Analyzer-based Phase Contrast Imaging System Development and Evaluation

拟议的项目涉及一种新型低剂量X射线设备的新设计， 基于分析仪的相位对比成像（ABI），一种使用X射线折射的模态， 在乳房和其他软组织的成像方面产生显著的改进。ABI有 在同步加速器设施中产生非凡图像的记录， 紧凑型ABI原型所需的成像时间远远长于 实用于临床使用。我们开发了一种突破性的方法，包括 一些创新的设计概念，当结合起来，预计将提供 8.3秒内完成100 µm分辨率的全乳房成像。建议的目标 该项目将有条不紊地设计、优化和构建这样的ABI系统， 在专家读者研究中评估其输出。ABI成像提供了许多重要的 潜在的好处：1）ABI具有非常高的固有软组织图像对比度， X射线折射和强散射抑制的物理学，有望提供清晰的 钙化和毛刺的可视化; 2）ABI可以作为平面成像 方法，但也可以用于断层合成或计算机 断层扫描（CT）模式; 3）ABI不需要注射造影剂; 4）ABI可以 减少辐射剂量，因为它可以在更高的X射线能量（准 在~ 60 keV下的单色）; 5）在ABI中看到的图像细节可能最终消除 需要断层合成或CT，导致在临床中读取的图像较少; 6）ABI 可以允许区分钙化类型，从而提高特异性;以及7） ABI允许组织密度的定量成像。基于一个初步的原型 设备，我们已经建立了强有力的证据，临床实用的ABI的可行性 性能ABI系统的开发是一个复杂的软硬件协同设计过程 过程这一过程的主要内容将确定项目的具体目标， 如下：1.设计并构建一个紧凑型ABI成像系统，以证明其实用性 成像时间2.开发模拟和幻象工具。3.优化图像处理 和迭代重建方法。4.使用离体整体评估成像系统 乳房标本和混合组织模型。

The proposed project concerns a new design for a novel, low-dose x-ray device for analyzer-based phase contrast imaging (ABI), a modality that uses x-ray refraction to produce dramatic improvements in imaging of the breast and other soft tissues. ABI has been well documented to produce extraordinary images at synchrotron facilities, but compact ABI prototypes have required imaging times that are far longer than what is practical for clinical use. We have developed a breakthrough approach, including a number of innovative design concepts that, when combined, are expected to deliver whole-breast imaging at 100 µm resolution in 8.3 seconds. The goal of the proposed project will be to methodically design, optimize, and construct such an ABI system and evaluate its output in an expert reader study. ABI imaging offers many important potential benefits: 1) ABI has very high inherent soft-tissue image contrast due to the physics of x-ray refraction and strong scatter rejection, promising to provide clear visualization of calcifications and spiculations; 2) ABI can act as a planar-imaging method like mammography, but can also be used in tomosynthesis or computed tomography (CT) modes; 3) ABI has no need for injected contrast agent; 4) ABI may reduce radiation dose, because it can operate at higher x-ray energies (quasi- monochromatic at ~60keV); 5) the image detail seen in ABI may ultimately eliminate the need for tomosynthesis or CT, resulting in fewer images to be read in the clinic; 6) ABI may permit calcification types to be discriminated, thereby improving specificity; and 7) ABI permits quantitative imaging of tissue density. Based on a preliminary prototype device, we have established strong evidence of feasibility of clinically practical ABI performance. ABI system development is a complex hardware-software co-design process. The main elements in this process will define the project's specific aims as follows: 1. Design and construct a compact ABI imaging system to demonstrate practical imaging time. 2. Develop simulation and phantom tools. 3. Optimize image processing and iterative reconstruction methods. 4. Evaluate imaging system using ex vivo whole breast specimens and hybrid tissue phantoms.