Assessment of grating-based X-ray phase-contrast CT for differentiation of invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ in an experimental ex vivo set-up

作者：Sztrokay Aniko; Herzen Julia; Auweter Sigrid D; Liebhardt Susanne; Mayr Doris; Willner Marian; Hahn Dieter; Zanette Irene; Weitkamp Timm; Hellerhoff Karin; Pfeiffer Franz; Reiser Maximilian F; Bamberg Fabian^*

来源：European Radiology, 2013, 23(2): 381-387.

DOI：10.1007/s00330-012-2592-1

• X-ray phase-contrast imaging
• Computed tomography
• Synchrotron radiation
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
• Invasive ductal carcinoma

Limited contrast between healthy and tumour tissue is a limiting factor in mammography and CT of the breast. Phase-contrast computed tomography (PC-CT) provides improved soft-tissue contrast compared with absorption-based techniques. In this study, we assessed the technical feasibility of grating-based PC-CT imaging of the breast for characterisation of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
Grating-based PC-CT was performed on one breast specimen containing an invasive ductal carcinoma and DCIS using monochromatic radiation of 23 keV. Phase-contrast and absorption-based images were compared qualitatively and quantitatively with histopathology in a blinded fashion.
Grating-based PC-CT showed improved differentiation of soft-tissue components. Circular structures of high phase-shift contrast corresponding to the walls of the dilated ductuli of the DCIS were visualised with a contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of 9.6 using PC-CT but were not detectable on absorption-based images (CNR = 0.27). The high phase-shift structures of the dilated ductuli were identifiable in the PC-CT volume data set allowing for 3D characterisation of DCIS.
Our results indicate that unlike conventional CT, grating-based PC-CT may allow the differentiation between invasive carcinoma and intraductal carcinoma and healthy breast tissue and provide 3D visualisation of DCIS.
aEuro cent Phase-contrast computed tomography (CT) yields improved soft-tissue contrast.
aEuro cent The method can resolve the fine structure of a breast tumour.
aEuro cent Invasive and intraductal carcinoma can be differentiated.
aEuro cent Differentiation is possible by visual inspection and quantification.
aEuro cent The method could improve early breast cancer diagnosis.

• 出版日期2013-2