Mammographic microcalcifications: detection with xerography, screen- film, and digitized film display

Pulverized bone specks and aluminum oxide specks were measured by hand into sizes ranging from 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm and then arranged in clusters. These clusters were superimposed on a human breast tissue phantom, and xeromammograms and screen-film mammograms of the clusters were made. The screen-film mammograms were digitized using a high-resolution laser scanner and then displayed on cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. Six radiologists independently counted the microcalcifications on the xeromammograms, the screen-film mammograms, and the digitized-film mammograms. The xeromammograms were examined with a magnifying glass; the screen-film images were examined with a magnifying glass and by hot light; and the digitized-film images were examined by electronic magnification and image processing. The bone speck size that corresponded to a mean 50% detectability level for each technique was as follows: xeromammography, 0.550 mm; digitized film, 0.573 mm; and screen-film, 0.661 mm. We postulate that electronic magnification and image processing with edge enhancement can improve the capability of screen-film mammography to enhance the detection of microcalcifications.     

The evaluation and calibration of fan-beam collimators

The aims of this study were (a) to determine the true focal length of a fan-beam collimator and (b) to calibrate image size (mm/pixel) for each collimator to permit inter-comparison of image data acquired on different gamma camera systems. A total of six fan-beam collimators on three dual-head gamma camera systems were evaluated using a set of four cobalt-57 point source markers. The markers were arranged in a line in the transverse plane with a known separation between them. Tomographic images were obtained at three radii of rotation. From reconstructed transaxial images the distance between markers was measured in pixels and used to determine pixel size in mm/pixel. The system value for the focal length of the collimator was modified by up to ±100 mm and transaxial images were again reconstructed. To standardize pixel size between systems, the apparent radius of rotation during a single-photon emission tomography (SPET) acquisition was modified by changes to the effective collimator thickness. SPET images of a 3D brain phantom were acquired on each system and reconstructed using both the original and the modified values of collimator focal length and thickness. Co-registration and subtraction of the reconstructed transaxial images was used to evaluate the effects of changes in collimator parameters. Pixel size in the reconstructed image was found to be a function of both the radius of rotation and the focal length. At the correct focal length, pixel size was essentially independent of the radius of rotation. For all six collimators, true focal length differed from the original focal length by up to 26 mm. These differences in focal length resulted in up to 6% variation in pixel size between systems. Pixel size between the three systems was standardized by altering the value for collimator thickness. Subtraction of the co-registered SPET images of the 3D brain phantom was significantly improved after optimization of collimator parameters, with a 35%–50% reduction in the standard deviation of residual counts in the subtraction images. In conclusion, we have described a simple method for measurement of the focal length of a fan-beam collimator. This is an important parameter on multidetector systems for optimum image quality and where accurate co-registration of SPET to SPET and SPET to MRI studies is required. Received 17 October and in revised form 12 December 1998     

The evaluation and calibration of fan-beam collimators

The aims of this study were (a) to determine the true focal length of a fan-beam collimator and (b) to calibrate image size (mm/pixel) for each collimator to permit inter-comparison of image data acquired on different gamma camera systems. A total of six fan-beam collimators on three dual-head gamma camera systems were evaluated using a set of four cobalt-57 point source markers. The markers were arranged in a line in the transverse plane with a known separation between them. Tomographic images were obtained at three radii of rotation. From reconstructed transaxial images the distance between markers was measured in pixels and used to determine pixel size in mm/pixel. The system value for the focal length of the collimator was modified by up to +/-100 mm and transaxial images were again reconstructed. To standardize pixel size between systems, the apparent radius of rotation during a single-photon emission tomography (SPET) acquisition was modified by changes to the effective collimator thickness. SPET images of a 3D brain phantom were acquired on each system and reconstructed using both the original and the modified values of collimator focal length and thickness. Co-registration and subtraction of the reconstructed transaxial images was used to evaluate the effects of changes in collimator parameters. Pixel size in the reconstructed image was found to be a function of both the radius of rotation and the focal length. At the correct focal length, pixel size was essentially independent of the radius of rotation. For all six collimators, true focal length differed from the original focal length by up to 26 mm. These differences in focal length resulted in up to 6% variation in pixel size between systems. Pixel size between the three systems was standardized by altering the value for collimator thickness. Subtraction of the co-registered SPET images of the 3D brain phantom was significantly improved after optimization of collimator parameters, with a 35%-50% reduction in the standard deviation of residual counts in the subtraction images. In conclusion, we have described a simple method for measurement of the focal length of a fan-beam collimator. This is an important parameter on multidetector systems for optimum image quality and where accurate co-registration of SPET to SPET and SPET to MRI studies is required.     

应用高分辨率CT局部放大重建提高肺部小结节结构精准诊断的价值

目的探讨局部放大重建在肺部小结节结构精准诊断上的价值。方法使用常规胸部CT条件扫描质控模型Catphan500体模,关闭自动辐射剂量调节技术。根据扫描和重建方式不同分为改变扫描FOV组与改变重建FOV组,改变扫描FOV组控制扫描FOV分别为500 mm×500 mm、400 mm×400 mm、300 mm×300 mm、200 mm×200 mm、100 mm×100 mm,改变重建FOV组控制扫描FOV为500 mm×500 mm,分别在扫描FOV为500 mm×500 mm的条件下使用原始数据重建FOV为400 mm×400 mm、300 mm×300 mm、200 mm×200 mm、100 mm×100 mm的图像,控制其他条件均一致。观察Catphan 500体模高对比度分辨率模块,比较两组图像在不同扫描FOV或不同重建FOV下的线对数。回顾性分析2018年2月至3月浙江大学医学院附属第二医院肺部小结节患者35例,均行胸部高分辨率CT平扫,使用原始数据重建图像,常规重建组的重建FOV为320 mm×320 mm,局部放大重建组的重建FOV为100 mm×100 mm,分别对图像质量进行主观评价并采用秩和检验进行比较。结果使用质控模型Catphan 500体模扫描时,随着扫描FOV或重建FOV的逐渐缩小,改变扫描FOV组与改变重建FOV组高对比度分辨率模块图像能显示的线对数逐渐增大,且保持一致。常规重建组的图像质量评分为(3.86±0.50)分,局部放大重建组(4.77±0.35)分,局部放大重建组评分高于常规重建组,差异有统计学意义(Z=-5.763,P<0.05)。结论高分辨CT局部放大重建图像能取得与局部放大扫描一致的图像质量,局部放大重建图像质量优于单纯图像放大。     

Evaluation of differential magnification during brain SPECT acquisition.

OBJECTIVE: We developed a modification of the acquisition zoom technique, referred to as differential magnification (DM), to improve the pixel resolution with fanbeam collimators. This study evaluated the effects of DM on brain SPECT image quality. METHODS: SPECT imaging was performed using a triple-head camera with and without DM for a line source in air, Jaszczak and Hoffman phantoms, and 15 clinical patients having regional cerebral blood-flow scans with 99mTc ECD. Full width at half maximum (FWHM) and contrast ratios were measured on the line source and Jaszczak phantom data, respectively. Visual image evaluation was performed by 2 independent, blinded observers for the Hoffman brain phantom images and clinical patient studies. RESULTS: FWHM improved on the fanned axis (transverse plane) by 0.05 mm (P < 0.001), and the unfanned axis (longitudinal plane) by 0.66 mm (P < 10(-6)), when DM was used. The mean improvement of contrast ratios for the spheres on the Jaszczak phantom with DM was 11.4% (P < 0.004). The images with DM were rated superior to those without, for the Hoffman brain phantom and the clinical patients. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that SPECT acquisition with fanbeam collimators and DM significantly improves both FWHM and image contrast, resulting in superior image quality. DM techniques may be useful in improving clinical brain SPECT images.     

A comparison of 35 mm cine film and digital radiographic image recording: implications for quantitative coronary arteriography. Film vs. digital coronary quantification

To assess potential differences in the intrinsic properties of image recording media and their impact on quantitative coronary arteriography, we used an automatic quantitative arteriography computer program to analyze cine film and digital radiographic images of a radiographic arterial phantom. The phantom consisted of a lucite plate with precision-drilled lumena ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 mm in diameter. Film images were digitized at 2048 X 2048 pixel resolution, and digital radiographic images were acquired at 512 X 512 and 1024 X 1024 resolution. Arterial geometric diameter, percent diameter stenosis, densitometric relative cross-sectional area, and densitometric percent area stenosis were measured. All three techniques were equivalent in measuring diameters with a high degree of overall accuracy (R greater than .992). All methods overestimated diameters below 1.0 mm. Both 512 X 512 and 1024 X 1024 digital images were superior to film for densitometric measurement of relative area (R = .995 vs. R = .940, P = .0032). We conclude that automated analysis of digital radiographic images yields results that are similar in geometric precision but greater in densitometric precision than film analysis.     

SPECT图像重建方法对Hoffmann模型图像质量的影响

目的探讨SPECT显像不同断层重建方法对Hoffmann模型图像质量的影响。方法采用放射性线源及Hoffmann模型,进行SPECT配平行孔低能高分辨准直器断层采集。对线源图像和Hoffmann模型图像均用滤波反投影（FBP）法和有序子集最大期望值迭代（OSEM）法进行断层重建。对线源重建图像计算2种重建算法的半高宽（FWHM）值,视觉评价2种方法重建的Hoffmann模型图像,并比较2种重建方法的重建时间和模型特定感兴趣区（ROI）。采用SPSS15．0软件,2种重建方法的脑叶及基底节ROI与小脑ROI计数比值行两独立样本t检验。结果平行孔低能高分辨准直器采集的线源断层图像经FBP法和OSEM法重建,FWHM值分别为18．77mm,12．62mm。OSEM法重建所得Hoffmann模型总的图像质量、基底节区的显示以及核团分辨程度均优于FBP法。FBP法和OSEM法重建时间分别为80s和100s,均在临床允许范围之内。OSEM迭代与FBP法脑叶及基底节ROI与小脑ROI比值差异无统计学意义（t=-0．332,P=0．750）。结论在现有软硬件技术条件下,平行孔低能高分辨准直器配合OSEM法优于FBP法,可获得空间分辨率和图像质量较好的Hoffmann模型重建图像。     

Accurate analysis of blood vessel sizes and stenotic lesions using stereoscopic DSA system

We have developed a technique to determine accurately the magnification factor and three-dimensional orientation of a vessel segment from a stereoscopic pair of digital subtraction angiograms (DSA). Our DSA system includes a stereoscopic x-ray tube with a 25-mm focal spot shift. The magnification and orientation of a selected vessel segment are determined from the distance and direction of the focal spot shift and the stereoscopic discrepancy in image positions for that segment. Our results indicate that the accuracies of determining the magnification and orientation are less than 1% and approximately 5 degrees, respectively. After the magnification and orientation are determined accurately, an iterative deconvolution technique for the measurement of vessel image size is applied to the selected vessel segment. This iterative deconvolution technique provides the best estimate of vessel image size by taking into account the unsharpness of the digital system. With this technique, the vessel image size can be determined to an accuracy of approximately 1.0 mm, which corresponds to one third the pixel size of our DSA system. Information derived from stereoscopic analysis and iterative deconvolution thus allows accurate calculation of actual vascular dimensions from DSA images.     

Moiré interference in gamma camera quality assurance images

Moiré interference effects have been noted in gamma camera images for some time. Recent work has shown that the effects are still prevalent with the current generation of cameras, though apparently dependent upon collimator design. All previous work has been related to bar phantom images only. This paper also demonstrates a variety of moiré effects using the Anger "pie" phantom. Some of the principles underlying moiré interference as they apply to gamma cameras are given and possible uses of the effects are discussed, as well as the limitations they impose upon the use of certain test objects in routine quality assurance testing.     

Film-screen magnification versus electronic magnification and enhancement of digitized contact mammograms in the assessment of subtle microcalcifications.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To compare information drawn from magnification mammography with that extracted from electronic magnification, processing, and display of the digitized contact images. METHODS: Contact and magnification images of a mammographic statistical phantom were obtained. The magnification films versus the computer-enhanced, digitized images of the corresponding contact mammograms were separately presented to three observers. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to compare lesion detectability. The contact and magnification mammograms of 86 patients with subtle microcalcifications were also studied. The breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) scheme was used to compare the magnification patient films versus the corresponding digitized contact images. Differences in mammographic assessment were evaluated by using the kappa statistic. The dose to breast tissue from contact and magnification mammography was measured to evaluate dose reduction in instances where magnification mammography was to be avoided. RESULTS: Lesion detectability was found to be similar when either the digitized film image or the magnification hard-copy film was inspected. Interpretation of patient images by inspection of the contact and magnification screen-film mammograms on a view-box was in excellent agreement with that yielded by inspection of the contact image on a view-box and the computer-enhanced, digitized contact image on a display monitor. CONCLUSIONS: Electronic magnification and processing of the digitized contact image may provide valuable information concerning subtle microcalcifications, rendering magnification mammography unnecessary for many patients with such lesions.     

Accelerating image acquisition in 64-MDCT: the influence of scan parameters on image resolution and quality in a phantom study

Computed tomographic (CT) image resolution and quality were evaluated utilizing varying scan protocols with accelerated image acquisition. A resolution phantom with hole diameters from 0.2 to 1.0 mm was scanned in axial, coronal, and sagittal plane using a 64-slice multidetector CT with varying scan parameters. No relevant differences in image resolution and quality were detected between the fastest scan protocol, with the shortest rotation time and highest pitch, and the slowest protocol. Accelerated CT protocols resulted in diagnostic images with adequate resolution and quality.     

Short communication: anomalous image quality phantom scores in magnification mammography: evidence of phase contrast enhancement

Anomalously high image quality scores were noted for images of the Leeds TORMAM phantom obtained using magnification mammography. Comparison of optical density profiles of fibre features in the images with non-magnified images and images previously obtained using an in-line phase contrast geometry showed the presence of phase contrast enhancement in the magnification images. The effect on the phantom score is particularly marked for this design of phantom owing to its use of fibres, which tend to enhance well. A large proportion of the phantom score is associated with fibrous features. It is concluded that direct comparison of TORMAM phantom scores from magnified images with those from non-magnified images is not valid due to the different balance of physical mechanisms forming the two kinds of image.     

Effect of sharpening filter on vessel diameter measured by quantitative coronary arteriography

At cardiac catheterization, analog images obtained using cinefilm are translated into digital images, and images appearing on the CRT are filtered by a sharpen filter. We investigated the effect of the sharpening filter on vessel diameter as measured by quantitative coronary arteriography. We acquired images of a vessel phantom filled with contrast material using an X-ray image intensifier. Vessel diameters measured by quantitative coronary arteriography were 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm. Results showed that vessel diameters were decreased when the sharpening filter was used and that more intense filtering decreased the measured diameter further. When the diameter of the vessel phantom was less than 4 mm, the diameter was smaller and the ratio of decrease was larger. Vessel diameters of 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm measured a maximum of 2.9 smaller, while those of 1 mm and 1.5 mm measured a maximum of 9.2 smaller.     

Digital subtraction cerebral angiography by intraarterial injection: comparison with conventional angiography

For 4 months, a prototype digital subtraction system was used to obtain images of the cerebral vasculature after intraarterial contrast injections. In 12 instances, the intraarterial injections were recorded with both a digital subtraction unit and conventional direct magnification film-screen system. The digital subtraction and conventional film subtraction images were compared and graded for quality and information content by three skilled observers. In addition, quantitative measurements of contrast-detail performance and spatial resolution were obtained on both the digital system and the screen-film imaging chain. In a clinical setting, both the digital subtraction and conventional film-screen systems provided similar quality images and angiographic information. Contrast-detail curves demonstrated that digital subtraction angiography outperformed conventional film technique for low-contrast objects. Digital subtraction angiography also reduced the time required to obtain the angiogram, markedly reduced film cost, and lowered the contrast agent burden.     

Improving image quality around subtle lung nodules by reducing artifacts in similar subtraction imaging

Similar subtraction imaging is useful for the detection of lung nodules; however, some artifacts on similar subtraction images reduce their utility. The authors attempted to improve the image quality of similar subtraction images by reducing artifacts caused by differences in image contrast and sharpness between two images used for similar subtraction imaging. Image contrast was adjusted using the histogram specification technique. The differences in image sharpness were compensated for using a pixel matching technique. The improvement in image quality was evaluated objectively based on the degree of artifacts and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the lung nodules. The artifacts in similar subtraction images were reduced in 94% (17/18) of cases, and CNR was improved in 83% (15/18) of cases. The results indicate that the combination of histogram specification and pixel matching techniques is potentially useful in improving image quality in similar subtraction imaging.     

Spatial resolution requirements for digital chest radiographs: an ROC study of observer performance in selected cases

Thirty-eight selected clinical radiographs were digitized and displayed on a 1,024-line monitor at pixel sizes of 1.6, 0.8, 0.4, and 0.2 mm. Eighteen experienced radiologists assessed the radiographs and digital images, which included 12 examples of abnormal solitary nodular density, ten examples of septal lines, and 16 controls, six of which showed diffuse lung abnormalities. For each level of spatial resolution and for film reading, observers gave their decision confidence on a sliding scale of probability. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated from these data. It was found that while spatial resolution requirements for solitary nodules were not critical for pixel sizes at or below 0.8 mm, the requirement for septal lines was likely to be 0.4 mm (1.25 line pairs/mm).     

A digital fluoroscopic imaging system for verification during external beam radiotherapy

A digital fluoroscopic (DF) imaging system has been constructed to obtain portal images for verification during external beam radiotherapy. The imaging device consists of a fluorescent screen viewed by a highly sensitive video camera through a mirror. The video signal is digitized and processed by an image processor which is linked on-line with a host microcomputer. The image quality of the DF system was compared with that of film for portal images of the Burger phantom and the Alderson anthropomorphic phantom using 10 MV X-rays. Contrast resolution of the DF image integrated for 8.5 sec. was superior to the film resolution, while spatial resolution was slightly inferior. The DF image of the Alderson phantom processed by the adaptive histogram equalization was better in showing anatomical landmarks than the film portal image. The DF image integrated for 1 sec. which is used for movie mode can show patient movement during treatment.     

Unified multiple-feature color display for MR images

A display method is proposed in which the spin-lattice relaxation time T1, the spin-spin relaxation time T2, and the proton density rho of each pixel in a MR image are simultaneously expressed in color features in a unified way that allows international standardization. MR images were made from a phantom, a healthy volunteer, and patients in such a way that T1 and T2 and proton density images could be derived. T1 and T2 data were compared with accurate relaxation time measurements of the phantom content. Color images were computed from the acquired T1 and T2 images using matrix multiplication on a pixel base. In this way the color combination in each pixel represents the properties of that particular pixel by a unique mixing of the elementary colors red, green, and blue. Color resolution could be modified using different choices of the reference triangle in which the color combinations were defined. This method of representation offers a means for displaying multiple features as T1 and T2 in one directly interpretable image, independent of instrumental settings.     

Digital skeletal radiography: spatial resolution requirements for detection of subperiosteal resorption

Forty direct-magnification (2:1 enlargement) radiographs showing various severities of subperiosteal resorption and 40 normal studies were selected and digitized. Images were processed to produce varying resolution, from 1.42 to 11.4 Ip/mm, corresponding to pixel sizes ranging from 0.04 to 0.32 mm. The conventional and digitized images were evaluated by six radiologists giving their decision confidence on a graded scale. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed from these data to compare the digital images with the conventional films. The results show significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy as pixel size decreases to the level of 0.08 mm. Digital images with pixel sizes of 0.04 mm (11.4 Ip/mm) were not significantly different from the magnification radiographs in terms of observer performance. In conclusion, for high-resolution skeletal imaging as needed for detection of subperiosteal resorption, spatial resolution of 5.7 Ip/mm or less resulted in a significant loss of diagnostic accuracy, as compared with conventional films.     

An algorithm for correction of distortion in stereotaxic digital subtraction angiography

An algorithm for correction of the geometrical distortion in digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images was developed. Originally invented for 3D X-ray angiography, the algorithm was implemented in a computer program designed to fulfil the specific needs of stereotaxic DSA. The algorithm is based on transformation of an image of a grid from a distorted image back into its original pattern. The same transformation is then applied pixel-by-pixel to the angiographic images, which are acquired in direct conjunction with the grid image, without moving the gantry. The algorithm was tested in phantom studies and in the clinical situation with seven patients in ten examinations. Comparisons were made between co-ordinate determinations made on conventional full-size cut film and those performed on uncorrected and corrected DSA images, using 30- and 23-cm fields of view. With our method of measurement we could not show any remaining geometric distortion in the corrected DSA images. This distortion correction can, if properly applied, be used for high-precision stereotaxic DSA. Received: 16 September 1995 Accepted: 5 January 1996