Abstract ID: 17209 Title: Principles of Breast Tomosynthesis Acquisition and Reconstruction
Digital tomosynthesis, approved by the FDA in Feb 2011, is revolutionizing breast
imaging. Breast tomosynthesis is a limited-angle cone-beam CT imaging method, based
on modified full-field digital mammography systems, which produces 3D slice images of
the breast. Tomosynthesis provides 3D images for comparable speed, resolution, cost,
and dose to mammography. Tomosynthesis addresses the problem of overlapping dense
tissue which is the most common cause for unnecessary callbacks as well as missed
cancers in mammography screening. For these reasons, tomosynthesis may be only
imaging technique with the potential to completely replace the current role of
mammography as the primary tool in breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
The design of a tomosynthesis system requires optimization of numerous parameters.
The system must work well in both screening and diagnostic imaging. Optimization
criteria include minimizing the scan acquisition time and the total procedure time, the
ability to reduce the appearance of overlapping tissues, and minimizing the appearance of
artifacts. Optimization requires a careful balance between acquisition parameters and
reconstruction methods. In this presentation, the acquisition system will be detailed and
the effect of various acquisition parameters will be demonstrated. Similarly, the various
methods of image reconstruction will be reviewed, and the impact on image quality
evaluated.
Research support for this project has been provided in part by Hologic Corp, in addition
to the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer
Institute and National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
Learning Objectives:
1) Review the state-of-the-art in DBT system design
2) Understand the difference between breast tomosynthesis and dedicated breast CT.
3) Appreciate the physics involved in the development and optimization of breast
tomosynthesis.
4) Understand the clinical promise and concerns of using breast tomosynthesis.