Temporal Subtraction of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Images for Improved Mass Detection
Abstract
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) strives to overcome the obstacles presented in conventional 2D mammography by taking multiple projections over a fixed angle and reconstructing volumetric data isolates overlying anatomy from in-plane structures and amplify the conspicuity of lesions. Temporal subtraction automates the process of comparative analysis by using two images taken sequentially and subtracting them in order to find temporal discrepancies. The purpose of this project is to determine the feasibility of using temporal subtraction on DBT phantom images to allow for easier and earlier detection of breast cancer than with either technique alone. The investigator acquired initial tomosynthesis images with the compressible and deformable breast phantom using materials to simulate the breast parenchyma. This was a first step to see if the physical breast phantom originally conceived in theory would work in practice. Unfortunately, the materials used for the breast tissues did not provide a realistic enough breast simulation. Further work must be done to find different materials to use for the physical breast phantom so that realistic images can be used for the observer study. The investigator found that a 3D computer simulated breast phantom needs to provide a realistic and accurate representation of the breast parenchyma in order to offer a compelling argument for the technique. This can be accomplished through either mathematical methods using geometrical primitives or voxelizations of real patient data. The investigator has decided to use an approach combining empirical breast CT data with subdivision surfaces (SD)and non-uniform rational b-splines (NURBS) in the future for the computer breast simulation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA477541
Entities
People
- Christina M. Li
Organizations
- Duke University