Combined optical and X-ray tomosynthesis breast imaging.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To explore the optical and physiologic properties of normal and lesion-bearing breasts by using a combined optical and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) imaging system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Institutional review board approval and patient informed consent were obtained for this HIPAA-compliant study. Combined optical and tomosynthesis imaging analysis was performed in 189 breasts from 125 subjects (mean age, 56 years ± 13 [standard deviation]), including 138 breasts with negative findings and 51 breasts with lesions. Three-dimensional (3D) maps of total hemoglobin concentration (Hb(T)), oxygen saturation (So(2)), and tissue reduced scattering coefficients were interpreted by using the coregistered DBT images. Paired and unpaired t tests were performed between various tissue types to identify significant differences.

RESULTS:

The estimated average bulk Hb(T) from 138 normal breasts was 19.2 μmol/L. The corresponding mean So(2) was 0.73, within the range of values in the literature. A linear correlation (R = 0.57, P < .0001) was found between Hb(T) and the fibroglandular volume fraction derived from the 3D DBT scans. Optical reconstructions of normal breasts revealed structures corresponding to chest-wall muscle, fibroglandular, and adipose tissues in the Hb(T), So(2), and scattering images. In 26 malignant tumors of 0.6-2.5 cm in size, Hb(T) was significantly greater than that in the fibroglandular tissue of the same breast (P = .0062). Solid benign lesions (n = 17) and cysts (n = 8) had significantly lower Hb(T) contrast than did the malignant lesions (P = .025 and P = .0033, respectively).

CONCLUSION:

The optical and DBT images were structurally consistent. The malignant tumors and benign lesions demonstrated different Hb(T) and scattering contrasts, which can potentially be exploited to reduce the false-positive rate of conventional mammography and unnecessary biopsies.

• Authors: Qianqian Fang, Juliette Selb, Stefan A Carp, Gregory Boverman, Eric L Miller, Dana H Brooks, Richard H Moore, Daniel B Kopans, David A Boas
• Journal: Radiology (Radiology) Vol. 258 Issue 1 Pg. 89-97 (Jan 2011) ISSN: 1527-1315 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21062924 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)
• Copyright: © RSNA, 2010

Chemical References

• Oxygen

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Breast Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• False Positive Reactions
• Female
• Humans
• Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted (methods)
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional
• Mammography (methods)
• Middle Aged
• Oxygen (metabolism)
• Radiographic Image Enhancement (methods)
• Tomography, Optical (methods)