Advancements towards the implementation of clinical phase-contrast breast computed tomography at Elettra

Longo R.;Tromba G.;Zanconati F.;Tonutti M.;Taibi A.;Russo P.;Rigon L.;Sarno A.;Pacile S.;Oliva P.;Mettivier G.;Golosio B.;Fedon C.;Fanti V.;Dreossi D.;Donato S.;Di Trapani V.;Di Lillo F.;Delogu P.;Cova M. A.;Contillo A.;Brombal L.;Bottigli U.;Bonazza D.;Arfelli F.

2019-01-01

---

Abstract

Breast computed tomography (BCT) is an emerging application of X-ray tomography in radiological practice. A few clinical prototypes are under evaluation in hospitals and new systems are under development aiming at improving spatial and contrast resolution and reducing delivered dose. At the same time, synchrotron-radiation phase-contrast mammography has been demonstrated to offer substantial advantages when compared with conventional mammography. At Elettra, the Italian synchrotron radiation facility, a clinical program of phase-contrast BCT based on the free-space propagation approach is under development. In this paper, full-volume breast samples imaged with a beam energy of 32 keV delivering a mean glandular dose of 5 mGy are presented. The whole acquisition setup mimics a clinical study in order to evaluate its feasibility in terms of acquisition time and image quality. Acquisitions are performed using a high-resolution CdTe photon-counting detector and the projection data are processed via a phase-retrieval algorithm. Tomographic reconstructions are compared with conventional mammographic images acquired prior to surgery and with histologic examinations. Results indicate that BCT with monochromatic beam and free-space propagation phase-contrast imaging provide relevant three-dimensional insights of breast morphology at clinically acceptable doses and scan times.