A Novel Method for Determining Calcification Composition
Abstract
Calcifications can be divided into two broad categories. Type I are composed of weddellite, 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 are attempting 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. To date in this grant, we have designed a dedicated detector and are in the process of optimizing image acquisition. We have characterized the detector, in part, and have characterized specific raw materials to determine a basis set for compositional analysis. We intend to validate this design using a clinical trial of surgical biopsy specimens prior to histology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417963
Entities
People
- Andrew D. Maidment
Organizations
- Thomas Jefferson University