DIGITAL ACQUISITION AND DISPLAY OF MAMMOGRAMS

尽管医学成像技术有了新的进步，但x射线乳房X光照相术仍然是 乳腺癌早期检测的主要筛查工具。当前 乳房X光摄影成像技术依赖于屏幕胶片的使用 作为图像接收器的组合。使用胶片作为图像 记录和显示媒体导致了动态范围有限、非线性 信号响应，以及图像显示和处理的不灵活性。 已经开发了各种数字放射成像技术，并且 为克服这些缺点而进行的调查。所有这些都有明显的优势 和主要的缺点。储能荧光粉成像/计算机射线照相 (Cr)技术已成为一种很有前途的大规模候选技术 数字化射线成像技术的实现及其与图片的集成 档案和通信系统(PACS)。然而，当前的CR系统是 主要设计用于胸部成像，但它们并未针对 乳房X光检查。 在这个项目中，我们建议修改和优化一个实验性的CR 用于高分辨率乳房X光成像应用的系统。这将是 包括研究改进DQE、系统分辨率和 展示。将对优化系统的图像属性进行表征 通过测量信号响应、MTF和噪声特性。一个 基于体模和患者图像的综合比较研究 来评估和比较CR技术与 用于检测微钙化的传统屏幕-薄膜技术， 以及低对比度软组织肿块。

Despite new advances in medical imaging, x-ray mammography continues to be the main screening tool for early detection of breast cancer. Current mammographic imaging techniques rely on the use of screen-film combinations as the image receptors. The use of film as the image recording and display media has led to limited dynamic range, non-linear signal response, and inflexibility in image display and processing. Various digital radiography techniques have been developed and investigated to overcome these shortcomings. All have distinct advantages and major disadvantages. The storage phosphor imaging/computed radiography (CR) technique has become a promising candidate for large scale implementation of digital radiography and integration with a Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS). However, current CR systems are mainly designed for chest imaging, and they are not optimized for mammographic imaging. In this project, we propose to modify and optimize an experimental CR system for high resolution mammographic imaging applications. This will include investigation of techniques to improve DQE, system resolution, and display. Image properties of the optimized system will be characterized by measuring the signal response, MTF, and noise properties. A comprehensive comparison study based on phantoms and patient images will be conducted to evaluate and compare the CR technique with the conventional screen-film technique for detection of microcalcifications, as well as for low-contrast soft-tissue masses.