Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus

Generalized filtered back-projection reconstruction in breast tomosynthesis

Tomosynthesis reconstruction that produces high-quality images is a difficult problem, due mainly to the highly incomplete data. In this work we present a motivation for the generalized filtered backprojection (GFBP) approach to tomosynthesis reconstruction. This approach is fast (since non-iterative), flexible, and results in reconstructions with an image quality that is similar or superior to reconstructions that are mathematically optimal. Results based on synthetic data and patient data are presented.

Development and characterization of a dual-energy subtraction imaging system for chest radiography based on CsI:Tl amorphous silicon flat-panel technology

Dual-energy subtraction imaging increases the sensitivity and specificity of pulmonary nodule detection in chest radiography by reducing the contrast of overlying bone structures. Recent development of a fast, high-efficiency detector enables dual-energy imaging to be integrated into the traditional workflow. We have modified a GE RevolutionTM XQ/i chest imaging system to construct a dual-energy imaging prototype system. Here we describe the operating characteristics of this prototype and evaluate image quality. Empirical results show that the dual-energy CNR is maximized if the dose is approximately equal for both high and low energy exposures. Given the high detector DQE, and allocation of dose between the two views, we can acquire dual-energy PA and conventional lateral images with total dose equivalent to a conventional two-view film chest exam. Calculations have shown that the dual-exposure technique has superior CNR and tissue cancellation than single-exposure CR systems. Clinical images obtained on a prototype dual-energy imaging system show excellent tissue contrast cancellation, low noise, and modest motion artefacts. In summary, a prototype dual-energy system has been constructed which enables rapid, dual-exposure imaging of the chest using a commercially available high-efficiency, flat-panel x-ray detector. The quality of the clinical images generated with this prototype exceeds that of CR techniques and demonstrates the potential for improved detection and characterization of lung disease through dual-energy imaging.

Optimization of slice sensitivity profile for radiographic tomosynthesis

Similar to other tomographic imaging modalities, the slice sensitivity profile (SSP) is an important image quality metric for radiographic tomosynthesis. In this study, the relationship between the acquisition angular range (θ) and the SSP for the linear trajectory system was carefully investigated from both theoretical and experimental perspectives. A mathematical SSP model was derived for arbitrary points in the reconstructed volume. We used a newly developed flat-panel tomosynthesis prototype system to experimentally validate the mathematical model from 20°(±10°) to 60°(±30°) angular ranges. The SSP was measured by imaging an edge phantom placed at an angle with respect to the detector plane using the modulation transfer function degradation (MTF-d) method. In addition to the experiments, computer simulations were performed to investigate the relationship in a wider angular range (2.5° to 60°). Furthermore, image data from an anthropomorphic phantom were collected to corroborate the system analysis. All the images in this study were constructed using a 3D view-weighted cone-beam filtered backprojection algorithm (3D VW CB-FBP). The theoretical analysis reveals that the SSP of linear trajectory tomosynthesis is inversely proportional to tan(θ∕2). This theory was supported by both simulation (χ2=1.415, DF=7, p=0.985) and phantom experiment (r=0.999, p<0.001) and was further confirmed by an analysis of the reconstructed images of an anthropomorphic phantom. The results imply that the benefit of narrower SSP by increasing angular range quickly diminishes once beyond 40°. The advantages of the MTF-d method were also demonstrated.

Multi-source inverse geometry CT: a new system concept for x-ray computed tomography

Third-generation CT architectures are approaching fundamental limits. Spatial resolution is limited by the focal spot size and the detector cell size. Temporal resolution is limited by mechanical constraints on gantry rotation speed, and alternative geometries such as electron-beam CT and two-tube-two-detector CT come with severe tradeoffs in terms of image quality, dose-efficiency and complexity. Image noise is fundamentally linked to patient dose, and dose-efficiency is limited by finite detector efficiency and by limited spatio-temporal control over the X-ray flux. Finally, volumetric coverage is limited by detector size, scattered radiation, conebeam artifacts, Heel effect, and helical over-scan. We propose a new concept, multi-source inverse geometry CT, which allows CT to break through several of the above limitations. The proposed architecture has several advantages compared to third-generation CT: the detector is small and can have a high detection efficiency, the optical spot size is more consistent throughout the field-of-view, scatter is minimized even when eliminating the anti-scatter grid, the X-ray flux from each source can be modulated independently to achieve an optimal noise-dose tradeoff, and the geometry offers unlimited coverage without cone-beam artifacts. In this work we demonstrate the advantages of multi-source inverse geometry CT using computer simulations.

Micro-calcification detection in digital tomosynthesis mammography

A novel technique for the detection and enhancement of microcalcifications in digital tomosynthesis mammography (DTM) is presented. In this method, the DTM projection images are used directly, instead of using a 3D reconstruction. Calcification residual images are computed for each of the projection images. Calcification detection is then performed over 3D space, based on the values of the calcification residual images at projection points for each 3D point under test. The quantum, electronic, and tissue noise variance at each pixel in each of the calcification residuals is incorporated into the detection algorithm. The 3D calcification detection algorithm finds a minimum variance estimate of calcification attenuation present in 3D space based on the signal and variance of the calcification residual images at the corresponding points in the projection images. The method effectively detects calcifications in 3D in a way that both ameliorates the difficulties of joint tissue/microcalcification tomosynthetic reconstruction (streak artifacts, etc.) and exploits the well understood image properties of microcalcifications as they appear in 2D mammograms. In this method, 3D reconstruction and calcification detection and enhancement are effectively combined to create a calcification detection specific reconstruction. Motivation and details of the technique and statistical results for DTM data are provided.

High-speed large-angle mammography tomosynthesis system

A new mammography tomosynthesis prototype system that acquires 21 projection images over a 60 degree angular range in approximately 8 seconds has been developed and characterized. Fast imaging sequences are facilitated by a high power tube and generator for faster delivery of the x-ray exposure and a high speed detector read-out. An enhanced a-Si/CsI flat panel digital detector provides greater DQE at low exposure, enabling tomo image sequence acquisitions at total patient dose levels between 150% and 200% of the dose of a standard mammographic view. For clinical scenarios where a single MLO tomographic acquisition per breast may replace the standard CC and MLO views, total tomosynthesis breast dose is comparable to or below the dose in standard mammography. The system supports co-registered acquisition of x-ray tomosynthesis and 3-D ultrasound data sets by incorporating an ultrasound transducer scanning system that flips into position above the compression paddle for the ultrasound exam. Initial images acquired with the system are presented.

GE intelligent personal radiation locator system

The GE Intelligent Personal Radiation Locator (IPRL) system consists of multiple hand held radiation detectors and a base station. Each mobile unit has a CZT Compton camera radiation detector and can identify isotopes and determine the direction from which the radiation is detected. Using GPS and internal orientation sensors, the system continuously transforms all directional data into real-world coordinates. Detected radiation is wirelessly transmitted to the base station for system-wide analysis and situational awareness. Data can also be exchanged wirelessly between peers to enhance the overall detection efficiency of the system. The key design features and performance characteristics of the GE IPRL system are described.

Thickness-dependent scatter correction algorithm for digital mammography

We have implemented a scatter-correction algorithm (SCA) for digital mammography based on an iterative restoration filter. The scatter contribution to the image is modeled by an additive component that is proportional to the filtered unattenuated x-ray photon signal and dependent on the characteristics of the imaged object. The SCAs result is closer to the scatter-free signal than when a scatter grid is used. Presently, the SCA shows improved contrast-to-noise performance relative to the scatter grid for a breast thickness up to 3.6 cm, with potential for better performance up to 6 cm. We investigated the efficacy of our scatter-correction method on a series of x-ray images of anthropomorphic breast phantoms with maximum thicknesses ranging from 3.0 cm to 6.0 cm. A comparison of the scatter-corrected images with the scatter-free signal acquired using a slit collimator shows average deviations of 3 percent or less, even in the edge region of the phantoms. These results indicate that the SCA is superior to a scatter grid for 2D quantitative mammography applications, and may enable 3D quantitative applications in X-ray tomosynthesis.

Fusion of digital mammography with breast ultrasound: a phantom study

The objective of this work was to acquire co-registered digital tomosynthesis mammograms and 3-D breast ultrasound images of breast phantoms. A prototype mammography compression paddle was built for this application and installed on an x-ray tomosynthesis prototype system (GE). Following x-ray exposure, an automated two-dimensional ultrasound probe mover assembly is precisely positioned above the compression plate, and an attached high-frequency ultrasound transducer is scanned over the acoustically coupled phantom or localized region of interest within the phantom through computerized control. The co-ordinate system of one of the two data sets is then transformed into that of the other, and matching regions of interest on either image set can be simultaneously viewed on the x-ray and ultrasound images thus enhancing qualitative visualization, localization and characterization of regions of interest. The potentials of structured noise reduction, cyst versus solid mass differentiation and full 3-D visualization of multi-modality registered data sets in a single automated combined examination are realized for the first time. Elements of system design and required image correction algorithms will be described and phantom studies with this prototype, automated system on an anthropomorphic breast phantom will be presented.

Digital breast Tomosynthesis reconstruction using adaptive voxel grid

In digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) volume datasets are typically reconstructed with an anisotropic voxel size, where the in-plane voxel size usually reflects the detector pixel size (e.g., 0.1 mm), and the slice separation is generally between 0.5-1.0 mm. Increasing the tomographic angle is expected to give better 3D image quality; however, the slice spacing in the reconstruction should be reduced, otherwise one may risk losing fine-scale image detail (e.g., small microcalcifications). An alternative strategy consists of reconstructing on an adaptive voxel grid, where the voxel height at each location is adapted based on the backprojected data at this location, with the goal to improve image quality for microcalcifications. In this paper we present an approach for generating such an adaptive voxel grid. This approach is based on an initial reconstruction step that is performed at a finer slice-spacing combined with a selection of an “optimal” height for each voxel. This initial step is followed by a (potentially iterative) reconstruction acting now on the adaptive grid only.