Radiologist Evaluation of an X-ray Tube Based Diffraction Enhanced Imaging Prototype Using Full Thickness Breast Specimens.

Journal Article · Thu May 21 04:00:00 EDT 2009 · Academic Radiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2009.05.006· OSTI ID:1041127

Faulconer, L; Zhong, Z; Parham, C; Connor, D M; Kim, E; Zeng, D; Livasy, C; Cole, E; Kuzmiak, C; Koomen, M; Pavic, D; Pisano, E

Conventional mammographic image contrast is derived from x-ray absorption, resulting in breast structure visualization due to density gradients that attenuate radiation without distinction between transmitted, scattered, or refracted x-rays. Diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI) allows for increased contrast with decreased radiation dose compared to conventional mammographic imaging because of monochromatic x-rays, its unique refraction-based contrast mechanism, and excellent scatter rejection. However, a lingering drawback to the clinical translation of DEI has been the requirement for synchrotron radiation. The authors laboratory developed a DEI prototype (DEI-PR) using a readily available tungsten x-ray tube source and traditional DEI crystal optics, providing soft tissue images at 60 keV. Images of full-thickness human breast tissue specimens were acquired on synchrotron-based DEI (DEI-SR), DEI-PR, and digital mammographic systems. A panel of expert radiologists evaluated lesion feature visibility and correlation with pathology after receiving training on the interpretation of refraction contrast mammographic images. For mammographic features (mass, calcification), no significant differences were detected between the DEI-SR and DEI-PR systems. Benign lesions were perceived as better seen by radiologists using the DEI-SR system than the DEI-PR system at the [111] reflectivity, with generalizations limited by small sample size. No significant differences between DEI-SR and DEI-PR were detected for any other lesion type (atypical, cancer) at either crystal reflectivity. Thus, except for benign lesion characterizations, the DEI-PR system's performance was roughly equivalent to that of the traditional DEI system, demonstrating a significant step toward clinical translation of this modality for breast cancer applications.

• Research Organization: BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY (BNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE SC OFFICE OF SCIENCE (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-98CH10886
• OSTI ID: 1041127
• Report Number(s): BNL--90755-2009-JA; KC0204011
• Journal Information: Academic Radiology, Journal Name: Academic Radiology Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 16; ISSN 1076-6332
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
ABSORPTION
DIFFRACTION
EVALUATION
MAMMARY GLANDS
NEOPLASMS
OPTICS
PATHOLOGY
PERFORMANCE
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATIONS
REFLECTIVITY
REFRACTION
SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
THICKNESS
TRAINING
TUNGSTEN
VISIBILITY
X-RAY TUBES