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From the innovation of Ziedses des Plantes to modern imaging: How is digital tomography reshaping medical imaging?
Digital tomography (DTS) is a method of performing high-resolution limited-angle tomography at dose levels relative to conventional radiography. This technology has a wide range of clinical applications, covering the fields of vascular imaging, dental imaging, orthopedic imaging, breast imaging, sports system imaging, and chest imaging.
Historical background
The concept of digital tomography originated from the research of Ziedses des Plantes, who developed techniques for reconstructing any number of planes from a set of projections. Although this concept was once superseded with the advent of computed tomography (CT), digital tomography has regained interest as an alternative to CT as the need for low-dose tomography has increased.
Reconstruction Technology
The reconstruction algorithm of digital tomography is similar to CT technology and is based on the inverse Radon transform. However, due to incomplete data sampling, approximation algorithms must be used for processing.
While traditional filtered backprojection algorithms require a complete data set, digital tomography can operate on less data, thereby reducing radiation and cost.In many studies, the iterative expectation maximization algorithm is widely used for data reconstruction.
Differences from other imaging technologies
Digital tomography combines digital image capture and processing technology with simple tube/detector motion found in conventional CT. Although there are some similarities between digital tomography and CT, it is still a separate technology.
Digital tomography requires a smaller number of projections, which results in lower radiation exposure and lower costs.In modern CT, the source/detector rotates at least a full 180 degrees around the subject to obtain a complete data set for image reconstruction. Digital tomography, on the other hand, only uses limited rotation angles (eg 15-60 degrees).
Application Scope
Breast imaging
Digital breast tomography (DBT) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for breast cancer screening. Although there is controversy about the utility of screening, consensus is emerging that this technology increases sensitivity while resulting in slightly lower specificity (i.e., increased repeat testing rates).
Breast image
Digital tomography is also used in chest imaging, especially when interpreting lung lesions, and can provide image quality that is superior to traditional X-rays.
Skeletal system images
Digital tomography has greater potential for imaging bones, especially in fracture assessment. Studies have shown that digital tomography has better sensitivity than traditional X-rays in detecting healing fractures while reducing the impact of metal artifacts.
Digital tomography has also shown excellent performance in detecting ulcers in rheumatoid arthritis. Its sensitivity, specificity and other indicators show obvious advantages over digital X-ray.
Electronic component testing
Digital tomography is also widely used in X-ray inspection of electronic components, especially the inspection of printed circuit boards. Due to its high magnification characteristics, in some applications that require close detection, the effects that cannot be achieved by traditional CT can be compensated.
With the development of science and technology, the application prospects of digital tomography continue to expand. What kind of changes will this technology bring to medical imaging in the future?
