [PMID: 32341937 PMCID: PMC7175026 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.7.2.023505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Although the mortality rate of breast cancer was reduced with the introduction of screening mammography, many women undergo unnecessary subsequent examinations due to inconclusive diagnoses. Superposition of anatomical structures especially within dense breasts in conjunction with the inherently low soft tissue contrast of absorption images compromises image quality. This can be overcome by phase-contrast imaging. Approach: We analyze the spatial resolution of grating-based multimodal mammography using a mammographic phantom and one freshly dissected mastectomy specimen at an inverse Compton x-ray source. Here, the focus was on estimating the spatial resolution with the sample in the beam path and discussing benefits and drawbacks of the method used and the estimation of the mean glandular dose. Finally, the possibility of improving the spatial resolution is investigated by comparing monochromatic grating-based mammography with the standard one. Results: The spatial resolution is constant or also higher for the image acquired with monochromatic radiation and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) is higher in our approach while the dose can be reduced by up to 20%. Conclusions: In summary, phase-contrast imaging helps to improve tumor detection by advanced diagnostic image quality. We demonstrate a higher spatial resolution for one mastectomy specimen and increased CNR at an equal or lower dose for the monochromatic measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Heck
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Elena Eggl
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Susanne Grandl
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Dierolf
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Christoph Jud
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Benedikt Günther
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Klaus Achterhold
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Doris Mayr
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Institute of Pathology, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Gleich
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
| | - Karin Hellerhoff
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Pfeiffer
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Herzen
- Technical University of Munich, Chair of Biomedical Physics, Munich School of BioEngineering, Department of Physics, Garching, Germany
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11
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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.
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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
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