ETACT-An Innovative Approach to Scintimammography
Abstract
This project investigates the use of a novel approach to scintimammography (SMM) known as emission tuned aperture computed tomography (ETACT). In ETACT, a series of projections of the radionuclide distribution in the breast are acquired with fiducial markers. These data are reconstructed into tomographic slices. The hypothesis of this project is that ETACT will significantly increase the diagnosis accuracy of SMM, and can be applied in a simple, flexible and practical manner. We have developed a simulation model for the acquisition process of ETACT and have used this tool to perform an evaluation of the aperture size appropriate for ETACT. It was determined that a 3 mm diameter aperture was optimal for ETACT. We performed a preliminary phantom evaluation with 3 tumor sizes (6, 8, 13 mm) and a 10:1 T/NT ratio. The 8 and 13 mm tumors were visible whereas the 6 mm was not. We will continue to work on our ETACT simulator to include attenuation and scatter. We will simulate ETACT data to evaluate projection number and divergence as a function of tumor size, location and T/NT ratio. We will further evaluate ETACT and compare it to planar and SPECT imaging through phantom studies. We will develop an ETACT clinical prototype of the procedure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA387763
Entities
People
- Frederic Fahey
Organizations
- Wake Forest School of Medicine