A Novel Method for Determining Calcification Composition
Abstract
Calcifications can be divided into two broad categories. Type I are composed of weddellite (calcium oxalate dihydrate), while type II calcifications all have some phosphorus content, most typically calcium hydroxyapatite. Type II calcifications are known to be associated with carcinoma, while it is generally accepted that the exclusive finding of type I calcifications is indicative of benign lesions. We propose to develop a technique that will determine the composition of calcifications prior to biopsy, thereby allowing one to avoid biopsy on Type I calcifications. We believe that coherent scatter imaging (which is similar to x-ray diffraction imaging) may best determine the chemical composition of calcifications. In this grant, we propose to design a dedicated detector and optimize image acquisition. We will characterize the detector, and characterize specific raw materials to determine a basis set for compositional analysis. We will validate this design using a clinical trial of surgical biopsy specimens prior to histology. Finally, we propose to design a larger clinical trial designed to answer our main hypothesis, that Type I calcifications are exclusively benign, and hence do not require surgical resection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA396683
Entities
People
- Andrew D. Maidment
Organizations
- Thomas Jefferson University