A Clinical High Resolution Imaging System (CHRIS)

描述（由申请人提供）：我们建议开发一种创新的原型成像系统，该系统将紧凑光源（由NIGMS SBIR资助开发的新x射线源）的独特特性与称为微分相位对比成像的新成像方法相结合。这种临床高分辨率成像系统（CHRIS）将产生X射线图像，可以在极其精细的尺度上区分软组织的细微变化。紧凑光源（CLS）是由NIGMS的蛋白质结构计划资助开发的，是一种高强度，可调的同步加速器光源，它足够小，可用于临床实施。DPCI是一种优雅的新成像技术，已证明使用X射线可实现软组织的上级可视化。DPCI的图像对比度是由穿过受试者的X射线的相移引起的，因此不像传统的X射线技术那样依赖于吸收。DPCI技术提供了三种改进的对比机制，以显示标准X射线照片中未显示的特定软组织细节：由近单色点状X射线源产生的更高质量的吸收对比;突出软组织密度变化的相位对比;以及强调软组织精细结构的小角度散射的暗场对比。DPCI作为一种透射技术，也有利于高能X射线（30 keV或更高），与传统X射线技术相比，高能X射线可以显著降低患者接收的吸收剂量。CHRIS旨在整合这两种创新技术-CLS和DPCI-以产生用于体模和组织样本的2-D和断层成像的交钥匙系统，其具有模拟临床应用所需运动所需的所有自由度;它将在以后处理患者而无需进行重大重新设计的情况下实施。完成后，CHRIS将成为一种产品，能够开发这种新方法的临床应用，用于癌症检测、乳腺X射线摄影、骨关节炎、小动物成像和其他需要检测软组织内精细结构的临床放射学应用。CHRIS的提案旨在开发一种新的、多功能的最先进的仪器，以便对广泛的健康问题进行基础生物医学研究和临床调查。公共卫生相关性：拟议的临床高分辨率成像系统（CHRIS）将通过采用新的对比机制来扩展目前X射线诊断成像的能力，以显示传统X射线摄影无法显示的软组织内的极细微细节。这种改进的X射线成像将使研究人员能够更好地了解疾病和治疗方法，并有助于在最早的可检测阶段诊断和治疗疾病。CHRIS将是一种新的最先进的仪器，能够对广泛的健康问题进行基础生物医学研究和临床调查，包括癌症的早期检测，小动物的体内成像以及其他软组织应用。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We propose to develop an innovative prototype imaging system which combines the unique properties of the Compact Light Source (a new x-ray source developed with NIGMS SBIR funding) with a new imaging method called Differential Phase Contrast Imaging. This Clinical High Resolution Imaging System (CHRIS) will yield x-ray images which can distinguish subtle variations in soft tissue at an extremely fine scale. The Compact Light Source (CLS), developed with a grant from the Protein Structure Initiative of the NIGMS, is a high-intensity, tunable synchrotron light source that is small enough for clinical implementation. DPCI is an elegant new imaging technology that has demonstrated superior visualization of soft tissue using x-rays. Image contrast for DPCI is caused by the phase shift of x-rays passing through the subject and therefore does not rely upon absorption as with conventional x-ray techniques. The DPCI technique provides three improved contrast mechanisms to reveal specific soft tissue detail not revealed in standard radiographs: higher-quality absorption contrast arising from the nearly monochromatic point-like x-ray source; phase contrast that highlights the density variation of soft tissue; and dark-field contrast which accentuates small-angle scattering from the fine structure of soft tissue. DPCI, as a transmissive technique, also favors high-energy x-rays (30 keV or higher) that can significantly reduce the absorbed dose received by the patient over conventional x-ray techniques. CHRIS is intended to integrate these two innovative technologies-the CLS and DPCI-to produce a turnkey system for both 2-D and tomographic imaging of phantoms and tissue samples with all of the degrees of freedom necessary to simulate the motions required for clinical applications; it will be implemented with the intent of later handling patients without significant re-engineering. When complete, the CHRIS will be a product which will enable the development of clinical applications of this new method towards cancer detection, mammography, osteoarthritis, small animal imaging and other clinical radiological applications which require the detection of fine structure within soft tissue. The CHRIS proposal seeks to develop a new, versatile state-of-the-art instrument to enable both basic biomedical research and clinical investigations of a wide range of health issues. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The proposed Clinical High Resolution Imaging System (CHRIS) will extend the power of present x-ray diagnostic imaging by employing new contrast mechanisms to show extremely fine details within soft tissue that conventional radiography cannot reveal. This improved x-ray imaging would enable researchers to better understand disease and therapies and help to diagnose and treat disease at the earliest detectable stage. CHRIS will be a new state-of-the-art instrument to enable both basic biomedical research and clinical investigations of a wide range of health issues, including the early detection of cancer, in vivo imaging of small animals, as well as other soft tissue applications.