Preliminary experiments on pharmacokinetic diffuse fluorescence tomography of CT-scanning mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yanqi; Wang, Xin; Yin, Guoyan; Li, Jiao; Zhou, Zhongxing; Zhao, Huijuan; Gao, Feng; Zhang, Limin

2016-10-01

In vivo tomographic imaging of the fluorescence pharmacokinetic parameters in tissues can provide additional specific and quantitative physiological and pathological information to that of fluorescence concentration. This modality normally requires a highly-sensitive diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT) working in dynamic way to finally extract the pharmacokinetic parameters from the measured pharmacokinetics-associated temporally-varying boundary intensity. This paper is devoted to preliminary experimental validation of our proposed direct reconstruction scheme of instantaneous sampling based pharmacokinetic-DFT: A highly-sensitive DFT system of CT-scanning mode working with parallel four photomultiplier-tube photon-counting channels is developed to generate an instantaneous sampling dataset; A direct reconstruction scheme then extracts images of the pharmacokinetic parameters using the adaptive-EKF strategy. We design a dynamic phantom that can simulate the agent metabolism in living tissue. The results of the dynamic phantom experiments verify the validity of the experiment system and reconstruction algorithms, and demonstrate that system provides good resolution, high sensitivity and quantitativeness at different pump speed.

Strategies to improve phase-stability of ultrafast swept source optical coherence tomography for single shot imaging of transient mechanical waves at 16 kHz frame rate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Song, Shaozhen; Wei, Wei; Hsieh, Bao-Yu

We present single-shot phase-sensitive imaging of propagating mechanical waves within tissue, enabled by an ultrafast optical coherence tomography (OCT) system powered by a 1.628 MHz Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) swept laser source. We propose a practical strategy for phase-sensitive measurement by comparing the phases between adjacent OCT B-scans, where the B-scan contains a number of A-scans equaling an integer number of FDML buffers. With this approach, we show that micro-strain fields can be mapped with ∼3.0 nm sensitivity at ∼16 000 fps. The system's capabilities are demonstrated on porcine cornea by imaging mechanical wave propagation launched by a pulsed UV laser beam, promisingmore » non-contact, real-time, and high-resolution optical coherence elastography.« less

High-speed spectral domain polarization- sensitive optical coherence tomography using a single camera and an optical switch at 1.3 microm.

PubMed

Lee, Sang-Won; Jeong, Hyun-Woo; Kim, Beop-Min

2010-01-01

We propose high-speed spectral domain polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (SD-PS-OCT) using a single camera and a 1x2 optical switch at the 1.3-microm region. The PS-low coherence interferometer used in the system is constructed using free-space optics. The reflected horizontal and vertical polarization light rays are delivered via an optical switch to a single spectrometer by turns. Therefore, our system costs less to build than those that use dual spectrometers, and the processes of timing and triggering are simpler from the viewpoints of both hardware and software. Our SD-PS-OCT has a sensitivity of 101.5 dB, an axial resolution of 8.2 microm, and an acquisition speed of 23,496 A-scans per second. We obtain the intensity, phase retardation, and fast axis orientation images of a rat tail tendon ex vivo.

Investigation of detection limits for diffuse optical tomography systems: II. Analysis of slab and cup geometry for breast imaging.

PubMed

Ziegler, Ronny; Brendel, Bernhard; Rinneberg, Herbert; Nielsen, Tim

2009-01-21

Using a statistical (chi-square) test on simulated data and a realistic noise model derived from the system's hardware we study the performance of diffuse optical tomography systems for fluorescence imaging. We compare the predicted smallest size of detectable lesions at various positions in slab and cup geometry and model how detection sensitivity depends on breast compression and lesion fluorescence contrast. Our investigation shows that lesion detection is limited by relative noise in slab geometry and by absolute noise in cup geometry.

Measuring momentum for charged particle tomography

DOEpatents

Morris, Christopher; Fraser, Andrew Mcleod; Schultz, Larry Joe; Borozdin, Konstantin N.; Klimenko, Alexei Vasilievich; Sossong, Michael James; Blanpied, Gary

2010-11-23

Methods, apparatus and systems for detecting charged particles and obtaining tomography of a volume by measuring charged particles including measuring the momentum of a charged particle passing through a charged particle detector. Sets of position sensitive detectors measure scattering of the charged particle. The position sensitive detectors having sufficient mass to cause the charged particle passing through the position sensitive detectors to scatter in the position sensitive detectors. A controller can be adapted and arranged to receive scattering measurements of the charged particle from the charged particle detector, determine at least one trajectory of the charged particle from the measured scattering; and determine at least one momentum measurement of the charged particle from the at least one trajectory. The charged particle can be a cosmic ray-produced charged particle, such as a cosmic ray-produced muon. The position sensitive detectors can be drift cells, such as gas-filled drift tubes.

Analysis of multimode fiber bundles for endoscopic spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Risi, Matthew D.; Makhlouf, Houssine; Rouse, Andrew R.; Gmitro, Arthur F.

2016-01-01

A theoretical analysis of the use of a fiber bundle in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems is presented. The fiber bundle enables a flexible endoscopic design and provides fast, parallelized acquisition of the OCT data. However, the multimode characteristic of the fibers in the fiber bundle affects the depth sensitivity of the imaging system. A description of light interference in a multimode fiber is presented along with numerical simulations and experimental studies to illustrate the theoretical analysis. PMID:25967012

Model studies of laser absorption computed tomography for remote air pollution measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolfe, D. C., Jr.; Byer, R. L.

1982-01-01

Model studies of the potential of laser absorption-computed tomography are presented which demonstrate the possibility of sensitive remote atmospheric pollutant measurements, over kilometer-sized areas, with two-dimensional resolution, at modest laser source powers. An analysis of this tomographic reconstruction process as a function of measurement SNR, laser power, range, and system geometry, shows that the system is able to yield two-dimensional maps of pollutant concentrations at ranges and resolutions superior to those attainable with existing, direct-detection laser radars.

Optical-fiber-based Mueller optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Jiao, Shuliang; Yu, Wurong; Stoica, George; Wang, Lihong V

2003-07-15

An optical-fiber-based multichannel polarization-sensitive Mueller optical coherence tomography (OCT) system was built to acquire the Jones or Mueller matrix of a scattering medium, such as biological tissue. For the first time to our knowledge, fiber-based polarization-sensitive OCT was dynamically calibrated to eliminate the polarization distortion caused by the single-mode optical fiber in the sample arm, thereby overcoming a key technical impediment to the application of optical fibers in this technology. The round-trip Jones matrix of the sampling fiber was acquired from the reflecting surface of the sample for each depth scan (A scan) with our OCT system. A new rigorous algorithm was then used to retrieve the calibrated polarization properties of the sample. This algorithm was validated with experimental data. The skin of a rat was imaged with this fiber-based system.

Adaptive optimization of reference intensity for optical coherence imaging using galvanometric mirror tilting method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ji-hyun; Han, Jae-Ho; Jeong, Jichai

2015-09-01

Integration time and reference intensity are important factors for achieving high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and sensitivity in optical coherence tomography (OCT). In this context, we present an adaptive optimization method of reference intensity for OCT setup. The reference intensity is automatically controlled by tilting a beam position using a Galvanometric scanning mirror system. Before sample scanning, the OCT system acquires two dimensional intensity map with normalized intensity and variables in color spaces using false-color mapping. Then, the system increases or decreases reference intensity following the map data for optimization with a given algorithm. In our experiments, the proposed method successfully corrected the reference intensity with maintaining spectral shape, enabled to change integration time without manual calibration of the reference intensity, and prevented image degradation due to over-saturation and insufficient reference intensity. Also, SNR and sensitivity could be improved by increasing integration time with automatic adjustment of the reference intensity. We believe that our findings can significantly aid in the optimization of SNR and sensitivity for optical coherence tomography systems.

High Sensitivity SPECT for Small Animals and Plants

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mitchell, Gregory S.

Imaging systems using single gamma-ray emitting radioisotopes typically implement collimators in order to form the images. However, a tradeoff in sensitivity is inherent in the use of collimators, and modern preclinical single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems detect a very small fraction of emitted gamma-rays (<0.3%). We have built a collimator-less system, which can reach sensitivity of 40% for 99mTc imaging, while still producing images of sufficient spatial resolution for certain applications in thin objects such as mice, small plants, and well plates used for in vitro experiments.

Absolute measurement of subnanometer scale vibration of cochlear partition of an excised guinea pig cochlea using spectral-domain phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subhash, Hrebesh M.; Choudhury, Niloy; Jacques, Steven L.; Wang, Ruikang K.; Chen, Fangyi; Zha, Dingjun; Nuttall, Alfred L.

2012-01-01

Direct measurement of absolute vibration parameters from different locations within the mammalian organ of Corti is crucial for understanding the hearing mechanics such as how sound propagates through the cochlea and how sound stimulates the vibration of various structures of the cochlea, namely, basilar membrane (BM), recticular lamina, outer hair cells and tectorial membrane (TM). In this study we demonstrate the feasibility a modified phase-sensitive spectral domain optical coherence tomography system to provide subnanometer scale vibration information from multiple angles within the imaging beam. The system has the potential to provide depth resolved absolute vibration measurement of tissue microstructures from each of the delay-encoded vibration images with a noise floor of ~0.3nm at 200Hz.

Capturing the vital vascular fingerprint with optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Liu, Gangjun; Chen, Zhongping

2014-01-01

Using fingerprints as a method to identify an individual has been accepted in forensics since the nineteenth century, and the fingerprint has become one of the most widely used biometric characteristics. Most of the modern fingerprint recognition systems are based on the print pattern of the finger surface and are not robust against spoof attaching. We demonstrate a novel vital vascular fingerprint system using Doppler optical coherence tomography that provides highly sensitive and reliable personal identification. Because the system is based on blood flow, which only exists in a livng person, the technique is robust against spoof attaching. PMID:23913068

Birefringence measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer using polarization-sensitive spectral domain optical coherence tomography with Jones matrix based analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamanari, Masahiro; Miura, Masahiro; Makita, Shuichi; Yatagai, Toyohiko; Yasuno, Yoshiaki

2007-02-01

Birefringence of retinal nerve fiber layer is measured by polarization-sensitive spectral domain optical coherence tomography using the B-scan-oriented polarization modulation method. Birefringence of the optical fiber and the cornea is compensated by Jones matrix based analysis. Three-dimensional phase retardation map around the optic nerve head and en-face phase retardation map of the retinal nerve fiber layer are shown. Unlike scanning laser polarimetry, our system can measure the phase retardation quantitatively without using bow-tie pattern of the birefringence in the macular region, which enables diagnosis of glaucoma even if the patients have macular disease.

Thermo-elastic optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Wang, Tianshi; Pfeiffer, Tom; Wu, Min; Wieser, Wolfgang; Amenta, Gaetano; Draxinger, Wolfgang; van der Steen, Antonius F W; Huber, Robert; Soest, Gijs van

2017-09-01

The absorption of nanosecond laser pulses induces rapid thermo-elastic deformation in tissue. A sub-micrometer scale displacement occurs within a few microseconds after the pulse arrival. In this Letter, we investigate the laser-induced thermo-elastic deformation using a 1.5 MHz phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. A displacement image can be reconstructed, which enables a new modality of phase-sensitive OCT, called thermo-elastic OCT. An analysis of the results shows that the optical absorption is a dominating factor for the displacement. Thermo-elastic OCT is capable of visualizing inclusions that do not appear on the structural OCT image, providing additional tissue type information.

Towards pH-sensitive imaging of small animals with photon-counting difference diffuse fluorescence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiao; Wang, Xin; Yi, Xi; Zhang, Limin; Zhou, Zhongxing; Zhao, Huijuan; Gao, Feng

2012-09-01

The importance of cellular pH has been shown clearly in the study of cell activity, pathological feature, and drug metabolism. Monitoring pH changes of living cells and imaging the regions with abnormal pH-values, in vivo, could provide invaluable physiological and pathological information for the research of the cell biology, pharmacokinetics, diagnostics, and therapeutics of certain diseases such as cancer. Naturally, pH-sensitive fluorescence imaging of bulk tissues has been attracting great attentions from the realm of near infrared diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT). Herein, the feasibility of quantifying pH-induced fluorescence changes in turbid medium is investigated using a continuous-wave difference-DFT technique that is based on the specifically designed computed tomography-analogous photon counting system and the Born normalized difference image reconstruction scheme. We have validated the methodology using two-dimensional imaging experiments on a small-animal-sized phantom, embedding an inclusion with varying pH-values. The results show that the proposed approach can accurately localize the target with a quantitative resolution to pH-sensitive variation of the fluorescent yield, and might provide a promising alternative method of pH-sensitive fluorescence imaging in addition to the fluorescence-lifetime imaging.

Wavelet analysis enables system-independent texture analysis of optical coherence tomography images.

PubMed

Lingley-Papadopoulos, Colleen A; Loew, Murray H; Zara, Jason M

2009-01-01

Texture analysis for tissue characterization is a current area of optical coherence tomography (OCT) research. We discuss some of the differences between OCT systems and the effects those differences have on the resulting images and subsequent image analysis. In addition, as an example, two algorithms for the automatic recognition of bladder cancer are compared: one that was developed on a single system with no consideration for system differences, and one that was developed to address the issues associated with system differences. The first algorithm had a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 69% when tested using leave-one-out cross-validation on data taken from a single system. When tested on images from another system with a different central wavelength, however, the method classified all images as cancerous regardless of the true pathology. By contrast, with the use of wavelet analysis and the removal of system-dependent features, the second algorithm reported sensitivity and specificity values of 87 and 58%, respectively, when trained on images taken with one imaging system and tested on images taken with another.

Wavelet analysis enables system-independent texture analysis of optical coherence tomography images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lingley-Papadopoulos, Colleen A.; Loew, Murray H.; Zara, Jason M.

2009-07-01

Texture analysis for tissue characterization is a current area of optical coherence tomography (OCT) research. We discuss some of the differences between OCT systems and the effects those differences have on the resulting images and subsequent image analysis. In addition, as an example, two algorithms for the automatic recognition of bladder cancer are compared: one that was developed on a single system with no consideration for system differences, and one that was developed to address the issues associated with system differences. The first algorithm had a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 69% when tested using leave-one-out cross-validation on data taken from a single system. When tested on images from another system with a different central wavelength, however, the method classified all images as cancerous regardless of the true pathology. By contrast, with the use of wavelet analysis and the removal of system-dependent features, the second algorithm reported sensitivity and specificity values of 87 and 58%, respectively, when trained on images taken with one imaging system and tested on images taken with another.

Design and characterization of a small muon tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jo, Woo Jin; An, Su Jung; Kim, Hyun-Il; Lee, Chae Young; Chung, Heejun; Chung, Yong Hyun

2015-02-01

Muon tomography is a useful method for monitoring special nuclear materials (SNMs) because it can provide effective information on the presence of high-Z materials, has a high enough energy to deeply penetrate large amounts of shielding, and does not lead to any health risks and danger above background. We developed a 2-D muon detector and designed a muon tomography system employing four detector modules. Two top and two bottom detectors are, respectively, employed to record the incident and the scattered muon trajectories. The detector module for the muon tomography system consists of a plastic scintillator, wavelength-shifting (WLS) fiber arrays placed orthogonally on the top and the bottom of the scintillator, and a position-sensitive photomultiplier (PSPMT). The WLS fiber arrays absorb light photons emitted by the plastic scintillator and re-emit green lights guided to the PSPMT. The light distribution among the WLS fiber arrays determines the position of the muon interaction; consequently, 3-D tomographic images can be obtained by extracting the crossing points of the individual muon trajectories by using a point-of-closest-approach algorithm. The goal of this study is to optimize the design parameters of a muon tomography system by using the Geant4 code and to experimentally evaluate the performance of the prototype detector. Images obtained by the prototype detector with a 420-nm laser light source showed good agreement with the simulation results. This indicates that the proposed detector is feasible for use in a muon tomography system and can be used to verify the Z-discrimination capability of the muon tomography system.

Computational adaptive optics for broadband optical interferometric tomography of biological tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boppart, Stephen A.

2015-03-01

High-resolution real-time tomography of biological tissues is important for many areas of biological investigations and medical applications. Cellular level optical tomography, however, has been challenging because of the compromise between transverse imaging resolution and depth-of-field, the system and sample aberrations that may be present, and the low imaging sensitivity deep in scattering tissues. The use of computed optical imaging techniques has the potential to address several of these long-standing limitations and challenges. Two related techniques are interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy (ISAM) and computational adaptive optics (CAO). Through three-dimensional Fourierdomain resampling, in combination with high-speed OCT, ISAM can be used to achieve high-resolution in vivo tomography with enhanced depth sensitivity over a depth-of-field extended by more than an order-of-magnitude, in realtime. Subsequently, aberration correction with CAO can be performed in a tomogram, rather than to the optical beam of a broadband optical interferometry system. Based on principles of Fourier optics, aberration correction with CAO is performed on a virtual pupil using Zernike polynomials, offering the potential to augment or even replace the more complicated and expensive adaptive optics hardware with algorithms implemented on a standard desktop computer. Interferometric tomographic reconstructions are characterized with tissue phantoms containing sub-resolution scattering particles, and in both ex vivo and in vivo biological tissue. This review will collectively establish the foundation for high-speed volumetric cellular-level optical interferometric tomography in living tissues.

Polarization sensitive spectroscopic optical coherence tomography for multimodal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strąkowski, Marcin R.; Kraszewski, Maciej; Strąkowska, Paulina; Trojanowski, Michał

2015-03-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive method for 3D and cross-sectional imaging of biological and non-biological objects. The OCT measurements are provided in non-contact and absolutely safe way for the tested sample. Nowadays, the OCT is widely applied in medical diagnosis especially in ophthalmology, as well as dermatology, oncology and many more. Despite of great progress in OCT measurements there are still a vast number of issues like tissue recognition or imaging contrast enhancement that have not been solved yet. Here we are going to present the polarization sensitive spectroscopic OCT system (PS-SOCT). The PS-SOCT combines the polarization sensitive analysis with time-frequency analysis. Unlike standard polarization sensitive OCT the PS-SOCT delivers spectral information about measured quantities e.g. tested object birefringence changes over the light spectra. This solution overcomes the limits of polarization sensitive analysis applied in standard PS-OCT. Based on spectral data obtained from PS-SOCT the exact value of birefringence can be calculated even for the objects that provide higher order of retardation. In this contribution the benefits of using the combination of time-frequency and polarization sensitive analysis are being expressed. Moreover, the PS-SOCT system features, as well as OCT measurement examples are presented.

Burn depth determination using high-speed polarization-sensitive Mueller optical coherence tomography with continuous polarization modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todorović, Miloš; Ai, Jun; Pereda Cubian, David; Stoica, George; Wang, Lihong

2006-02-01

National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) estimates more than 1.1 million burn injuries per year in the United States, with nearly 15,000 fatalities from wounds and related complications. An imaging modality capable of evaluating burn depths non-invasively is the polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography. We report on the use of a high-speed, fiber-based Mueller-matrix OCT system with continuous source-polarization modulation for burn depth evaluation. The new system is capable of imaging at near video-quality frame rates (8 frames per second) with resolution of 10 μm in biological tissue (index of refraction: 1.4) and sensitivity of 78 dB. The sample arm optics is integrated in a hand-held probe simplifying the in vivo experiments. The applicability of the system for burn depth determination is demonstrated using biological samples of porcine tendon and porcine skin. The results show an improved imaging depth (1 mm in tendon) and a clear localization of the thermally damaged region. The burnt area determined from OCT images compares well with the histology, thus proving the system's potential for burn depth determination.

Method to calibrate phase fluctuation in polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zenghai; Kasaragod, Deepa K.; Matcher, Stephen J.

2011-07-01

We present a phase fluctuation calibration method for polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography (PS-SS-OCT) using continuous polarization modulation. The method uses a low-voltage broadband polarization modulator driven by a synchronized sinusoidal burst waveform rather than an asynchronous waveform, together with the removal of the global phases of the measured Jones matrices by the use of matrix normalization. This makes it possible to average the measured Jones matrices to remove the artifact due to the speckle noise of the signal in the sample without introducing auxiliary optical components into the sample arm. This method was validated on measurements of an equine tendon sample by the PS-SS-OCT system.

Radionuclide Methods and Instrumentation for Breast Cancer Detection and Diagnosis

PubMed Central

Surti, Suleman

2013-01-01

Breast cancer mammography is a well-acknowledged technique for patient screening due to its high sensitivity. However, in addition to its low specificity the sensitivity of mammography is limited when imaging patients with dense breasts. Radionuclide imaging techniques, such as coincidence photon-based positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography or scintimammography, can play a role in assisting screening of such patients. Radionuclide techniques can also be useful in assessing treatment response of patients with breast cancer to therapy, and staging of patients to diagnose the disease extent. However, the performance of these imaging modalities is generally limited because of the poor spatial resolution and sensitivity of the commercially available multipurpose imaging systems. Here, we describe some of the dedicated imaging systems (positron emission mammography [PEM] and breast-specific gamma imaging [BSGI]) that have been developed both commercially and in research laboratories for radionuclide imaging of breast cancer. Clinical studies with dedicated PEM scanners show improved sensitivity to detecting cancer in patients when using PEM in conjunction with additional imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging or mammography or both, as well as improved disease staging that can have an effect on surgical planning. High-resolution BSGI systems are more widely available commercially and several clinical studies have shown very high sensitivity and specificity in detecting cancer in high-risk patients. Further development of dedicated PEM and BSGI systems is ongoing, promising further expansion of radionuclide imaging techniques in the realm of breast cancer detection and treatment. PMID:23725989

Image Guided Biodistribution and Pharmacokinetic Studies of Theranostics

PubMed Central

Ding, Hong; Wu, Fang

2012-01-01

Image guided technique is playing an increasingly important role in the investigation of the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of drugs or drug delivery systems in various diseases, especially cancers. Besides anatomical imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), molecular imaging strategy including optical imaging, positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) will facilitate the localization and quantization of radioisotope or optical probe labeled nanoparticle delivery systems in the category of theranostics. The quantitative measurement of the bio-distribution and pharmacokinetics of theranostics in the fields of new drug/probe development, diagnosis and treatment process monitoring as well as tracking the brain-blood-barrier (BBB) breaking through by high sensitive imaging method, and the applications of the representative imaging modalities are summarized in this review. PMID:23227121

Measurement of in vivo basal-turn vibrations of the organ of Corti using phase-sensitive Fourier domain optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramamoorthy, Sripriya; Zhang, Yuan; Petrie, Tracy; Chen, Fangyi; Subhash, Hrebesh M.; Choudhury, Niloy; Wang, Ruikang; Jacques, Steven L.; Nuttall, Alfred L.

2013-03-01

A major reason we can perceive faint sounds and communicate in noisy environments is that the outer hair cells of the organ of Corti enhance the sound-evoked motions inside the cochlea. To understand how the organ of Corti works, we have built and tested the phase-sensitive Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (PSFDOCT) system. This system has key advantages over our previous time domain OCT system [1]. The PSFDOCT system has better signal to noise and simultaneously acquires vibration data from all points along the optical-axis [2]. Feasibility of this system to measure in vitro cochlear vibrations in the apex was demonstrated earlier [3]. In this study, we measure the in vivo vibrations of the organ of Corti via round window in live anaesthetized guinea pigs using PSFDOCT. This region of the guinea pig cochlea responds to very high frequencies (10 - 40 kHz). The current vibration noise floor for native organ of Corti tissue is 0.03 nm in this frequency range. Sound-induced vibrations of the stapes, which delivers input to the cochlea, are also measured. The measured vibrations of the organ of Corti demonstrate non-linear compression and active amplification characteristic of sensitive mammalian cochlea.

Investigation of stress-induced birefringence of tissue determined with polarisation sensitive optical coherence tomography (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karnowski, Karol; Li, Qingyun; Villiger, Martin; Sampson, David D.

2017-02-01

Polarisation sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) offers additional intrinsic contrast to probe differences between healthy tissue and cancer that are often barely visible due to limited scattering contrast in an OCT image. PS-OCT reconstructs tissue birefringence from phase-sensitive measurements of orthogonal polarisation components of backscattering. In material science, polarisation has been used to study stress distribution, including the birefringence induced by stress in an otherwise isotropic material. Similar effects in biological tissues have not been well studied yet; however, may have application to tissues subjected to stress, e.g., tendons, muscles, lens, cornea or airway smooth muscle (ASM). The objective of this work is to explore stress-induced birefringence in tissue. We employ an advanced swept source-based PS-OCT system capable of measurement of tissue local polarisation properties. The sample in both cases is illuminated with orthogonal, passively depth-encoded polarisation states. Light returning from the tissue is detected via a polarisation-diversity detection module and a Mueller formalism is used to reconstruct polarisation properties (including retardation, diattenuation, and depolarisation) of the tissue. In this study, we demonstrate the measurement of stress-induced birefringence in phantoms and in soft tissues with polarisation sensitive optical coherence tomography.

Dark-count-less photon-counting x-ray computed tomography system using a YAP-MPPC detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Sato, Yuich; Abudurexiti, Abulajiang; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Kusachi, Shinya; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2012-10-01

A high-sensitive X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for decreasing absorbed dose for patients, and a dark-count-less photon-counting CT system was developed. X-ray photons are detected using a YAP(Ce) [cerium-doped yttrium aluminum perovskite] single crystal scintillator and an MPPC (multipixel photon counter). Photocurrents are amplified by a high-speed current-voltage amplifier, and smooth event pulses from an integrator are sent to a high-speed comparator. Then, logical pulses are produced from the comparator and are counted by a counter card. Tomography is accomplished by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object, and projection curves of the object are obtained by the linear scan. The image contrast of gadolinium medium slightly fell with increase in lower-level voltage (Vl) of the comparator. The dark count rate was 0 cps, and the count rate for the CT was approximately 250 kcps.

Fluorescence background subtraction technique for hybrid fluorescence molecular tomography/x-ray computed tomography imaging of a mouse model of early stage lung cancer.

PubMed

Ale, Angelique; Ermolayev, Vladimir; Deliolanis, Nikolaos C; Ntziachristos, Vasilis

2013-05-01

The ability to visualize early stage lung cancer is important in the study of biomarkers and targeting agents that could lead to earlier diagnosis. The recent development of hybrid free-space 360-deg fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) and x-ray computed tomography (XCT) imaging yields a superior optical imaging modality for three-dimensional small animal fluorescence imaging over stand-alone optical systems. Imaging accuracy was improved by using XCT information in the fluorescence reconstruction method. Despite this progress, the detection sensitivity of targeted fluorescence agents remains limited by nonspecific background accumulation of the fluorochrome employed, which complicates early detection of murine cancers. Therefore we examine whether x-ray CT information and bulk fluorescence detection can be combined to increase detection sensitivity. Correspondingly, we research the performance of a data-driven fluorescence background estimator employed for subtraction of background fluorescence from acquisition data. Using mice containing known fluorochromes ex vivo, we demonstrate the reduction of background signals from reconstructed images and sensitivity improvements. Finally, by applying the method to in vivo data from K-ras transgenic mice developing lung cancer, we find small tumors at an early stage compared with reconstructions performed using raw data. We conclude with the benefits of employing fluorescence subtraction in hybrid FMT-XCT for early detection studies.

Enhancing sensitivity of high resolution optical coherence tomography using an optional spectrally encoded extended source (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xiaojun; Liu, Xinyu; Chen, Si; Wang, Xianghong; Liu, Linbo

2016-03-01

High-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) is of critical importance to disease diagnosis because it is capable of providing detailed microstructural information of the biological tissues. However, a compromise usually has to be made between its spatial resolutions and sensitivity due to the suboptimal spectral response of the system components, such as the linear camera, the dispersion grating, and the focusing lenses, etc. In this study, we demonstrate an OCT system that achieves both high spatial resolutions and enhanced sensitivity through utilizing a spectrally encoded source. The system achieves a lateral resolution of 3.1 μm and an axial resolution of 2.3 μm in air; when with a simple dispersive prism placed in the infinity space of the sample arm optics, the illumination beam on the sample is transformed into a line source with a visual angle of 10.3 mrad. Such an extended source technique allows a ~4 times larger maximum permissible exposure (MPE) than its point source counterpart, which thus improves the system sensitivity by ~6dB. In addition, the dispersive prism can be conveniently switched to a reflector. Such flexibility helps increase the penetration depth of the system without increasing the complexity of the current point source devices. We conducted experiments to characterize the system's imaging capability using the human fingertip in vivo and the swine eye optic never disc ex vivo. The higher penetration depth of such a system over the conventional point source OCT system is also demonstrated in these two tissues.

64 slice-coronary computed tomography sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of coronary artery bypass graft stenosis: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Barbero, Umberto; Iannaccone, Mario; d'Ascenzo, Fabrizio; Barbero, Cristina; Mohamed, Abdirashid; Annone, Umberto; Benedetto, Sara; Celentani, Dario; Gagliardi, Marco; Moretti, Claudio; Gaita, Fiorenzo

2016-08-01

A non-invasive approach to define grafts patency and stenosis in the follow-up of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients may be an interesting alternative to coronary angiography. 64-slice-coronary computed tomography is nowadays a diffused non-invasive method that permits an accurate evaluation of coronary stenosis, due to a high temporal and spatial resolution. However, its sensitivity and specificity in CABG evaluation has to be clearly defined, since published studies used different protocols and scanners. We collected all studies investigating patients with stable symptoms and previous CABG and reporting the comparison between diagnostic performances of invasive coronary angiography and 64-slice-coronary computed tomography. As a result, sensitivity and specificity of 64-slice-coronary computed tomography for CABG occlusion were 0.99 (95% CI 0.97-1.00) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99-1.00) with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.99. 64-slice-coronary computed tomography sensitivity and specificity for the presence of any CABG stenosis >50% were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.98), while AUC was 0.99. At meta-regression, neither the age nor the time from graft implantation had effect on sensitivity and specificity of 64-slice-coronary computed tomography detection of significant CABG stenosis or occlusion. In conclusion 64-slice-coronary computed tomography confirmed its high sensitivity and specificity in CABG stenosis or occlusion evaluation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cerebral blood flow tomography with xenon-133

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lassen, N.A.

1985-10-01

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) can be measured tomographically by inhalation of Xenon-/sup 133/. The calculation is based on taking a sequence of tomograms during the wash-in and wash-out phase of the tracer. Due to the dynamic nature of the process, a highly sensitive and fast moving single photon emission computed tomograph (SPECT) is required. Two brain-dedicated SPECT systems designed for this purpose are mentioned, and the method is described with special reference to the limitations inherent in the soft energy of the 133Xe primary photons. CBF tomography can be used for a multitude of clinical and investigative purposes. This articlemore » discusses in particular its use for the selection of patients with carotid occlusion for extracranial/intracranial bypass surgery, for detection of severe arterial spasm after aneurysm bleeding, and for detection of low flow areas during severe migraine attacks. The use of other tracers for CBF tomography using SPECT is summarized with emphasis on the /sup 99m/Tc chelates that freely pass the intact blood-brain barrier. The highly sensitive brain-dedicated SPECT systems described are a prerequisite for achieving high resolution tomograms with such tracers.« less

In-line optical fiber metallic mirror reflector for monolithic common path optical coherence tomography probes.

PubMed

Singh, Kanwarpal; Reddy, Rohith; Sharma, Gargi; Verma, Yogesh; Gardecki, Joseph A; Tearney, Guillermo

2018-03-01

Endoscopic optical coherence tomography probes suffer from various artifacts due to dispersion imbalance and polarization mismatch between reference and sample arm light. Such artifacts can be minimized using a common path approach. In this work, we demonstrate a miniaturized common path probe for optical coherence tomography using an inline fiber mirror. A common path optical fiber probe suitable for performing high-resolution endoscopic optical coherence tomography imaging was developed. To achieve common path functionality, an inline fiber mirror was fabricated using a thin gold layer. A commercially available swept source engine was used to test the designed probe in a cadaver human coronary artery ex vivo. We achieved a sensitivity of 104 dB for this probe using a swept source optical coherence tomography system. To test the probe, images of a cadaver human coronary artery were obtained, demonstrating the quality that is comparable to those obtained by OCT systems with separate reference arms. Additionally, we demonstrate recovery of ranging depth by use of a Michelson interferometer in the detection path. We developed a miniaturized monolithic inline fiber mirror-based common path probe for optical coherence tomography. Owing to its simplicity, our design will be helpful in endoscopic applications that require high-resolution probes in a compact form factor while reducing system complexity. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:230-235, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Spectral domain polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography at 850 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cense, Barry; Chen, Teresa C.; Mujat, Mircea; Joo, Chulmin; Akkin, Taner; Park, B. H.; Pierce, Mark C.; Yun, Andy; Bouma, Brett E.; Tearney, Guillermo J.; de Boer, Johannes F.

2005-04-01

Spectral-Domain Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-PS-OCT) is a technique developed to measure the thickness and birefringence of the nerve fiber layer in vivo as a tool for the early diagnosis of glaucoma. A clinical SD-PS-OCT system was developed and scans were made around the optic nerve head (ONH) using ten concentric circles of increasing diameter. One healthy volunteer was imaged. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and birefringence information was extracted from the data. Polarization-sensitive OCT images were acquired at video rate (29 frames per second (fps), 1000 A-lines / frame) and at 7 fps (1000 A-lines / frame). The last setting improved the signal to noise ratio by approximately 6 dB. Birefringence measurements on the healthy volunteer gave similar results as earlier reported values that were obtained with a time-domain setup. The measurement time was reduced from more than a minute to less than a second.

Contrast-enhanced photoacoustic tomography of human joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Chao; Keswani, Rahul K.; Gandikota, Girish; Rosania, Gus R.; Wang, Xueding

2016-03-01

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) provides a unique tool to diagnose inflammatory arthritis. However, the specificity and sensitivity of PAT based on endogenous contrasts is limited. The development of contrast enhanced PAT imaging modalities in combination with small molecule contrast agents could lead to improvements in diagnosis and treatment of joint disease. Accordingly, we adapted and tested a PAT clinical imaging system for imaging the human joints, in combination with a novel PAT contrast agent derived from an FDA-approved small molecule drug. Imaging results based on a photoacoustic and ultrasound (PA/US) dual-modality system revealed that this contrast-enhanced PAT imaging system may offer additional information beyond single-modality PA or US imaging system, for the imaging, diagnosis and assessment of inflammatory arthritis.

Broadband Terahertz Computed Tomography Using a 5k-pixel Real-time THz Camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trichopoulos, Georgios C.; Sertel, Kubilay

2015-07-01

We present a novel THz computed tomography system that enables fast 3-dimensional imaging and spectroscopy in the 0.6-1.2 THz band. The system is based on a new real-time broadband THz camera that enables rapid acquisition of multiple cross-sectional images required in computed tomography. Tomographic reconstruction is achieved using digital images from the densely-packed large-format (80×64) focal plane array sensor located behind a hyper-hemispherical silicon lens. Each pixel of the sensor array consists of an 85 μm × 92 μm lithographically fabricated wideband dual-slot antenna, monolithically integrated with an ultra-fast diode tuned to operate in the 0.6-1.2 THz regime. Concurrently, optimum impedance matching was implemented for maximum pixel sensitivity, enabling 5 frames-per-second image acquisition speed. As such, the THz computed tomography system generates diffraction-limited resolution cross-section images as well as the three-dimensional models of various opaque and partially transparent objects. As an example, an over-the-counter vitamin supplement pill is imaged and its material composition is reconstructed. The new THz camera enables, for the first time, a practical application of THz computed tomography for non-destructive evaluation and biomedical imaging.

A dynamic system with digital lock-in-photon-counting for pharmacokinetic diffuse fluorescence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Guoyan; Zhang, Limin; Zhang, Yanqi; Liu, Han; Du, Wenwen; Ma, Wenjuan; Zhao, Huijuan; Gao, Feng

2018-02-01

Pharmacokinetic diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT) can describe the metabolic processes of fluorescent agents in biomedical tissue and provide helpful information for tumor differentiation. In this paper, a dynamic DFT system was developed by employing digital lock-in-photon-counting with square wave modulation, which predominates in ultra-high sensitivity and measurement parallelism. In this system, 16 frequency-encoded laser diodes (LDs) driven by self-designed light source system were distributed evenly in the imaging plane and irradiated simultaneously. Meanwhile, 16 detection fibers collected emission light in parallel by the digital lock-in-photon-counting module. The fundamental performances of the proposed system were assessed with phantom experiments in terms of stability, linearity, anti-crosstalk as well as images reconstruction. The results validated the availability of the proposed dynamic DFT system.

Investigations of soft and hard tissues in oral cavity by spectral domain optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madjarova, Violeta Dimitrova; Yasuno, Yoshiaki; Makita, Shuichi; Hori, Yasuaki; Voeffray, Jean-Baptiste; Itoh, Masahide; Yatagai, Toyohiko; Tamura, Masami; Nanbu, Toshiyuki

2006-02-01

Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) systems for dental measurements are demonstrated. Two systems have been developed. The first system is fiber based Michelson interferometer with super luminescent diodes at 1310 nm and 100 nm FWHM as a light source. The sensitivity of the system was 106 dB with depth measurement range in air of 2.5 mm. The second systems is a fiber based Mach-Zehnder interferometer with wavelength scanning laser as light source at center wavelength of 1310 nm, wavelength range of 110 nm and scanning rate of 20 KHz. The sensitivity of the system is 112 dB and depth measurement range in air is 6 mm. Both systems can acquire real-time three dimensional (3-D) images in the range of several second. The systems were applied for early caries detection in tooth, for diagnostics of tooth condition after operational tooth treatment, and for diagnostics of the alveolar bone structure. In-vivo measurements were performed on two volunteers. The systems were able to detect discontinuities in tooth and resin filling after tooth treatment. In addition early carries lesion was detected in one of the volunteers. The 3-D profile of the alveolar bone was acquired for first time with non-contact method.

Multispectral photoacoustic tomography for detection of small tumors inside biological tissues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirasawa, Takeshi; Okawa, Shinpei; Tsujita, Kazuhiro; Kushibiki, Toshihiro; Fujita, Masanori; Urano, Yasuteru; Ishihara, Miya

2018-02-01

Visualization of small tumors inside biological tissue is important in cancer treatment because that promotes accurate surgical resection and enables therapeutic effect monitoring. For sensitive detection of tumor, we have been developing photoacoustic (PA) imaging technique to visualize tumor-specific contrast agents, and have already succeeded to image a subcutaneous tumor of a mouse using the contrast agents. To image tumors inside biological tissues, extension of imaging depth and improvement of sensitivity were required. In this study, to extend imaging depth, we developed a PA tomography (PAT) system that can image entire cross section of mice. To improve sensitivity, we discussed the use of the P(VDF-TrFE) linear array acoustic sensor that can detect PA signals with wide ranges of frequencies. Because PA signals produced from low absorbance optical absorbers shifts to low frequency, we hypothesized that the detection of low frequency PA signals improves sensitivity to low absorbance optical absorbers. We developed a PAT system with both a PZT linear array acoustic sensor and the P(VDF-TrFE) sensor, and performed experiment using tissue-mimicking phantoms to evaluate lower detection limits of absorbance. As a result, PAT images calculated from low frequency components of PA signals detected by the P(VDF-TrFE) sensor could visualize optical absorbers with lower absorbance.

Positron Emission Tomography: Current Challenges and Opportunities for Technological Advances in Clinical and Preclinical Imaging Systems.

PubMed

Vaquero, Juan José; Kinahan, Paul

2015-01-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is based on detecting two time-coincident high-energy photons from the emission of a positron-emitting radioisotope. The physics of the emission, and the detection of the coincident photons, give PET imaging unique capabilities for both very high sensitivity and accurate estimation of the in vivo concentration of the radiotracer. PET imaging has been widely adopted as an important clinical modality for oncological, cardiovascular, and neurological applications. PET imaging has also become an important tool in preclinical studies, particularly for investigating murine models of disease and other small-animal models. However, there are several challenges to using PET imaging systems. These include the fundamental trade-offs between resolution and noise, the quantitative accuracy of the measurements, and integration with X-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In this article, we review how researchers and industry are addressing these challenges.

Positron Emission Tomography: Current Challenges and Opportunities for Technological Advances in Clinical and Preclinical Imaging Systems

PubMed Central

Vaquero, Juan José; Kinahan, Paul

2017-01-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is based on detecting two time-coincident high-energy photons from the emission of a positron-emitting radioisotope. The physics of the emission, and the detection of the coincident photons, give PET imaging unique capabilities for both very high sensitivity and accurate estimation of the in vivo concentration of the radiotracer. PET imaging has been widely adopted as an important clinical modality for oncological, cardiovascular, and neurological applications. PET imaging has also become an important tool in preclinical studies, particularly for investigating murine models of disease and other small-animal models. However, there are several challenges to using PET imaging systems. These include the fundamental trade-offs between resolution and noise, the quantitative accuracy of the measurements, and integration with X-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In this article, we review how researchers and industry are addressing these challenges. PMID:26643024

Forward problem studies of electrical resistance tomography system on concrete materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ang, Vernoon; Rahiman, M. H. F.; Rahim, R. A.; Aw, S. R.; Wahab, Y. A.; Thomas W. K., T.; Siow, L. T.

2017-03-01

Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) is well known as non-invasive imaging technique, inexpensive, radiation free, visualization measurements of the multiphase flows and frequently applied in geophysical, medical and Industrial Process Tomography (IPT) applications. Application of ERT in concrete is a new exploration field, which can be used in monitoring and detecting the health and condition of concrete without destroying it. In this paper, ERT model under the condition of concrete is studied in which the sensitivity field model is produced and simulated by using COMSOL software. The affects brought by different current injection values with different concrete conductivity are studied in detail. This study able to provide the important direction for the further study of inverse problem in ERT system. Besides, the results of this technique hopefully can open a new exploration in inspection method of concrete structures in order to maintain the health of the concrete structure for civilian safety.

Time-resolved measurements in diffuse reflectance: effects of the instrument response function of different detection systems on the depth sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puszka, Agathe; Planat-Chrétien, Anne; Berger, Michel; Hervé, Lionel; Dinten, Jean-Marc

2014-02-01

We demonstrate the loss of depth sensitivity induced by the instrument response function on reflectance time-resolved diffuse optical tomography through the comparison of 3 detection systems: on one hand a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and a hybrid PMT coupled with a time-correlated single-photon counting card and on the other hand a high rate intensified camera. We experimentally evaluate the depth sensitivity achieved for each detection module with an absorbing inclusion embedded in a turbid medium. The different interfiber distances of 5, 10 and 15 mm are considered. Finally, we determine a maximal depth reached for each detection system by using 3D tomographic reconstructions based on the Mellin-Laplace transform.

In vivo imaging of human oral hard and soft tissues by polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walther, Julia; Golde, Jonas; Kirsten, Lars; Tetschke, Florian; Hempel, Franz; Rosenauer, Tobias; Hannig, Christian; Koch, Edmund

2017-12-01

Since optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides three-dimensional high-resolution images of biological tissue, the benefit of polarization contrast in the field of dentistry is highlighted in this study. Polarization-sensitive OCT (PS OCT) with phase-sensitive recording is used for imaging dental and mucosal tissues in the human oral cavity in vivo. An enhanced polarization contrast of oral structures is reached by analyzing the signals of the co- and crosspolarized channels of the swept source PS OCT system quantitatively with respect to reflectivity, retardation, optic axis orientation, and depolarization. The calculation of these polarization parameters enables a high tissue-specific contrast imaging for the detailed physical interpretation of human oral hard and soft tissues. For the proof-of-principle, imaging of composite restorations and mineralization defects at premolars as well as gingival, lingual, and labial oral mucosa was performed in vivo within the anterior oral cavity. The achieved contrast-enhanced results of the investigated human oral tissues by means of polarization-sensitive imaging are evaluated by the comparison with conventional intensity-based OCT.

PH-sensitive fluorescence detection by diffuse fluorescence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiao; Gao, Feng; Duan, Linjing; Wang, Xin; Zhang, Limin; Zhao, Huijuan

2012-03-01

The importance of cellular pH has been shown clearly in the study of cell activity, pathological feature, drug metabolism, etc. Monitoring pH changes of living cells and imaging the regions with abnormal pH values in vivo could provide the physiologic and pathologic information for the research of the cell biology, pharmacokinetics, diagnostics and therapeutics of certain diseases such as cancer. Thus, pH-sensitive fluorescence imaging of bulk tissues has been attracting great attention in the regime of near-infrared diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT), an efficient small-animal imaging tool. In this paper, the feasibility of quantifying pH-sensitive fluorescence targets in turbid medium is investigated using both time-domain and steady-state DFT methods. By use of the specifically designed time-domain and continuous-wave systems and the previously proposed image reconstruction scheme, we validate the method through 2-dimensional imaging experiments on a small-animal-sized phantom with multiply targets of distinct pH values. The results show that the approach can localize the targets with reasonable accuracy and achieve quantitative reconstruction of the pH-sensitive fluorescent yield.

High-speed polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography for retinal diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Biwei; Wang, Bingqing; Vemishetty, Kalyanramu; Nagle, Jim; Liu, Shuang; Wang, Tianyi; Rylander, Henry G., III; Milner, Thomas E.

2012-01-01

We report design and construction of an FPGA-based high-speed swept-source polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (SS-PS-OCT) system for clinical retinal imaging. Clinical application of the SS-PS-OCT system is accurate measurement and display of thickness, phase retardation and birefringence maps of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in human subjects for early detection of glaucoma. The FPGA-based SS-PS-OCT system provides three incident polarization states on the eye and uses a bulk-optic polarization sensitive balanced detection module to record two orthogonal interference fringe signals. Interference fringe signals and relative phase retardation between two orthogonal polarization states are used to obtain Stokes vectors of light returning from each RNFL depth. We implement a Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) to compute accurate phase retardation and birefringence maps. For each retinal scan, a three-state Levenberg-Marquardt nonlinear algorithm is applied to 360 clusters each consisting of 100 A-scans to determine accurate maps of phase retardation and birefringence in less than 1 second after patient measurement allowing real-time clinical imaging-a speedup of more than 300 times over previous implementations. We report application of the FPGA-based SS-PS-OCT system for real-time clinical imaging of patients enrolled in a clinical study at the Eye Institute of Austin and Duke Eye Center.

Activatable thermo-sensitive ICG encapsulated pluronic nanocapsules for temperature sensitive fluorescence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwong, Tiffany C.; Nouizi, Farouk; Sampathkumaran, Uma; Zhu, Yue; Alam, Maksudul M.; Gulsen, Gultekin

2015-03-01

Fluorescent tomography has been hindered by poor tissue penetration and weak signal which results in poor spatial resolution and quantification accuracy. Recently, it has been reported that activatable temperature responsive fluorescent probes which respond to focused ultrasound heating can improve the resolution and quantification of fluorescent tomography in deep tissue. This has lead to a new imaging modality, "Temperature-modulated fluorescent tomography." This technique relies on activatable thermo-sensitive fluorescent nanocapsules for whose fluorescence quantum efficiency is temperature dependent. Within a 4-5° C temperature range, the fluorescent signal increase more than 10-fold. In this molecular probe, Indocyanine Green (ICG) is encapsulated inside the core of a thermo-reversible pluronic micelle. Here we show the fluorescence response and temperature range of the nanocapsules which have been optimized for a higher temperature range to be used for in vivo animal imaging. We report on the feasibility of these temperature-sensitive reversible nanocapsules for in vivo applications by studying the pharmacokinetics in a subcutaneous mouse tumor model in vivo.

Synchrotron-based transmission x-ray microscopy for improved extraction in shale during hydraulic fracturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiss, Andrew M.; Jew, Adam D.; Joe-Wong, Claresta; Maher, Kate M.; Liu, Yijin; Brown, Gordon E.; Bargar, John

2015-09-01

Engineering topics which span a range of length and time scales present a unique challenge to researchers. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of oil shales is one of these challenges and provides an opportunity to use multiple research tools to thoroughly investigate a topic. Currently, the extraction efficiency from the shale is low but can be improved by carefully studying the processes at the micro- and nano-scale. Fracking fluid induces chemical changes in the shale which can have significant effects on the microstructure morphology, permeability, and chemical composition. These phenomena occur at different length and time scales which require different instrumentation to properly study. Using synchrotron-based techniques such as fluorescence tomography provide high sensitivity elemental mapping and an in situ micro-tomography system records morphological changes with time. In addition, the transmission X-ray microscope (TXM) at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) beamline 6-2 is utilized to collect a nano-scale three-dimensional representation of the sample morphology with elemental and chemical sensitivity. We present the study of a simplified model system, in which pyrite and quartz particles are mixed and exposed to oxidizing solution, to establish the basic understanding of the more complex geology-relevant oxidation reaction. The spatial distribution of the production of the oxidation reaction, ferrihydrite, is retrieved via full-field XANES tomography showing the reaction pathway. Further correlation between the high resolution TXM data and the high sensitivity micro-probe data provides insight into potential morphology changes which can decrease permeability and limit hydrocarbon recovery.

[Computed tomography with computer-assisted detection of pulmonary nodules in dogs and cats].

PubMed

Niesterok, C; Piesnack, S; Köhler, C; Ludewig, E; Alef, M; Kiefer, I

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the potential benefit of computer-assisted detection (CAD) of pulmonary nodules in veterinary medicine. Therefore, the CAD rate was compared to the detection rates of two individual examiners in terms of its sensitivity and false-positive findings. We included 51 dogs and 16 cats with pulmonary nodules previously diagnosed by computed tomography. First, the number of nodules ≥ 3 mm was recorded for each patient by two independent examiners. Subsequently, each examiner used the CAD software for automated nodule detection. With the knowledge of the CAD results, a final consensus decision on the number of nodules was achieved. The software used was a commercially available CAD program. The sensitivity of examiner 1 was 89.2%, while that of examiner 2 reached 87.4%. CAD had a sensitivity of 69.4%. With CAD, the sensitivity of examiner 1 increased to 94.7% and that of examiner 2 to 90.8%. The CAD-system, which we used in our study, had a moderate sensitivity of 69.4%. Despite its severe limitations, with a high level of false-positive and false-negative results, CAD increased the examiners' sensitivity. Therefore, its supportive role in diagnostics appears to be evident.

Optic axis determination accuracy for fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Park, B Hyle; Pierce, Mark C; Cense, Barry; de Boer, Johannes F

2005-10-01

We present a generalized analysis of fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography with an emphasis on determination of sample optic axis orientation. The polarization properties of a fiber-based system can cause an overall rotation in a Poincaré sphere representation such that the plane of possible measured sample optic axes for linear birefringence and diattenuation no longer lies in the QU-plane. The optic axis orientation can be recovered as an angle on this rotated plane, subject to an offset and overall indeterminacy in sign such that only the magnitude, but not the direction, of a change in orientation can be determined. We discuss the accuracy of optic axis determination due to a fundamental limit on the accuracy with which a polarization state can be determined as a function of signal-to-noise ratio.

High-sensitive computed tomography system using a silicon-PIN x-ray diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Sato, Yuich; Abudurexiti, Abulajiang; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Kusachi, Shinya; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2012-10-01

A low-dose-rate X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for reducing absorbed dose for patients. The CT system with a tube current of 1.91 mA was developed using a silicon-PIN X-ray diode (Si-PIN-XD). The Si-PIN-XD is a selected high-sensitive Si-PIN photodiode (PD) for detecting X-ray photons. X-ray photons are detected directly using the Si-PIN-XD without a scintillator, and the photocurrent from the diode is amplified using current-voltage and voltage-voltage amplifiers. The output voltage is converted into logical pulses using a voltage-frequency converter with maximum frequency of 500 kHz, and the frequency is proportional to the voltage. The pulses from the converter are sent to differentiator with a time constant of 1 μs to generate short positive pulses for counting, and the pulses are counted using a counter card. Tomography is accomplished by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object, and projection curves of the object are obtained by the linear scan. The exposure time for obtaining a tomogram was 5 min at a scan step of 0.5 mm and a rotation step of 3.0°. The tube current and voltage were 1.91 mA and 100 kV, respectively, and gadolinium K-edge CT was carried out using filtered X-ray spectra with a peak energy of 52 keV.

Design and development of a dedicated mammary and axillary region positron emission tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doshi, Niraj Kumar

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Currently, mammography and physical breast examination, both non-invasive techniques, provide the two most effective methods available for screening potential breast cancer patients. During the management of patients, however, several invasive techniques such as axillary lymph node dissection, core biopsies and lumpectomies, are utilized to determine the stage or malignancy of the disease with significant cost and morbidity associated with them. Positron Emission Tomography (PET), using [F-18] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) tracer is a sensitive and non-invasive imaging modality that may be a cost-effective alternative to certain invasive procedures. In this project we have developed a low cost, high performance, dedicated PET camera (maxPET) for mammary and axillary region imaging. The system consists of two 15x15 cm2 planar scintillation detector arrays composed of modular detectors operating in coincidence. The modular detectors are comprised of a 9x9 array of 3x3x20 mm3 lutetiurn oxyorthosilicate (LSO) detector elements, read out by a 5x5 array of position- sensitive photomultiplier tubes. The average measured intrinsic spatial resolution of a detector module is 2.26 mm with a sensitivity of up to 40% for a central point source. The measured coincidence timing resolution for two modules is 2.4 ns. The average energy resolution measured across the entire two detector plates is 21.6%. The coincidence timing resolution for the entire system is 8.1 ns. A line bar phantom was imaged and images were reconstructed using the focal plane tomography algorithm. A 4 mm projection image resolution was measured based on profiles taken through the line bar phantom images. The goal of the maxPET system will be to aid in breast cancer patient management by assisting in imaging women with dense, fibro-glandular breasts, detecting axillary lymph node metastases without surgery, monitoring chemotherapy effectiveness and assisting in visualization of recurrence and tumoral boundaries.

High-speed spectral domain polarization-sensitive OCT using a single InGaAs line-scan camera and an optical switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sang-Won; Jeong, Hyun-Woo; Kim, Beop-Min

2010-02-01

We demonstrated high-speed spectral domain polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (SD-PSOCT) using a single InGaAs line-scan camera and an optical switch at 1.3-μm region. The polarization-sensitive low coherence interferometer in the system was based on the original free-space PS-OCT system published by Hee et al. The horizontal and vertical polarization light rays split by polarization beam splitter were delivered and detected via an optical switch to a single spectrometer by turns instead of dual spectrometers. The SD-PSOCT system had an axial resolution of 8.2 μm, a sensitivity of 101.5 dB, and an acquisition speed of 23,496 Alines/s. We obtained the intensity, phase retardation, and fast axis orientation images of a biological tissue. In addition, we calculated the averaged axial profiles of the phase retardation in human skin.

Diffuse optical tomography for breast cancer imaging guided by computed tomography: A feasibility study.

PubMed

Baikejiang, Reheman; Zhang, Wei; Li, Changqing

2017-01-01

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) has attracted attentions in the last two decades due to its intrinsic sensitivity in imaging chromophores of tissues such as hemoglobin, water, and lipid. However, DOT has not been clinically accepted yet due to its low spatial resolution caused by strong optical scattering in tissues. Structural guidance provided by an anatomical imaging modality enhances the DOT imaging substantially. Here, we propose a computed tomography (CT) guided multispectral DOT imaging system for breast cancer imaging. To validate its feasibility, we have built a prototype DOT imaging system which consists of a laser at the wavelength of 650 nm and an electron multiplying charge coupled device (EMCCD) camera. We have validated the CT guided DOT reconstruction algorithms with numerical simulations and phantom experiments, in which different imaging setup parameters, such as projection number of measurements and width of measurement patch, have been investigated. Our results indicate that an air-cooling EMCCD camera is good enough for the transmission mode DOT imaging. We have also found that measurements at six angular projections are sufficient for DOT to reconstruct the optical targets with 2 and 4 times absorption contrast when the CT guidance is applied. Finally, we have described our future research plan on integration of a multispectral DOT imaging system into a breast CT scanner.

(Full field) optical coherence tomography and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buchroithner, Boris; Hannesschläger, Günther; Leiss-Holzinger, Elisabeth; Prylepa, Andrii; Heise, Bettina

2018-03-01

This paper illustrates specific features and use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the raster-scanning and in comparison in the full field version of this imaging technique. Cases for nondestructive testing are discussed alongside other application schemes. In particular monitoring time-dependent processes and probing of birefringent specimens are considered here. In the context of polymer testing birefringence mapping may often provide information about internal strain and stress states. Recent results obtained with conventional raster-scanning OCT systems, with (dual and single-shot) full field OCT configurations, and with polarization-sensitive versions of (full field) OCT are presented here.

A prototype PET/SPECT/X-rays scanner dedicated for whole body small animal studies.

PubMed

Rouchota, Maritina; Georgiou, Maria; Fysikopoulos, Eleftherios; Fragogeorgi, Eirini; Mikropoulos, Konstantinos; Papadimitroulas, Panagiotis; Kagadis, George; Loudos, George

2017-01-01

To present a prototype tri-modal imaging system, consisting of a single photon emission computed tomography (SPET), a positron emission tomography (PET), and a computed tomography (CT) subsystem, evaluated in planar mode. The subsystems are mounted on a rotating gantry, so as to be able to allow tomographic imaging in the future. The system, designed and constructed by our group, allows whole body mouse imaging of competent performance and is currently, to the best of our knowledge, unequaled in a national and regional level. The SPET camera is based on two Position Sensitive Photomultiplier Tubes (PSPMT), coupled to a pixilated Sodium Iodide activated with Thallium (NaI(Tl)) scintillator, having an active area of 5x10cm 2 . The dual head PET camera is also based on two pairs of PSPMT, coupled to pixelated berillium germanium oxide (BGO) scintillators, having an active area of 5x10cm 2 . The X-rays system consists of a micro focus X-rays tube and a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) detector, having an active area of 12x12cm 2 . The scintigraphic mode has a spatial resolution of 1.88mm full width at half maximum (FWHM) and a sensitivity of 107.5cpm/0.037MBq at the collimator surface. The coincidence PET mode has an average spatial resolution of 3.5mm (FWHM) and a peak sensitivity of 29.9cpm/0.037MBq. The X-rays spatial resolution is 3.5lp/mm and the contrast discrimination function value is lower than 2%. A compact tri-modal system was successfully built and evaluated for planar mode operation. The system has an efficient performance, allowing accurate and informative anatomical and functional imaging, as well as semi-quantitative results. Compared to other available systems, it provides a moderate but comparable performance, at a fraction of the cost and complexity. It is fully open, scalable and its main purpose is to support groups on a national and regional level and provide an open technological platform to study different detector components and acquisition strategies.

[Development of analysis software package for the two kinds of Japanese fluoro-d-glucose-positron emission tomography guideline].

PubMed

Matsumoto, Keiichi; Endo, Keigo

2013-06-01

Two kinds of Japanese guidelines for the data acquisition protocol of oncology fluoro-D-glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography (CT) scans were created by the joint task force of the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine Technology (JSNMT) and the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine (JSNM), and published in Kakuigaku-Gijutsu 27(5): 425-456, 2007 and 29(2): 195-235, 2009. These guidelines aim to standardize PET image quality among facilities and different PET/CT scanner models. The objective of this study was to develop a personal computer-based performance measurement and image quality processor for the two kinds of Japanese guidelines for oncology (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans. We call this software package the "PET quality control tool" (PETquact). Microsoft Corporation's Windows(™) is used as the operating system for PETquact, which requires 1070×720 image resolution and includes 12 different applications. The accuracy was examined for numerous applications of PETquact. For example, in the sensitivity application, the system sensitivity measurement results were equivalent when comparing two PET sinograms obtained from the PETquact and the report. PETquact is suited for analysis of the two kinds of Japanese guideline, and it shows excellent spec to performance measurements and image quality analysis. PETquact can be used at any facility if the software package is installed on a laptop computer.

Validation of a Prototype Optical Computed Tomography System

PubMed Central

Zakariaee, Seyed Salman; Molazadeh, Mikaeil; Takavar, Abbas; Shirazi, Alireza; Mesbahi, Asghar; Zeinali, Ahad

2015-01-01

In radiation cancer treatments, the most of the side effects could be minimized using a proper dosimeter. Gel dosimeter is the only three-dimensional dosimeter and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard method for gel dosimeter readout. Because of hard accessibility and high cost of sample reading by MRI systems, some other alternative methods were developed. The optical computed tomography (OCT) method could be considered as the most promising alternative method that has been studied widely. In the current study, gel dosimeter scanning using a prototype optical scanner and validation of this optical scanner was performed. Optical absorbance of the irradiated gel samples was determined by both of conventional spectrophotometer and the fabricated OCT system at 632 nm. Furthermore, these irradiated vials were scanned by a 1.5 T MRI. The slope of the curves was extracted as the dose-response sensitivity. The R2-dose sensitivity measured by MRI method was 0.1904 and 0.113 for NIPAM and PAGAT gels, respectively. The optical dose sensitivity obtained by conventional spectrophotometer and the fabricated optical scanner was 0.0453 and 0.0442 for NIPAM gels and 0.0244 and 0.0242 for PAGAT gels, respectively. The scanning results of the absorbed dose values showed that the new OCT and conventional spectrophotometer were in fair agreement. From the results, it could be concluded that the fabricated system is able to quantize the absorbed dose values in polymer gel samples with acceptable accuracy. PMID:26120572

Quantum systems as embarrassed colleagues: what do tax evasion and state tomography have in common?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrie, Chris; Blume-Kohout, Robin

2011-03-01

Quantum state estimation (a.k.a. ``tomography'') plays a key role in designing quantum information processors. As a problem, it resembles probability estimation - e.g. for classical coins or dice - but with some subtle and important discrepancies. We demonstrate an improved classical analogue that captures many of these differences: the ``noisy coin.'' Observations on noisy coins are unreliable - much like soliciting sensitive information such as ones tax preparation habits. So, like a quantum system, it cannot be sampled directly. Unlike standard coins or dice, whose worst-case estimation risk scales as 1 / N for all states, noisy coins (and quantum states) have a worst-case risk that scales as 1 /√{ N } and is overwhelmingly dominated by nearly-pure states. The resulting optimal estimation strategies for noisy coins are surprising and counterintuitive. We demonstrate some important consequences for quantum state estimation - in particular, that adaptive tomography can recover the 1 / N risk scaling of classical probability estimation.

Imaging Polarimetry in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PubMed Central

Miura, Masahiro; Yamanari, Masahiro; Iwasaki, Takuya; Elsner, Ann E.; Makita, Shuichi; Yatagai, Toyohiko; Yasuno, Yoshiaki

2010-01-01

PURPOSE To evaluate the birefringence properties of eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To compare the information from two techniques—scanning laser polarimetry (GDx) and polarization-sensitive spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT)—and investigate how they complement each other. METHODS The authors prospectively examined the eyes of two healthy subjects and 13 patients with exudative AMD. Using scanning laser polarimetry, they computed phase-retardation maps, average reflectance images, and depolarized light images. To obtain polarimetry information with improved axial resolution, they developed a fiber-based, polarization-sensitive, spectral-domain OCT system and measured the phase retardation associated with birefringence in the same eyes. RESULTS Both GDx and polarization-sensitive spectral-domain optical coherence tomography detected abnormal birefringence at the locus of exudative lesions. Polarization-sensitive, spectral-domain OCT showed that in the old lesions with fibrosis, phase-retardation values were significantly larger than in the new lesions (P = 0.020). Increased scattered light and altered polarization scramble were associated with portions of the lesions. CONCLUSIONS GDx and polarization-sensitive spectral-domain OCT are complementary in probing birefringence properties in exudative AMD. Polarimetry findings in exudative AMD emphasized different features and were related to the progression of the disease, potentially providing a noninvasive tool for microstructure in exudative AMD. PMID:18515594

Scintillator performance considerations for dedicated breast computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vedantham, Srinivasan; Shi, Linxi; Karellas, Andrew

2017-09-01

Dedicated breast computed tomography (BCT) is an emerging clinical modality that can eliminate tissue superposition and has the potential for improved sensitivity and specificity for breast cancer detection and diagnosis. It is performed without physical compression of the breast. Most of the dedicated BCT systems use large-area detectors operating in cone-beam geometry and are referred to as cone-beam breast CT (CBBCT) systems. The large-area detectors in CBBCT systems are energy-integrating, indirect-type detectors employing a scintillator that converts x-ray photons to light, followed by detection of optical photons. A key consideration that determines the image quality achieved by such CBBCT systems is the choice of scintillator and its performance characteristics. In this work, a framework for analyzing the impact of the scintillator on CBBCT performance and its use for task-specific optimization of CBBCT imaging performance is described.

Imaging and Elastometry of Blood Clots Using Magnetomotive Optical Coherence Tomography and Labeled Platelets.

PubMed

Oldenburg, Amy L; Wu, Gongting; Spivak, Dmitry; Tsui, Frank; Wolberg, Alisa S; Fischer, Thomas H

2011-07-21

Improved methods for imaging and assessment of vascular defects are needed for directing treatment of cardiovascular pathologies. In this paper, we employ magnetomotive optical coherence tomography (MMOCT) as a platform both to detect and to measure the elasticity of blood clots. Detection is enabled through the use of rehydrated, lyophilized platelets loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIO-RL platelets) that are functional infusion agents that adhere to sites of vascular endothelial damage. Evidence suggests that the sensitivity for detection is improved over threefold by magnetic interactions between SPIOs inside RL platelets. Using the same MMOCT system, we show how elastometry of simulated clots, using resonant acoustic spectroscopy, is correlated with the fibrin content of the clot. Both methods are based upon magnetic actuation and phase-sensitive optical monitoring of nanoscale displacements using MMOCT, underscoring its utility as a broad-based platform to detect and measure the molecular structure and composition of blood clots.

A Novel Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Using Eccentric-Core Fiber Design for Optical Coherence Tomography.

PubMed

Xiong, Qiao; Tong, Xinglin; Deng, Chengwei; Zhang, Cui; Wang, Pengfei; Zheng, Zhiyuan; Liu, Fang

2018-05-13

A novel Mach-Zehnder interferometer using eccentric-core fiber (ECF) design for optical coherence tomography (OCT) is proposed and demonstrated. Instead of the commercial single-mode fiber (SMF), the ECF is used as one interference arm of the implementation. Because of the offset location of the eccentric core, it is sensitive to directional bending and the optical path difference (OPD) of two interference arms can be adjusted with high precision. The birefringence of ECF is calculated and experimentally measured, which demonstrates the polarization sensitivity of the ECF proposed in the paper is similar to that of SMF. Such a structure can replace the reference optical delay line to form an all-fiber passive device. A mirror is used as a sample for analyzing the ECF bending responses of the system. Besides, four pieces of overlapping glass slides as sample are experimentally measured as well.

Jones matrix analysis for a polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system using fiber-optic components.

PubMed

Park, B Hyle; Pierce, Mark C; Cense, Barry; de Boer, Johannes F

2004-11-01

We present an analysis for polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography that facilitates the unrestricted use of fiber and fiber-optic components throughout an interferometer and yields sample birefringence, diattenuation, and relative optic axis orientation. We use a novel Jones matrix approach that compares the polarization states of light reflected from the sample surface with those reflected from within a biological sample for pairs of depth scans. The incident polarization alternated between two states that are perpendicular in a Poincaré sphere representation to ensure proper detection of tissue birefringence regardless of optical fiber contributions. The method was validated by comparing the calculated diattenuation of a polarizing sheet, chicken tendon, and muscle with that obtained by independent measurement. The relative importance of diattenuation versus birefringence to angular displacement of Stokes vectors on a Poincaré sphere was quantified.

Fiber optic in vivo imaging in the mammalian nervous system

PubMed Central

Mehta, Amit D; Jung, Juergen C; Flusberg, Benjamin A; Schnitzer, Mark J

2010-01-01

The compact size, mechanical flexibility, and growing functionality of optical fiber and fiber optic devices are enabling several new modalities for imaging the mammalian nervous system in vivo. Fluorescence microendoscopy is a minimally invasive fiber modality that provides cellular resolution in deep brain areas. Diffuse optical tomography is a non-invasive modality that uses assemblies of fiber optic emitters and detectors on the cranium for volumetric imaging of brain activation. Optical coherence tomography is a sensitive interferometric imaging technique that can be implemented in a variety of fiber based formats and that might allow intrinsic optical detection of brain activity at a high resolution. Miniaturized fiber optic microscopy permits cellular level imaging in the brains of behaving animals. Together, these modalities will enable new uses of imaging in the intact nervous system for both research and clinical applications. PMID:15464896

Fiber-based polarization-sensitive Mueller matrix optical coherence tomography with continuous source polarization modulation.

PubMed

Jiao, Shuliang; Todorović, Milos; Stoica, George; Wang, Lihong V

2005-09-10

We report on a new configuration of fiber-based polarization-sensitive Mueller matrix optical coherence tomography that permits the acquisition of the round-trip Jones matrix of a biological sample using only one light source and a single depth scan. In this new configuration, a polarization modulator is used in the source arm to continuously modulate the incident polarization state for both the reference and the sample arms. The Jones matrix of the sample can be calculated from the two frequency terms in the two detection channels. The first term is modulated by the carrier frequency, which is determined by the longitudinal scanning mechanism, whereas the other term is modulated by the beat frequency between the carrier frequency and the second harmonic of the modulation frequency of the polarization modulator. One important feature of this system is that, for the first time to our knowledge, the Jones matrix of the sample can be calculated with a single detection channel and a single measurement when diattenuation is negligible. The system was successfully tested by imaging both standard polarization elements and biological samples.

Phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography-based vibrometry using a highly phase-stable akinetic swept laser source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Applegate, Brian E.; Park, Jesung; Carbajal, Esteban

Phase-sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (PhOCT) is an emerging tool for in vivo investigation of the vibratory function of the intact middle and inner ear. PhOCT is able to resolve micron scale tissue morphology in three dimensions as well as measure picometer scale motion at each spatial position. Most PhOCT systems to date have relied upon the phase stability offered by spectrometer detection. On the other hand swept laser source based PhOCT offers a number of advantages including balanced detection, long imaging depths, and high imaging speeds. Unfortunately the inherent phase instability of traditional swept laser sources has necessitated complex usermore » developed hardware/software solutions to restore phase sensitivity. Here we present recent results using a prototype swept laser that overcomes these issues. The akinetic swept laser is electronically tuned and precisely controls sweeps without any mechanical movement, which results in high phase stability. We have developed an optical fiber based PhOCT system around the akinetic laser source that had a 1550 nm center wavelength and a sweep rate of 140 kHz. The stability of the system was measured to be 4.4 pm with a calibrated reflector, thus demonstrating near shot noise limited performance. Using this PhOCT system, we have acquired structural and vibratory measurements of the middle ear in a mouse model, post mortem. The quality of the results suggest that the akinetic laser source is a superior laser source for PhOCT with many advantages that greatly reduces the required complexity of the imaging system.« less

Seismic imaging: From classical to adjoint tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Q.; Gu, Y. J.

2012-09-01

Seismic tomography has been a vital tool in probing the Earth's internal structure and enhancing our knowledge of dynamical processes in the Earth's crust and mantle. While various tomographic techniques differ in data types utilized (e.g., body vs. surface waves), data sensitivity (ray vs. finite-frequency approximations), and choices of model parameterization and regularization, most global mantle tomographic models agree well at long wavelengths, owing to the presence and typical dimensions of cold subducted oceanic lithospheres and hot, ascending mantle plumes (e.g., in central Pacific and Africa). Structures at relatively small length scales remain controversial, though, as will be discussed in this paper, they are becoming increasingly resolvable with the fast expanding global and regional seismic networks and improved forward modeling and inversion techniques. This review paper aims to provide an overview of classical tomography methods, key debates pertaining to the resolution of mantle tomographic models, as well as to highlight recent theoretical and computational advances in forward-modeling methods that spearheaded the developments in accurate computation of sensitivity kernels and adjoint tomography. The first part of the paper is devoted to traditional traveltime and waveform tomography. While these approaches established a firm foundation for global and regional seismic tomography, data coverage and the use of approximate sensitivity kernels remained as key limiting factors in the resolution of the targeted structures. In comparison to classical tomography, adjoint tomography takes advantage of full 3D numerical simulations in forward modeling and, in many ways, revolutionizes the seismic imaging of heterogeneous structures with strong velocity contrasts. For this reason, this review provides details of the implementation, resolution and potential challenges of adjoint tomography. Further discussions of techniques that are presently popular in seismic array analysis, such as noise correlation functions, receiver functions, inverse scattering imaging, and the adaptation of adjoint tomography to these different datasets highlight the promising future of seismic tomography.

Fast subsurface fingerprint imaging with full-field optical coherence tomography system equipped with a silicon camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auksorius, Egidijus; Boccara, A. Claude

2017-09-01

Images recorded below the surface of a finger can have more details and be of higher quality than the conventional surface fingerprint images. This is particularly true when the quality of the surface fingerprints is compromised by, for example, moisture or surface damage. However, there is an unmet need for an inexpensive fingerprint sensor that is able to acquire high-quality images deep below the surface in short time. To this end, we report on a cost-effective full-field optical coherent tomography system comprised of a silicon camera and a powerful near-infrared LED light source. The system, for example, is able to record 1.7 cm×1.7 cm en face images in 0.12 s with the spatial sampling rate of 2116 dots per inch and the sensitivity of 93 dB. We show that the system can be used to image internal fingerprints and sweat ducts with good contrast. Finally, to demonstrate its biometric performance, we acquired subsurface fingerprint images from 240 individual fingers and estimated the equal-error-rate to be ˜0.8%. The developed instrument could also be used in other en face deep-tissue imaging applications because of its high sensitivity, such as in vivo skin imaging.

Long ranging swept-source optical coherence tomography-based angiography outperforms its spectral-domain counterpart in imaging human skin microcirculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jingjiang; Song, Shaozhen; Men, Shaojie; Wang, Ruikang K.

2017-11-01

There is an increasing demand for imaging tools in clinical dermatology that can perform in vivo wide-field morphological and functional examination from surface to deep tissue regions at various skin sites of the human body. The conventional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography-based angiography (SD-OCTA) system is difficult to meet these requirements due to its fundamental limitations of the sensitivity roll-off, imaging range as well as imaging speed. To mitigate these issues, we demonstrate a swept-source OCTA (SS-OCTA) system by employing a swept source based on a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser. A series of comparisons between SS-OCTA and SD-OCTA are conducted. Benefiting from the high system sensitivity, long imaging range, and superior roll-off performance, the SS-OCTA system is demonstrated with better performance in imaging human skin than the SD-OCTA system. We show that the SS-OCTA permits remarkable deep visualization of both structure and vasculature (up to ˜2 mm penetration) with wide field of view capability (up to 18×18 mm2), enabling a more comprehensive assessment of the morphological features as well as functional blood vessel networks from the superficial epidermal to deep dermal layers. It is expected that the advantages of the SS-OCTA system will provide a ground for clinical translation, benefiting the existing dermatological practice.

Efficacy of 67 gallium ECT imaging in lymphoma, infection, and lung carcinoma: A comparison with planar imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harwood, S.J.; Anderson, M.W.; Klein, R.C.

1984-01-01

Emission computed tomography (ECT) studies were performed on a GE 400 A/T camera and ADAC computers (system 3 and system 3300). Thirty-three sets of ECT and planar images were obtained in 20 patients over a six month period. Imaging was performed 48 hours after the intravenous administration of 5 mc of Gallium 67 citrate. No bowel preparation was employed. Comparison is made of the initial nuclear medicine report derived from planar and ECT imaging aided by clinical knowledge versus the consensus opinion of two nuclear medicine physicians reading the planar images along with minimal clinical information. The lymphoma series consistsmore » of 18 scans in 10 patients. There were 5 scans in which a false negative planar interpretation was changed to a true positive ECT interpretation. Sensitivity of planar imaging for lymphoma was 58% which rose to 100% with addition of ECT information. There were no false positives by either technique. There were 5 sets of scans in 5 lung carcinoma patients. Sensitivity of the planar images was 60% because of 2 false negative results. Sensitivity of the ECT technique was 100%. There were no false positives. The infection series consists of 10 scans in 5 patients. Sensitivity of ECT was 100%, sensitivity of planar was 66%. There was 1 false positive planar. For the total series the accuracy of planar imaging was 69% and the predictive value of a negative planar interpretation was 44%. Corresponding values for ECT imaging were 100%. The authors' experience demonstrates significant increase in sensitivity without loss of specificity resulting from the use of Emission Computed Tomography in both chest and abdomen in patients with lymphoma, infection, and lung cancer.« less

Implementation of biological tissue Mueller matrix for polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography based on LabVIEW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yongping; Zhang, Xiyang; He, Youwu; Cai, Jianyong; Li, Hui

2018-02-01

The Jones matrix and the Mueller matrix are main tools to study polarization devices. The Mueller matrix can also be used for biological tissue research to get complete tissue properties, while the commercial optical coherence tomography system does not give relevant analysis function. Based on the LabVIEW, a near real time display method of Mueller matrix image of biological tissue is developed and it gives the corresponding phase retardant image simultaneously. A quarter-wave plate was placed at 45 in the sample arm. Experimental results of the two orthogonal channels show that the phase retardance based on incident light vector fixed mode and the Mueller matrix based on incident light vector dynamic mode can provide an effective analysis method of the existing system.

Pseudodynamic systems approach based on a quadratic approximation of update equations for diffuse optical tomography.

PubMed

Biswas, Samir Kumar; Kanhirodan, Rajan; Vasu, Ram Mohan; Roy, Debasish

2011-08-01

We explore a pseudodynamic form of the quadratic parameter update equation for diffuse optical tomographic reconstruction from noisy data. A few explicit and implicit strategies for obtaining the parameter updates via a semianalytical integration of the pseudodynamic equations are proposed. Despite the ill-posedness of the inverse problem associated with diffuse optical tomography, adoption of the quadratic update scheme combined with the pseudotime integration appears not only to yield higher convergence, but also a muted sensitivity to the regularization parameters, which include the pseudotime step size for integration. These observations are validated through reconstructions with both numerically generated and experimentally acquired data.

Design and Performance of a 1 mm3 Resolution Clinical PET System Comprising 3-D Position Sensitive Scintillation Detectors.

PubMed

Hsu, David F C; Freese, David L; Reynolds, Paul D; Innes, Derek R; Levin, Craig S

2018-04-01

We are developing a 1-mm 3 resolution, high-sensitivity positron emission tomography (PET) system for loco-regional cancer imaging. The completed system will comprise two cm detector panels and contain 4 608 position sensitive avalanche photodiodes (PSAPDs) coupled to arrays of mm 3 LYSO crystal elements for a total of 294 912 crystal elements. For the first time, this paper summarizes the design and reports the performance of a significant portion of the final clinical PET system, comprising 1 536 PSAPDs, 98 304 crystal elements, and an active field-of-view (FOV) of cm. The sub-system performance parameters, such as energy, time, and spatial resolutions are predictive of the performance of the final system due to the modular design. Analysis of the multiplexed crystal flood histograms shows 84% of the crystal elements have>99% crystal identification accuracy. The 511 keV photopeak energy resolution was 11.34±0.06% full-width half maximum (FWHM), and coincidence timing resolution was 13.92 ± 0.01 ns FWHM at 511 keV. The spatial resolution was measured using maximum likelihood expectation maximization reconstruction of a grid of point sources suspended in warm background. The averaged resolution over the central 6 cm of the FOV is 1.01 ± 0.13 mm in the X-direction, 1.84 ± 0.20 mm in the Y-direction, and 0.84 ± 0.11 mm in the Z-direction. Quantitative analysis of acquired micro-Derenzo phantom images shows better than 1.2 mm resolution at the center of the FOV, with subsequent resolution degradation in the y-direction toward the edge of the FOV caused by limited angle tomography effects.

Wavelength optimization for in vivo multispectral photoacoustic/ultrasound tomography of hemoglobin oxygenation in ovarian cancer: clinical studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salehi, Hassan S.; Li, Hai; Kumavor, Patrick D.; Merkulov, Aleksey; Sanders, Melinda; Brewer, Molly; Zhu, Quing

2015-03-01

In this paper, wavelength selection for multispectral photoacoustic/ultrasound tomography was optimized to obtain accurate images of hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO2) in vivo. Although wavelengths can be selected by theoretical methods, in practice the accuracy of reconstructed images will be affected by wavelength-specific and system-specific factors such as laser source power and ultrasound transducer sensitivity. By performing photoacoustic spectroscopy of mouse tumor models using 14 different wavelengths between 710 and 840 nm, we were able to identify a wavelength set which most accurately reproduced the results obtained using all 14 wavelengths via selection criteria. In clinical studies, the optimal wavelength set was successfully used to image human ovaries in vivo and noninvasively. Although these results are specific to our co-registered photoacoustic/ultrasound imaging system, the approach we developed can be applied to other functional photoacoustic and optical imaging systems.

Effect of Intraocular Pressure and Anisotropy on the Optical Properties of the Cornea: A Study Using Polarization Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography.

PubMed

Richhariya, Ashutosh; Verma, Yogesh; Rao, Divakar K; Roberts, Cynthia J; Mahmoud, Ashraf M; Sangwan, Virender S; Punjabi, Sunil; Gupta, Pradeep K

2014-01-01

We hypothesize that because of the anisotropic properties of the cornea, there should be a nonuniform change in birefringence with an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). In this in vitro study, anisotropic properties, stress distribution within the cornea, and the effect of IOP on changes in stress level were investigated. Button inflation tests for deformation with polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography were used to demonstrate optical and material anisotropy on ex vivo human corneas. Inflation tests were performed on human donor corneoscleral rims. Using a turntable and hydrostatic column, each corneoscleral rim was subjected to a hydrostatic pressure of 0, 10, 15, and 20 mm Hg. At each pressure step, 4 scans at 0, 45, 90, and 135 degrees were taken by a polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography system, and the birefringence images and normal intensity-based images were recorded; images were later compiled for analysis. The retardation changed with the axis of orientation (P [T ≤ t] 1-tailed = 0.025) and IOP (P [T ≤ t] 1-tailed = 0.019). Optical thickness of the cornea decreased with increasing IOP. The optical properties of the cornea are modified with change in IOP. This is not uniform because of distinct anisotropic properties. Anisotropic properties may unpredictably affect the optical quality of cornea during or after the surgeries. Changes in corneal birefringence can be also used as a tool for measuring the IOP of the eye.

Noninvasive assessment of the developing Xenopus cardiovascular system using optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Boppart, Stephen A.; Tearney, Gary J.; Bouma, Brett E.; Southern, James F.; Brezinski, Mark E.; Fujimoto, James G.

1997-01-01

Studies investigating normal and abnormal cardiac development are frequently limited by an inability to assess cardiovascular function within the intact organism. In this work, optical coherence tomography (OCT), a new method of micron-scale, noninvasive imaging based on the measurement of backscattered infrared light, was introduced for the high resolution assessment of structure and function in the developing Xenopus laevis cardiovascular system. Microstructural details, such as ventricular size and wall positions, were delineated with OCT at 16-μm resolution and correlated with histology. Three-dimensional representation of the cardiovascular system also was achieved by repeated cross-sectional imaging at intervals of 25 μm. In addition to structural information, OCT provides high speed in vivo axial ranging and imaging, allowing quantitative dynamic activity, such as ventricular ejection fraction, to be assessed. The sensitivity of OCT for dynamic assessment was demonstrated with an inotropic agent that altered cardiac function and dimensions. Optical coherence tomography is an attractive new technology for assessing cardiovascular development because of its high resolution, its ability to image through nontransparent structures, and its inexpensive portable design. In vivo and in vitro imaging are performed at a resolution approaching that of histopathology without the need for animal killing. PMID:9113976

Fluorescent x-ray computed tomography with synchrotron radiation using fan collimator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Tohoru; Akiba, Masahiro; Yuasa, Tetsuya; Kazama, Masahiro; Hoshino, Atsunori; Watanabe, Yuuki; Hyodo, Kazuyuki; Dilmanian, F. Avraham; Akatsuka, Takao; Itai, Yuji

1996-04-01

We describe a new system of fluorescent x-ray computed tomography applied to image nonradioactive contrast materials in vivo. The system operates on the basis of computed tomography (CT) of the first generation. The experiment was also simulated using the Monte Carlo method. The research was carried out at the BLNE-5A bending-magnet beam line of the Tristan Accumulation Ring in Kek, Japan. An acrylic cylindrical phantom containing five paraxial channels of 5 and 4 mm diameters was imaged. The channels were filled with a diluted iodine-based contrast material, with iodine concentrations of 2 mg/ml and 500 (mu) g/ml. Spectra obtained with the system's high purity germanium (HPGe) detector separated clearly the K(alpha ) and K(beta 1) x-ray fluorescent lines, and the Compton scattering. CT images were reconstructed from projections generated by integrating the counts in these spectral lines. The method had adequate sensitivity and detection power, as shown by the experiment and predicted by the simulations, to show the iodine content of the phantom channels, which corresponded to 1 and 4 (mu) g iodine content per pixel in the reconstructed images.

Emission Computed Tomography: A New Technique for the Quantitative Physiologic Study of Brain and Heart in Vivo

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Phelps, M. E.; Hoffman, E. J.; Huang, S. C.; Schelbert, H. R.; Kuhl, D. E.

1978-01-01

Emission computed tomography can provide a quantitative in vivo measurement of regional tissue radionuclide tracer concentrations. This facility when combined with physiologic models and radioactively labeled physiologic tracers that behave in a predictable manner allow measurement of a wide variety of physiologic variables. This integrated technique has been referred to as Physiologic Tomography (PT). PT requires labeled compounds which trace physiologic processes in a known and predictable manner, and physiologic models which are appropriately formulated and validated to derive physiologic variables from ECT data. In order to effectively achieve this goal, PT requires an ECT system that is capable of performing truly quantitative or analytical measurements of tissue tracer concentrations and which has been well characterized in terms of spatial resolution, sensitivity and signal to noise ratios in the tomographic image. This paper illustrates the capabilities of emission computed tomography and provides examples of physiologic tomography for the regional measurement of cerebral and myocardial metabolic rate for glucose, regional measurement of cerebral blood volume, gated cardiac blood pools and capillary perfusion in brain and heart. Studies on patients with stroke and myocardial ischemia are also presented.

Spectral binning for mitigation of polarization mode dispersion artifacts in catheter-based optical frequency domain imaging

PubMed Central

Villiger, Martin; Zhang, Ellen Ziyi; Nadkarni, Seemantini K.; Oh, Wang-Yuhl; Vakoc, Benjamin J.; Bouma, Brett E.

2013-01-01

Polarization mode dispersion (PMD) has been recognized as a significant barrier to sensitive and reproducible birefringence measurements with fiber-based, polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography systems. Here, we present a signal processing strategy that reconstructs the local retardation robustly in the presence of system PMD. The algorithm uses a spectral binning approach to limit the detrimental impact of system PMD and benefits from the final averaging of the PMD-corrected retardation vectors of the spectral bins. The algorithm was validated with numerical simulations and experimental measurements of a rubber phantom. When applied to the imaging of human cadaveric coronary arteries, the algorithm was found to yield a substantial improvement in the reconstructed birefringence maps. PMID:23938487

Congruence Between Pulmonary Function and Computed Tomography Imaging Assessment of Cystic Fibrosis Severity.

PubMed

Rybacka, Anna; Goździk-Spychalska, Joanna; Rybacki, Adam; Piorunek, Tomasz; Batura-Gabryel, Halina; Karmelita-Katulska, Katarzyna

2018-05-04

In cystic fibrosis, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and computed tomography are used to assess lung function and structure, respectively. Although both techniques of assessment are congruent there are lingering doubts about which PFTs variables show the best congruence with computed tomography scoring. In this study we addressed the issue by reinvestigating the association between PFTs variables and the score of changes seen in computed tomography scans in patients with cystic fibrosis with and without pulmonary exacerbation. This retrospective study comprised 40 patients in whom PFTs and computed tomography were performed no longer than 3 weeks apart. Images (inspiratory: 0.625 mm slice thickness, 0.625 mm interval; expiratory: 1.250 mm slice thickness, 10 mm interval) were evaluated with the Bhalla scoring system. The most frequent structural abnormality found in scans were bronchiectases and peribronchial thickening. The strongest relationship was found between the Bhalla sore and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). The Bhalla sore also was related to forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, residual volume (RV), and RV/total lung capacity (TLC) ratio. We conclude that lung structural data obtained from the computed tomography examination are highly congruent to lung function data. Thus, computed tomography imaging may supersede functional assessment in cases of poor compliance with spirometry procedures in the lederly or children. Computed tomography also seems more sensitive than PFTs in the assessment of cystic fibrosis progression. Moreover, in early phases of cystic fibrosis, computed tomography, due to its excellent resolution, may be irreplaceable in monitoring pulmonary damage.

Computer-assisted categorizing of head computed tomography reports for clinical decision rule research.

PubMed

Wall, Stephen P; Mayorga, Oliver; Banfield, Christine E; Wall, Mark E; Aisic, Ilan; Auerbach, Carl; Gennis, Paul

2006-11-01

To develop software that categorizes electronic head computed tomography (CT) reports into groups useful for clinical decision rule research. Data were obtained from the Second National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study, a cohort of head injury patients having received head CT. CT reports were reviewed manually for presence or absence of clinically important subdural or epidural hematoma, defined as greater than 1.0 cm in width or causing mass effect. Manual categorization was done by 2 independent researchers blinded to each other's results. A third researcher adjudicated discrepancies. A random sample of 300 reports with radiologic abnormalities was selected for software development. After excluding reports categorized manually or by software as indeterminate (neither positive nor negative), we calculated sensitivity and specificity by using manual categorization as the standard. System efficiency was defined as the percentage of reports categorized as positive or negative, regardless of accuracy. Software was refined until analysis of the training data yielded sensitivity and specificity approximating 95% and efficiency exceeding 75%. To test the system, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency, using the remaining 1,911 reports. Of the 1,911 reports, 160 had clinically important subdural or epidural hematoma. The software exhibited good agreement with manual categorization of all reports, including indeterminate ones (weighted kappa 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58 to 0.65). Sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency of the computerized system for identifying manual positives and negatives were 96% (95% CI 91% to 98%), 98% (95% CI 98% to 99%), and 79% (95% CI 77% to 80%), respectively. Categorizing head CT reports by computer for clinical decision rule research is feasible.

High-resolution contrast-enhanced optical coherence tomography in mice retinae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sen, Debasish; SoRelle, Elliott D.; Liba, Orly; Dalal, Roopa; Paulus, Yannis M.; Kim, Tae-Wan; Moshfeghi, Darius M.; de la Zerda, Adam

2016-06-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive interferometric imaging modality providing anatomical information at depths of millimeters and a resolution of micrometers. Conventional OCT images limit our knowledge to anatomical structures alone, without any contrast enhancement. Therefore, here we have, for the first time, optimized an OCT-based contrast-enhanced imaging system for imaging single cells and blood vessels in vivo inside the living mouse retina at subnanomolar sensitivity. We used bioconjugated gold nanorods (GNRs) as exogenous OCT contrast agents. Specifically, we used anti-mouse CD45 coated GNRs to label mouse leukocytes and mPEG-coated GNRs to determine sensitivity of GNR detection in vivo inside mice retinae. We corroborated OCT observations with hyperspectral dark-field microscopy of formalin-fixed histological sections. Our results show that mouse leukocytes that otherwise do not produce OCT contrast can be labeled with GNRs leading to significant OCT intensity equivalent to a 0.5 nM GNR solution. Furthermore, GNRs injected intravenously can be detected inside retinal blood vessels at a sensitivity of ˜0.5 nM, and GNR-labeled cells injected intravenously can be detected inside retinal capillaries by enhanced OCT contrast. We envision the unprecedented resolution and sensitivity of functionalized GNRs coupled with OCT to be adopted for longitudinal studies of retinal disorders.

Association between retinal thickness measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and rod-mediated dark adaptation in non-exudative age-related maculopathy.

PubMed

Clark, Mark E; McGwin, Gerald; Neely, David; Feist, Richard; Mason, John O; Thomley, Martin; White, Milton F; Ozaydin, Bunyamin; Girkin, Christopher A; Owsley, Cynthia

2011-10-01

To examine associations between retinal thickness and rod-mediated dark adaptation in older adults with non-exudative age-related maculopathy (ARM) or normal macular health. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 74 adults ≥ 50 years old from the comprehensive ophthalmology and retina services of an academic eye centre. ARM presence and disease severity in the enrolment eye was defined by the masked grading of stereofundus photos using the Clinical Age-Related Maculopathy grading system. High-definition, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was used to estimate retinal thickness in a grid of regions in the macula. Rod-mediated dark adaptation, recovery of light sensitivity after a photo-bleach, was measured over a 20-min period for a 500 nm target presented at 5° on the inferior vertical meridian. Main outcomes of interest were retinal thickness in the macula (μm) and parameters of rod-mediated dark adaptation (second slope, third slope, average sensitivity, final sensitivity). In non-exudative disease retinal thickness was decreased in greater disease severity; thinner retina was associated with reductions in average and final rod-mediated sensitivity even after adjustment for age and visual acuity. Impairment in rod-mediated dark adaptation in non-exudative ARM is associated with macular thinning.

Fundamentals of cone beam computed tomography for a prosthodontist

PubMed Central

John, George Puthenpurayil; Joy, Tatu Elenjickal; Mathew, Justin; Kumar, Vinod R. B.

2015-01-01

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT, also referred to as C-arm computed tomography [CT], cone beam volume CT, or flat panel CT) is a medical imaging technique of X-ray CT where the X-rays are divergent, forming a cone.[1] CBCT systems have been designed for imaging hard tissues of the maxillofacial region. CBCT is capable of providing sub-millimeter resolution in images of high diagnostic quality, with short scanning times (10–70 s) and radiation dosages reportedly up to 15–100 times lower than those of conventional CT scans. Increasing availability of this technology provides the dental clinician with an imaging modality capable of providing a three-dimensional representation of the maxillofacial skeleton with minimal distortion. The aim of this article is to sensitize the Prosthodontist to CBCT technology, provide an overview of currently available maxillofacial CBCT systems and review the specific application of various CBCT display modes to clinical Prosthodontic practice. A MEDLINE search for relevant articles in this specific area of interest was conducted. The selected articles were critically reviewed and the data acquired were systematically compiled. PMID:26929479

Endoscopic high-resolution auto fluorescence imaging and optical coherence tomography of airways in vivo (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pahlevaninezhad, Hamid; Lee, Anthony; Hohert, Geoffrey; Schwartz, Carley; Shaipanich, Tawimas; Ritchie, Alexander J.; Zhang, Wei; MacAulay, Calum E.; Lam, Stephen; Lane, Pierre M.

2016-03-01

In this work, we present multimodal imaging of peripheral airways in vivo using an endoscopic imaging system capable of co-registered optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging (OCT-AFI). This system employs a 0.9 mm diameter double-clad fiber optic-based catheter for endoscopic imaging of small peripheral airways. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can visualize detailed airway morphology in the lung periphery and autofluorescence imaging (AFI) can visualize fluorescent tissue components such as collagen and elastin, improving the detection of airway lesions. Results from in vivo imaging of 40 patients indicate that OCT and AFI offer complementary information that may increase the ability to identify pulmonary nodules in the lung periphery and improve the safety of biopsy collection by identifying large blood vessels. AFI can rapidly visualize in vivo vascular networks using fast scanning parameters resulting in vascular-sensitive imaging with less breathing/cardiac motion artifacts compared to Doppler OCT imaging. By providing complementary information about structure and function of tissue, OCT-AFI may improve site selection during biopsy collection in the lung periphery.

Multislice Computed Tomography Accurately Detects Stenosis in Coronary Artery Bypass Conduits

PubMed Central

Duran, Cihan; Sagbas, Ertan; Caynak, Baris; Sanisoglu, Ilhan; Akpinar, Belhhan; Gulbaran, Murat

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of multislice computed tomography in detecting graft stenosis or occlusion after coronary artery bypass grafting, using coronary angiography as the standard. From January 2005 through May 2006, 25 patients (19 men and 6 women; mean age, 54 ± 11.3 years) underwent diagnostic investigation of their bypass grafts by multislice computed tomography within 1 month of coronary angiography. The mean time elapsed after coronary artery bypass grafting was 6.2 years. In these 25 patients, we examined 65 bypass conduits (24 arterial and 41 venous) and 171 graft segments (the shaft, proximal anastomosis, and distal anastomosis). Compared with coronary angiography, the segment-based sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of multislice computed tomography in the evaluation of stenosis were 89%, 100%, 100%, and 99%, respectively. The patency rate for multislice compu-ted tomography was 85% (55/65: 3 arterial and 7 venous grafts were occluded), with 100% sensitivity and specificity. From these data, we conclude that multislice computed tomography can accurately evaluate the patency and stenosis of bypass grafts during outpatient follow-up. PMID:17948078

SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF DETECTING POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY WITH EN FACE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AND OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.

PubMed

de Carlo, Talisa E; Kokame, Gregg T; Kaneko, Kyle N; Lian, Rebecca; Lai, James C; Wee, Raymond

2018-03-20

Determine sensitivity and specificity of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) diagnosis with structural en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Retrospective review of the medical records of eyes diagnosed with PCV by indocyanine green angiography with review of diagnostic testing with structural en face OCT and OCTA by a trained reader. Structural en face OCT, cross-sectional OCT angiograms alone, and OCTA in its entirety were reviewed blinded to the findings of indocyanine green angiography and each other to determine if they could demonstrate the PCV complex. Sensitivity and specificity of PCV diagnosis was determined for each imaging technique using indocyanine green angiography as the ground truth. Sensitivity and specificity of structural en face OCT were 30.0% and 85.7%, of OCT angiograms alone were 26.8% and 96.8%, and of the entire OCTA were 43.9% and 87.1%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were improved for OCT angiograms and OCTA when looking at images taken within 1 month of PCV diagnosis. Sensitivity of detecting PCV was low using structural en face OCT and OCTA but specificity was high. Indocyanine green angiography remains the gold standard for PCV detection.

Combined multimodal photoacoustic tomography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT based angiography system for in vivo imaging of multiple skin disorders in human(Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Mengyang; Chen, Zhe; Sinz, Christoph; Rank, Elisabet; Zabihian, Behrooz; Zhang, Edward Z.; Beard, Paul C.; Kittler, Harald; Drexler, Wolfgang

2017-02-01

All optical photoacoustic tomography (PAT) using a planar Fabry-Perot interferometer polymer film sensor has been demonstrated for in vivo human palm imaging with an imaging penetration depth of 5 mm. The relatively larger vessels in the superficial plexus and the vessels in the dermal plexus are visible in PAT. However, due to both resolution and sensitivity limits, all optical PAT cannot reveal the smaller vessels such as capillary loops and venules. Melanin absorption also sometimes causes difficulties in PAT to resolve vessels. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) based angiography, on the other hand, has been proven suitable for microvasculature visualization in the first couple millimeters in human. In our work, we combine an all optical PAT system with an OCT system featuring a phase stable akinetic swept source. This multimodal PAT/OCT/OCT-angiography system provides us co-registered human skin vasculature information as well as the structural information of cutaneous. The scanning units of the sub-systems are assembled into one probe, which is then mounted onto a portable rack. The probe and rack design gives six degrees of freedom, allowing the multimodal optical imaging probe to access nearly all regions of human body. Utilizing this probe, we perform imaging on patients with various skin disorders as well as on healthy controls. Fused PAT/OCT-angiography volume shows the complete blood vessel network in human skin, which is further embedded in the morphology provided by OCT. A comparison between the results from the disordered regions and the normal regions demonstrates the clinical translational value of this multimodal optical imaging system in dermatology.

Low-Dose-Rate Computed Tomography System Utilizing 25 mm/s-Scan Silicon X-ray Diode and Its Application to Iodine K-Edge Imaging Using Filtered Bremsstrahlung Photons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsushita, Ryo; Sato, Eiichi; Yanbe, Yutaka; Chiba, Hiraku; Maeda, Tomoko; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Kusachi, Shinya; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2013-03-01

A low-dose-rate X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for reducing absorbed dose for patients. The CT system with a tube current of sub-mA was developed using a silicon X-ray diode (Si-XD). The Si-XD is a high-sensitivity Si photodiode (PD) selected for detecting X-ray photons, and the X-ray sensitivity of the Si-XD was twice as high as that of Si-PD cerium-doped yttrium aluminum perovskite [YAP(Ce)]. X-ray photons are directly detected using the Si-XD without a scintillator, and the photocurrent from the diode is amplified using current-voltage and voltage-voltage amplifiers. The output voltage is converted into logical pulses using a voltage-frequency converter with a maximum frequency of 500 kHz, and the frequency is proportional to the voltage. The pulses from the converter are sent to the differentiator with a time constant of 500 ns to generate short positive pulses for counting, and the pulses are counted using a counter card. Tomography is accomplished by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object, and projection curves of the object are obtained by the linear scan. The exposure time for obtaining a tomogram was 5 min at a scan step of 0.5 mm and a rotation step of 3.0°. The tube current and voltage were 0.55 mA and 60 kV, respectively, and iodine K-edge CT was carried out using filtered bremsstrahlung X-ray spectra with a peak energy of 38 keV.

Deep-tissue reporter-gene imaging with fluorescence and optoacoustic tomography: a performance overview.

PubMed

Deliolanis, Nikolaos C; Ale, Angelique; Morscher, Stefan; Burton, Neal C; Schaefer, Karin; Radrich, Karin; Razansky, Daniel; Ntziachristos, Vasilis

2014-10-01

A primary enabling feature of near-infrared fluorescent proteins (FPs) and fluorescent probes is the ability to visualize deeper in tissues than in the visible. The purpose of this work is to find which is the optimal visualization method that can exploit the advantages of this novel class of FPs in full-scale pre-clinical molecular imaging studies. Nude mice were stereotactically implanted with near-infrared FP expressing glioma cells to from brain tumors. The feasibility and performance metrics of FPs were compared between planar epi-illumination and trans-illumination fluorescence imaging, as well as to hybrid Fluorescence Molecular Tomography (FMT) system combined with X-ray CT and Multispectral Optoacoustic (or Photoacoustic) Tomography (MSOT). It is shown that deep-seated glioma brain tumors are possible to visualize both with fluorescence and optoacoustic imaging. Fluorescence imaging is straightforward and has good sensitivity; however, it lacks resolution. FMT-XCT can provide an improved rough resolution of ∼1 mm in deep tissue, while MSOT achieves 0.1 mm resolution in deep tissue and has comparable sensitivity. We show imaging capacity that can shift the visualization paradigm in biological discovery. The results are relevant not only to reporter gene imaging, but stand as cross-platform comparison for all methods imaging near infrared fluorescent contrast agents.

In vivo integrated photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography, and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy for retinal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Wei; Zhang, Rui; Zhang, Hao F.; Wei, Qing; Cao, Wenwu

2012-12-01

The physiological and pathological properties of retina are closely associated with various optical contrasts. Hence, integrating different ophthalmic imaging technologies is more beneficial in both fundamental investigation and clinical diagnosis of several blinding diseases. Recently, photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy (PAOM) was developed for in vivo retinal imaging in small animals, which demonstrated the capability of imaging retinal vascular networks and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) at high sensitivity. We combined PAOM with traditional imaging modalities, such as fluorescein angiography (FA), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and auto-fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AF-SLO), for imaging rats and mice. The multimodal imaging system provided more comprehensive evaluation of the retina based on the complementary imaging contrast mechanisms. The high-quality retinal images show that the integrated ophthalmic imaging system has great potential in the investigation of blinding disorders.

Noninvasive diagnosis of early caries with polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Everett, Matthew J.; Colston, Bill W., Jr.; Sathyam, Ujwal S.; Da Silva, Luiz B.; Fried, Daniel; Featherstone, John D. B.

1999-05-01

There is no diagnostic technology presently available utilizing non-ionizing radiation that can image the state of demineralization of dental enamel in vivo for the detection, characterization and monitoring of early, incipient caries lesions. In this study, a Polarization Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (PS-OCT) system was evaluated for its potential for the non-invasive diagnosis of early carious lesions. We demonstrated clear discrimination in PS-OCT imags between regions of normal and demineralized enamel in bovine enamel blocks containing well-characterized artificial lesions. Moreover, high-resolution, cross- sectional images were acquired that clearly discriminate between the normal and carious regions of extracted human teeth. Regions that appeared to be demineralized in the PS- OCT imags were verified using histological thin sections examined under polarized light. The PS-OCT system discriminates between normal and carious regions by measuring the state of polarization of the back-scattered 1310 nm light, which is affected by the state of demineralization of the enamel. The demineralized regions of enamel have a large scattering coefficient, thus depolarizing the incident light. This initial study shows that PS-OCT has great potential for the detection, characterization, and monitoring of incipient caries lesions.

Multispectral diffuse optical tomography of finger joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lighter, Daniel; Filer, Andrew; Dehghani, Hamid

2017-07-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovial inflammation. The current treatment paradigm for earlier, more aggressive therapy places importance on development of functional imaging modalities, capable of quantifying joint changes at the earliest stages. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) has shown great promise in this regard, due to its cheap, non-invasive, non-ionizing and high contrast nature. Underlying pathological activity in afflicted joints leads to altered optical properties of the synovial region, with absorption and scattering increasing. Previous studies have used these optical changes as features for classifying diseased joints from healthy. Non-tomographic, single wavelength, continuous wave (CW) measurements of trans-illuminated joints have previously reported achieving this with specificity and sensitivity in the range 80 - 90% [1]. A single wavelength, frequency domain DOT system, combined with machine learning techniques, has been shown to achieve sensitivity and specificity in the range of 93.8 - 100% [2]. A CW system is presented here which collects data at 5 wavelengths, enabling reconstruction of pathophysiological parameters such as oxygenation and total hemoglobin, with the aim of identifying localized hypoxia and angiogenesis associated with inflammation in RA joints. These initial studies focus on establishing levels of variation in recovered parameters from images of healthy controls.

[Comparative assessment of MR-semiotics of acutest intracerebral hematomas in low- and extra high-field frequency magnetic resonance tomography].

PubMed

Skvortsova, V I; Burenchev, D V; Tvorogova, T V; Guseva, O I; Prokhorov, A V; Smirnov, A M; Kupriianov, D A; Pirogov, Iu A

2009-01-01

An objective of the study was to compare sensitivity of low- and extra high-field frequency magnetic resonance (MR) tomography of acutest intracerebral hematomas (ICH) and to assess differences between symptoms in obtained images. A study was conducted using experimental ICH in rats (n=6). Hematomas were formed by two injections of autologic blood into the brain. MR-devices "Bio Spec 70/30" with magnetic field strength of 7 T and "Ellipse-150" with magnetic field strength of 0,15 T were used in the study. MR-tomography was carried out 3-5 h after the injections. Both MR-devices revealed the presence of pathological lesion in all animals. Extra highfield frequency MR-tomography showed the specific signs of ICH caused by the paramagnetic effect of deoxyhemoglobin in T2 and T2*-weighted images (WI) and low frequency MR-tomography - in T2*-WI only. The comparable sensitivity of low- and extra high-field frequency MR-devices in acutest ICH was established.

Fast subsurface fingerprint imaging with full-field optical coherence tomography system equipped with a silicon camera.

PubMed

Auksorius, Egidijus; Boccara, A Claude

2017-09-01

Images recorded below the surface of a finger can have more details and be of higher quality than the conventional surface fingerprint images. This is particularly true when the quality of the surface fingerprints is compromised by, for example, moisture or surface damage. However, there is an unmet need for an inexpensive fingerprint sensor that is able to acquire high-quality images deep below the surface in short time. To this end, we report on a cost-effective full-field optical coherent tomography system comprised of a silicon camera and a powerful near-infrared LED light source. The system, for example, is able to record 1.7  cm×1.7  cmen face images in 0.12 s with the spatial sampling rate of 2116 dots per inch and the sensitivity of 93 dB. We show that the system can be used to image internal fingerprints and sweat ducts with good contrast. Finally, to demonstrate its biometric performance, we acquired subsurface fingerprint images from 240 individual fingers and estimated the equal-error-rate to be ∼0.8%. The developed instrument could also be used in other en face deep-tissue imaging applications because of its high sensitivity, such as in vivo skin imaging. (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Snapshot polarization-sensitive plug-in optical module for a Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marques, Manuel J.; Rivet, Sylvain; Bradu, Adrian; Podoleanu, Adrian

2018-02-01

In this communication, we present a proof-of-concept polarization-sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (PS-OCT) which can be used to characterize the retardance and the axis orientation of a linear birefringent sample. This module configuration is an improvement from our previous work1, 2 since it encodes the two polarization channels on the optical path difference, effectively carrying out the polarization measurements simultaneously (snapshot measurement), whilst retaining all the advantages (namely the insensitivity to environmental parameters when using SM fibers) of these two previous configurations. Further progress consists in employing Master Slave OCT technology,3 which is used to automatically compensate for the dispersion mismatch introduced by the elements in the module. This is essential given the encoding of the polarization states on two different optical path lengths, each of them having dissimilar dispersive properties. By utilizing this method instead of the commonly used re-linearization and numerical dispersion compensation methods an improvement in terms of the calculation time required can be achieved.

Imaging and Elastometry of Blood Clots Using Magnetomotive Optical Coherence Tomography and Labeled Platelets

PubMed Central

Oldenburg, Amy L.; Wu, Gongting; Spivak, Dmitry; Tsui, Frank; Wolberg, Alisa S.; Fischer, Thomas H.

2013-01-01

Improved methods for imaging and assessment of vascular defects are needed for directing treatment of cardiovascular pathologies. In this paper, we employ magnetomotive optical coherence tomography (MMOCT) as a platform both to detect and to measure the elasticity of blood clots. Detection is enabled through the use of rehydrated, lyophilized platelets loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIO-RL platelets) that are functional infusion agents that adhere to sites of vascular endothelial damage. Evidence suggests that the sensitivity for detection is improved over threefold by magnetic interactions between SPIOs inside RL platelets. Using the same MMOCT system, we show how elastometry of simulated clots, using resonant acoustic spectroscopy, is correlated with the fibrin content of the clot. Both methods are based upon magnetic actuation and phase-sensitive optical monitoring of nanoscale displacements using MMOCT, underscoring its utility as a broad-based platform to detect and measure the molecular structure and composition of blood clots. PMID:23833549

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography of multi-MHz A-scan rates at 1310 nm range and real-time 4D-display up to 41 volumes/second

PubMed Central

Choi, Dong-hak; Hiro-Oka, Hideaki; Shimizu, Kimiya; Ohbayashi, Kohji

2012-01-01

An ultrafast frequency domain optical coherence tomography system was developed at A-scan rates between 2.5 and 10 MHz, a B-scan rate of 4 or 8 kHz, and volume-rates between 12 and 41 volumes/second. In the case of the worst duty ratio of 10%, the averaged A-scan rate was 1 MHz. Two optical demultiplexers at a center wavelength of 1310 nm were used for linear-k spectral dispersion and simultaneous differential signal detection at 320 wavelengths. The depth-range, sensitivity, sensitivity roll-off by 6 dB, and axial resolution were 4 mm, 97 dB, 6 mm, and 23 μm, respectively. Using FPGAs for FFT and a GPU for volume rendering, a real-time 4D display was demonstrated at a rate up to 41 volumes/second for an image size of 256 (axial) × 128 × 128 (lateral) voxels. PMID:23243560

Imaging vibration of the cochlear partition of an excised guinea pig cochlea using phase-sensitive Fourier domain optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhury, Niloy; Zeng, Yaguang; Fridberger, Anders; Chen, Fangyi; Zha, Dingjun; Nuttall, Alfred L.; Wang, Ruikang K.

2011-03-01

Studying the sound stimulated vibrations of various membranes that form the complex structure of the organ of Corti in the cochlea of the inner ear is essential for understanding how the travelling sound wave of the basilar membrane couples its energy to the organ structures. In this paper we report the feasibility of using phase-sensitive Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) to image the vibration of various micro-structures of the cochlea at the same time. An excised cochlea of a guinea pig was stimulated using sounds at various frequencies and vibration image was obtained. When measuring the apex area, vibration signal from different turns, which have different best response frequencies are obtained in the same image. The method has the potential to measure the response from a much wider region of the cochlea than any other currently used method. The noise floor for vibration image for the system at 200 Hz was ~0.3nm.

Towards a high sensitivity small animal PET system based on CZT detectors (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbaszadeh, Shiva; Levin, Craig

2017-03-01

Small animal positron emission tomography (PET) is a biological imaging technology that allows non-invasive interrogation of internal molecular and cellular processes and mechanisms of disease. New PET molecular probes with high specificity are under development to target, detect, visualize, and quantify subtle molecular and cellular processes associated with cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. However, the limited uptake of these targeted probes leads to significant reduction in signal. There is a need to advance the performance of small animal PET system technology to reach its full potential for molecular imaging. Our goal is to assemble a small animal PET system based on CZT detectors and to explore methods to enhance its photon sensitivity. In this work, we reconstruct an image from a phantom using a two-panel subsystem consisting of six CZT crystals in each panel. For image reconstruction, coincidence events with energy between 450 and 570 keV were included. We are developing an algorithm to improve sensitivity of the system by including multiple interaction events.

Endoscopic spectral-domain polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yi; Chen, Xiaodong; Hu, Zhiqiang; Li, Qiao; Yu, Daoyin

2008-02-01

In this paper, we introduced a fiber-based endoscopic Spectral-domain Polarization-sensitive OCT (SD-PS-OCT) experimental scheme for detecting the internal organ disease, which is based on low-coherence interferometer and two spectrometers. The SD-PS-OCT has the advantages of both Spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) and Polarization-sensitive OCT (PS-OCT). It is able to get the real-time image of reflectivity and birefringence distribution of tissue at the same time. The usage of SD-PS-OCT in endoscopic diagnosing system provides it the possibility to detect the internal organ disease. Since SD-PS-OCT can image the pathological changes of biological tissue below surface (1-3mm) with high resolution (1-15μm), it is able to help diagnosing early diseases of internal organs, which makes it a biomedical technology with bright future.

Near-infrared imaging for management of chronic maxillary sinusitis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Joon S.; Cerussi, Albert E.; Kim, James; Ison, Sean; Wong, Brian; Cui, Haotian; Bhandarkar, Naveen

2015-03-01

Efficient management of chronic sinusitis remains a great challenge for primary care physicians. Unlike ENT specialists using Computed Tomography scans, they lack an affordable and safe method to accurately screen and monitor sinus diseases in primary care settings. Lack of evidence-based sinusitis management leads to frequent under-treatments and unnecessary over-treatments (i.e. antibiotics). Previously, we reported low-cost optical imaging designs for oral illumination and facial optical imaging setup. It exploits the sensitivity of NIR transmission intensity and their unique patterns to the sinus structures and presence of fluid/mucous-buildup within the sinus cavities. Using the improved NIR system, we have obtained NIR sinus images of 45 subjects with varying degrees of sinusitis symptoms. We made diagnoses of these patients based on two types of evidence: symptoms alone or NIR images along. These diagnostic results were then compared to the gold standard diagnosis using computed tomography through sensitivity and specificity analysis. Our results indicate that diagnosis of mere presence of sinusitis that is, distinguishing between healthy individuals vs. diseased individuals did not improve much when using NIR imaging compared to the diagnosis based on symptoms alone (69% in sensitivity, 75% specificity). However, use of NIR imaging improved the differential diagnosis between mild and severe diseases significantly as the sensitivity improved from 75% for using diagnosis based on symptoms alone up to 95% for using diagnosis based on NIR images. Reported results demonstrate great promise for using NIR imaging system for management of chronic sinusitis patients in primary care settings without resorting to CT.

Advanced polarization sensitive analysis in optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wieloszyńska, Aleksandra; StrÄ kowski, Marcin R.

2017-08-01

The optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optical imaging method, which is widely applied in variety applications. This technology is used to cross-sectional or surface imaging with high resolution in non-contact and non-destructive way. OCT is very useful in medical applications like ophthalmology, dermatology or dentistry, as well as beyond biomedical fields like stress mapping in polymers or protective coatings defects detection. Standard OCT imaging is based on intensity images which can visualize the inner structure of scattering devices. However, there is a number of extensions improving the OCT measurement abilities. The main of them are the polarization sensitive OCT (PS-OCT), Doppler enable OCT (D-OCT) or spectroscopic OCT (S-OCT). Our research activities have been focused on PS-OCT systems. The polarization sensitive analysis delivers an useful information about optical anisotropic properties of the evaluated sample. This kind of measurements is very important for inner stress monitoring or e.g. tissue recognition. Based on our research results and knowledge the standard PS-OCT provide only data about birefringence of the measured sample. However, based on the OCT measurements more information including depolarization and diattenuation might be obtained. In our work, the method based on Jones formalism are going to be presented. It is used to determine birefringence, dichroism and optic axis orientation of the tested sample. In this contribution the setup of the optical system, as well as tests results verifying the measurements abilities of the system are going to be presented. The brief discussion about the effectiveness and usefulness of this approach will be carried out.

Evaluation of PET Scanner Performance in PET/MR and PET/CT Systems: NEMA Tests.

PubMed

Demir, Mustafa; Toklu, Türkay; Abuqbeitah, Mohammad; Çetin, Hüseyin; Sezgin, H Sezer; Yeyin, Nami; Sönmezoğlu, Kerim

2018-02-01

The aim of the present study was to compare the performance of positron emission tomography (PET) component of PET/computed tomography (CT) with new emerging PET/magnetic resonance (MR) of the same vendor. According to National Electrical Manufacturers Association NU2-07, five separate experimental tests were performed to evaluate the performance of PET scanner of General Electric GE company; SIGNATM model PET/MR and GE Discovery 710 model PET/CT. The main investigated aspects were spatial resolution, sensitivity, scatter fraction, count rate performance, image quality, count loss and random events correction accuracy. The findings of this study demonstrated superior sensitivity (~ 4 folds) of PET scanner in PET/MR compared to PET/CT system. Image quality test exhibited higher contrast in PET/MR (~ 9%) compared with PET/CT. The scatter fraction of PET/MR was 43.4% at noise equivalent count rate (NECR) peak of 218 kcps and the corresponding activity concentration was 17.7 kBq/cc. Whereas the scatter fraction of PET/CT was found as 39.2% at NECR peak of 72 kcps and activity concentration of 24.3 kBq/cc. The percentage error of the random event correction accuracy was 3.4% and 3.1% in PET/MR and PET/CT, respectively. It was concluded that PET/MR system is about 4 times more sensitive than PET/CT, and the contrast of hot lesions in PET/MR was ~ 9% higher than PET/CT. These outcomes also emphasize the possibility to achieve excellent clinical PET images with low administered dose and/or a short acquisition time in PET/MR.

Noncontact tomography and a pH-sensitive nanocomposite for monitoring osseointegrated prosthesis interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Sumit; Loh, Kenneth J.

2017-04-01

The main objective of this research is to develop a noncontact and noninvasive method for monitoring infections at the interface of human tissue and osseointegrated prostheses. The technique used here is centered on the theory of a noncontact permittivity imaging technique known as electrical capacitance tomography (ECT). This work is divided into two main parts. First, an ECT electrical permittivity reconstruction software and hardware system was developed. Second, a carbon nanotube-polyaniline nanocomposite thin film was designed and fabricated such that its electrical permittivity is sensitive to pH stimuli. The dielectric properties of this thin film were characterized as it was exposed to different pH buffer solutions. It is envisioned that osseointegrated implants can be pre-coated with the pH-sensitive nanocomposite prior to implant. When infection occurs and alters the local pH of tissue at the human-prosthesis interface, the dielectric property of the film would change accordingly. Then, ECT can interrogate the cross-section of the human limb and reconstruct its permittivity distribution, revealing localized changes in permittivity due to infection. To validate this concept, a prosthesis phantom was coated with the nanocomposite pH sensor and then immersed in different pH buffer solutions. ECT was conducted, and the results showed that the magnitude and location of subsurface, localized, pH changes could be detected. In general, noncontact tomography coupled with stimuliresponsive thin films could pave way for new modalities of noninvasive human body imaging, in particular, for patients with osseointegrated implants and prostheses.

Effect of Metal Artifacts on Detection of Vertical Root Fractures Using Two Cone Beam Computed Tomography Systems.

PubMed

Safi, Yaser; Aghdasi, Mohammad Mehdi; Ezoddini-Ardakani, Fatemeh; Beiraghi, Samira; Vasegh, Zahra

2015-01-01

Vertical root fracture (VRF) is common in endodontically treated teeth. Conventional and digital radiographies have limitations for detection of VRFs. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers greater detection accuracy of VRFs in comparison with conventional radiography. This study compared the effects of metal artifacts on detection of VRFs by using two CBCT systems. Eighty extracted premolars were selected and sectioned at the level of the cemento enamel junction (CEJ). After preparation, root canals were filled with gutta-percha. Subsequently, two thirds of the root fillings were removed for post space preparation and a custom-made post was cemented into each canal. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n=40). In the test group, root fracture was created with Instron universal testing machine. The control teeth remained intact. CBCT scans of all teeth were obtained with either New Tom VGI or Soredex Scanora 3D. Three observers analyzed the images for detection of VRF. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for VRF detection and percentage of probable cases were calculated for each imaging system and compared using non-parametric tests considering the non-normal distribution of data. The inter-observer reproducibility was calculated using the weighted kappa coefficient. There were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV between the two CBCT systems. The effect of metal artifacts on VRF detection was not significantly different between the two CBCT systems.

Dual-wavelength photothermal optical coherence tomography for blood oxygen saturation measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Biwei; Kuranov, Roman V.; McElroy, Austin B.; Milner, Thomas E.

2013-03-01

We report design and demonstration of a dual wavelength photothermal (DWP) optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for imaging of a phantom microvessel and measurement of hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SO2) level. The DWP-OCT system contains a swept-source (SS) two-beam phase-sensitive (PhS) OCT system (1060 nm) and two intensity modulated photothermal excitation lasers (770 nm and 800 nm). The PhS-OCT probe beam (1060 nm) and photothermal excitation beams are combined into one single-mode optical fiber. A galvanometer based two-dimensional achromatic scanning system is designed to provide 14 μm lateral resolution for the PhS-OCT probe beam (1060 nm) and 13 μm lateral resolution for photothermal excitation beams. DWP-OCT system's sensitivity is 102 dB, axial resolution is 13 μm in tissue and uses a real-time digital dispersion compensation algorithm. Noise floor for optical pathlength measurements is 300 pm in the signal frequency range (380-400 Hz) of photothermal modulation frequencies. Blood SO2 level is calculated from measured optical pathlength (op) signal in a 300 μm diameter microvessel phantom introduced by the two photothermal excitation beams. En-face and B-scan images of a phantom microvessel are recorded, and six blood samples' SO2 levels are measured using DWP-OCT and compared with values provided by a commercial blood oximeter. A mathematical model indicates thermal diffusion introduces a systematic artifact that over-estimates SO2 values and is consistent with measured data.

The collagen structure of equine articular cartilage, characterized using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ugryumova, Nadya; Attenburrow, Don P.; Winlove, C. Peter; Matcher, Stephen J.

2005-08-01

Optical coherence tomography and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography images of equine articular cartilage are presented. Measurements were made on intact joint surfaces. Significant (e.g. × 2) variations in the intrinsic birefringence were found over spatial scales of a few millimetres, even on samples taken from young (18 month) animals that appeared visually homogeneous. A comparison of data obtained on a control tissue (equine flexor tendon) further suggests that significant variations in the orientation of the collagen fibres relative to the plane of the joint surface exist. Images of visually damaged cartilage tissue show characteristic features both in terms of the distribution of optical scatterers and of the birefringent components.

Assessment of the Role of Different Imaging Modalities with Emphasis on Fdg Pet/Ct in the Management of Well Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (WDTC).

PubMed

Kendi A, Tuba Karagulle; Mudalegundi, Shwetha; Switchenko, Jeffrey; Lee, Daniel; Halkar, Raghuveer; Chen, Amy Y

2016-01-01

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography is suggested to have a role in detection of iodine negative recurrence in well differentiated thyroid cancer. The aim of this study is to identify role of different imaging modalities in the management of well differentiated thyroid cancer. We reviewed 900 well differentiated thyroid cancer patients after post-thyroidectomy who underwent recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone stimulated Sodium Iodide I 131 imaging. Out of 900 patients, 74 had positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Multivariate analysis was performed by controlling positron emission tomography/computed tomography, Sodium Iodide I 131 scan, neck ultrasonography, age, sex, primary tumor size, stage, histology, thyroglobulin. Patients were grouped according to results of Sodium Iodide I 131 scan and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography was positive in 23 of 74 patients. The sensitivity for positron emission tomography was 11/11(100%), the specificity was 51/63 (81.0%), the positive predictive value was 11/23 (47.8%), and the negative predictive value was 51/51 (100%). The sensitivity for the neck ultrasonography was 4/8 (50%), the specificity was 53/60 (88.3%), positive predictive value was 4/11 (36.4%), and negative predictive value was 53/57 (93.0%). 50% of patients who had Sodium Iodide I 131 negative scan and positive positron emission tomography/computed tomography had a change in management. Thirty-six percent with positive neck ultrasonography had a change in management. Out of 11 recurrences, 6 had distant metastatic disease, and 5/11 had regional nodal disease. Neck ultrasonography showed nodal metastasis in 4/5 (80%). Positron emission tomography/computed tomography altered management in the presence of a high thyroglobulin level and a negative Sodium Iodide I 131 scan. Neck ultrasonography should be the first line of imaging with rising thyroglobulin levels. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography should be considered for cases with high thyroglobulin levels and normal neck ultrasonography to look for distant metastatic disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Atlas, S.W.; Grossman, R.I.; Packer, R.J.

1987-01-01

Disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy is a rare syndrome of progressive neurologic deterioration seen most often in patients who have received central nervous system irradiation combined with intrathecal or systemic chemotherapy in the treatment or prophylaxis of various malignancies. Magnetic resonance imaging was more sensitive than computed tomography in detecting white matter abnormalities in the case of disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy reported here. Magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in diagnosing incipient white matter changes in disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy, thus permitting early, appropriate therapeutic modifications.

Color sensitive silicon photomultiplers with micro-cell level encoding for DOI PET detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimazoe, Kenji; Koyama, Akihiro; Takahashi, Hiroyuki; Ganka, Thomas; Iskra, Peter; Marquez Seco, Alicia; Schneider, Florian; Wiest, Florian

2017-11-01

There have been many studies on Depth Of Interaction (DOI) identification for high resolution Positron Emission Tomography (PET) systems, including those on phoswich detectors, double-sided readout, light sharing methods, and wavelength discrimination. The wavelength discrimination method utilizes the difference in wavelength of stacked scintillators and requires a color sensitive photodetector. Here, a new silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) coupled to a color filter (colorSiPM) was designed and fabricated for DOI detection. The fabricated colorSiPM has two anode readouts that are sensitive to blue and green color. The colorSiPM's response and DOI identification capability for stacked GAGG and LYSO crystals are characterized. The fabricated colorSiPM is sensitive enough to detect a peak of 662 keV from a 137 Cs source.

Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography May Improve the Diagnostic Accuracy of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Localized Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Rhee, H; Thomas, P; Shepherd, B; Gustafson, S; Vela, I; Russell, P J; Nelson, C; Chung, E; Wood, G; Malone, G; Wood, S; Heathcote, P

2016-10-01

Positron emission tomography using ligands targeting prostate specific membrane antigen has recently been introduced. Positron emission tomography imaging with (68)Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC has been shown to detect metastatic prostate cancer lesions at a high rate. In this study we compare multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and prostate specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography of the prostate with whole mount ex vivo prostate histopathology to determine the true sensitivity and specificity of these imaging modalities for detecting and locating tumor foci within the prostate. In a prospective clinical trial setting 20 patients with localized prostate cancer and a planned radical prostatectomy were recruited. All patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography before surgery, and whole mount histopathology slides were directly compared to the images. European Society of Urogenital Radiology guidelines for reporting magnetic resonance imaging were used as a template for regional units of analysis. The uropathologist and radiologists were blinded to individual components of the study, and the final correlation was performed by visual and deformable registration analysis. A total of 50 clinically significant lesions were identified from the whole mount histopathological analysis. Based on regional analysis the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging were 44%, 94%, 81% and 76%, respectively. With prostate specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 49%, 95%, 85% and 88%, respectively. Prostate specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography yielded a higher specificity and positive predictive value. A significant proportion of cancers are potentially missed and underestimated by both imaging modalities. Prostate specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography may be used in addition to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to help improve local staging in those patients undergoing retropubic radical prostatectomy. Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A sensitivity analysis on seismic tomography data with respect to CO2 saturation of a CO2 geological sequestration field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Chanho; Nguyen, Phung K. T.; Nam, Myung Jin; Kim, Jongwook

2013-04-01

Monitoring CO2 migration and storage in geological formations is important not only for the stability of geological sequestration of CO2 but also for efficient management of CO2 injection. Especially, geophysical methods can make in situ observation of CO2 to assess the potential leakage of CO2 and to improve reservoir description as well to monitor development of geologic discontinuity (i.e., fault, crack, joint, etc.). Geophysical monitoring can be based on wireline logging or surface surveys for well-scale monitoring (high resolution and nallow area of investigation) or basin-scale monitoring (low resolution and wide area of investigation). In the meantime, crosswell tomography can make reservoir-scale monitoring to bridge the resolution gap between well logs and surface measurements. This study focuses on reservoir-scale monitoring based on crosswell seismic tomography aiming describe details of reservoir structure and monitoring migration of reservoir fluid (water and CO2). For the monitoring, we first make a sensitivity analysis on crosswell seismic tomography data with respect to CO2 saturation. For the sensitivity analysis, Rock Physics Models (RPMs) are constructed by calculating the values of density and P and S-wave velocities of a virtual CO2 injection reservoir. Since the seismic velocity of the reservoir accordingly changes as CO2 saturation changes when the CO2 saturation is less than about 20%, while when the CO2 saturation is larger than 20%, the seismic velocity is insensitive to the change, sensitivity analysis is mainly made when CO2 saturation is less than 20%. For precise simulation of seismic tomography responses for constructed RPMs, we developed a time-domain 2D elastic modeling based on finite difference method with a staggered grid employing a boundary condition of a convolutional perfectly matched layer. We further make comparison between sensitivities of seismic tomography and surface measurements for RPMs to analysis resolution difference between them. Moreover, assuming a similar reservoir situation to the CO2 storage site in Nagaoka, Japan, we generate time-lapse tomographic data sets for the corresponding CO2 injection process, and make a preliminary interpretation of the data sets.

Advances in Small Animal Imaging Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loudos, George K.

2007-11-01

The rapid growth in genetics and molecular biology combined with the development of techniques for genetically engineering small animals has led to an increased interest in in vivo laboratory animal imaging during the past few years. For this purpose, new instrumentation, data acquisition strategies, and image processing and reconstruction techniques are being developed, researched and evaluated. The aim of this article is to give a short overview of the state of the art technologies for high resolution and high sensitivity molecular imaging techniques, primarily positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The basic needs of small animal imaging will be described. The evolution in instrumentation in the past two decades, as well as the commercially available systems will be overviewed. Finally, the new trends in detector technology and preliminary results from challenging applications will be presented. For more details a number of references are provided.

A highly sensitive and specific combined clinical and sonographic score to diagnose appendicitis.

PubMed

Reddy, Swathi B; Kelleher, Michael; Bokhari, S A Jamal; Davis, Kimberly A; Schuster, Kevin M

2017-10-01

Computed tomography (CT) scanning reduces the negative appendectomy rate however it exposes the patient to ionizing radiation. Ultrasound (US) does not carry this risk but may be nondiagnostic. We hypothesized that a clinical-US scoring system would improve diagnostic accuracy. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients (age, >15 years) who presented through the emergency department with suspected appendicitis and underwent initial US. A US score was developed using odds ratios for appendicitis given appendiceal diameter, compressibility, hyperemia, free fluid, and focal or diffuse tenderness. The US score was then combined with the Alvarado score. Final diagnosis of appendicitis was assigned by pathology reports. Three hundred patients who underwent US as initial imaging were identified. Thirty-two patients with evident nonappendiceal pathology on US were excluded. In 114 (38%), the appendix was not visualized and partially visualized in 36 (12%). Fifty-seven (21.3%) had an appendectomy with 1 (1.7%) negative. Six nonvisualized appendicies underwent appendectomy, with no negative cases. Sensitivity and specificity for the sonographic score were 86% and 90%, respectively, at a score of 1.5. The combined score demonstrated 98% sensitivity and 82% specificity at 6.5, and 95% sensitivity, and 87% specificity at a score of 7.5. Sensitivity and specificity were confirmed by bootstrap resampling for validation. Area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for our new US score were similar to the ROC curve for the Alvarado score (91.9 and 91.1, p = 0.8). The combined US and Alvarado score yielded an area under the ROC curve of 97.1, significantly better than either score alone (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively). Our scoring system based entirely on US findings was highly sensitive and specific for appendicitis, and it significantly improved when combined with the Alvarado score. After prospective evaluation, the combined US-Alvarado score might replace the need for computed tomography imaging in a majority of patients. Diagnostic Test, Level III.

Development and Applications of Laminar Optical Tomography for In Vivo Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burgess, Sean A.

Laminar optical tomography (LOT) is an optical imaging technique capable of making depth-resolved measurements of absorption and fluorescence contrast in scattering tissue. LOT was first demonstrated in 2004 by Hillman et al [1]. The technique combines a non-contact laser scanning geometry, similar to a low magnification confocal microscope, with the imaging principles of diffuse optical tomography (DOT). This thesis describes the development and application of a second generation LOT system, which acquires both fluorescence and multi-wavelength measurements simultaneously and is better suited for in vivo measurements. Chapter 1 begins by reviewing the interactions of light with tissue that form the foundation of optical imaging. A range of related optical imaging techniques and the basic principles of LOT imaging are then described. In Chapter 2, the development of the new LOT imaging system is described including the implementation of a series of interfaces to allow clinical imaging. System performance is then evaluated on a range of imaging phantoms. Chapter 3 describes two in vivo imaging applications explored using the second generation LOT system, first in a clinical setting where skin lesions were imaged, and then in a laboratory setting where LOT imaging was performed on exposed rat cortex. The final chapter provides a brief summary and describes future directions for LOT. LOT has the potential to find applications in medical diagnostics, surgical guidance, and in-situ monitoring owing to its sensitivity to absorption and fluorescence contrast as well as its ability to provide depth sensitive measures. Optical techniques can characterize blood volume and oxygenation, two important biological parameters, through measurements at different wavelengths. Fluorescence measurements, either from autofluorescence or fluorescent dyes, have shown promise for identifying and analyzing lesions in various epithelial tissues including skin [2, 3], colon [4], esophagus [5, 6], oral mucosa [7, 8], and cervix [9]. The desire to capture these types of measurements with LOT motivated much of the work presented here.

Cross-correlation photothermal optical coherence tomography with high effective resolution.

PubMed

Tang, Peijun; Liu, Shaojie; Chen, Junbo; Yuan, Zhiling; Xie, Bingkai; Zhou, Jianhua; Tang, Zhilie

2017-12-01

We developed a cross-correlation photothermal optical coherence tomography (CC-PTOCT) system for photothermal imaging with high lateral and axial resolution. The CC-PTOCT system consists of a phase-sensitive OCT system, a modulated pumping laser, and a digital cross-correlator. The pumping laser was used to induce the photothermal effect in the sample, causing a slight phase modulation of the OCT signals. A spatial phase differentiation method was employed to reduce phase accumulation. The noise brought by the phase differentiation method and the strong background noise were suppressed efficiently by the cross-correlator, which was utilized to extract the photothermal signals from the modulated signals. Combining the cross-correlation technique with spatial phase differentiation can improve both lateral and axial resolution of the PTOCT imaging system. Clear photothermal images of blood capillaries of a mouse ear in vivo were successfully obtained with high lateral and axial resolution. The experimental results demonstrated that this system can enhance the effective transverse resolution, effective depth resolution, and contrast of the PTOCT image effectively, aiding the ongoing development of the accurate 3D functional imaging.

The epidural needle guidance with an intelligent and automatic identification system for epidural anesthesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, Meng-Chun; Ting, Chien-Kun; Kuo, Wen-Chuan

2018-02-01

Incorrect placement of the needle causes medical complications in the epidural block, such as dural puncture or spinal cord injury. This study proposes a system which combines an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging probe with an automatic identification (AI) system to objectively identify the position of the epidural needle tip. The automatic identification system uses three features as image parameters to distinguish the different tissue by three classifiers. Finally, we found that the support vector machine (SVM) classifier has highest accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity, which reached to 95%, 98%, and 92%, respectively.

Assessing pharmacokinetics of indocyanine green-loaded nanoparticle in tumor with a dynamic diffuse fluorescence tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yanqi; Yin, Guoyan; Zhao, Huijuan; Ma, Wenjuan; Gao, Feng; Zhang, Limin

2018-02-01

Real-time and continuous monitoring of drug release in vivo is an important task in pharmaceutical development. Here, we devoted to explore a real-time continuous study of the pharmacokinetics of free indocyanine green (ICG) and ICG loaded in the shell-sheddable nanoparticles in tumor based on a dynamic diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT) system: A highly-sensitive dynamic DFT system of CT-scanning mode generates informative and instantaneous sampling datasets; An analysis procedure extracts the pharmacokinetic parameters from the reconstructed time curves of the mean ICG concentration in tumor, using the Gauss-Newton scheme based on two-compartment model. Compared with the pharmacokinetic parameters of free ICG in tumor, the ICG loaded in the shell-sheddable nanoparticles shows efficient accumulation in tumor. The results demonstrate our proposed dynamic-DFT can provide an integrated and continuous view of the drug delivery of the injected agents in different formulations, which is helpful for the development of diagnosis and therapy for tumors.

MRI-guided fiber-based fluorescence molecular tomography for preclinical atherosclerosis imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Baoqiang; Pouliot, Philippe; Lesage, Frederic

2014-09-01

Multi-modal imaging combining fluorescent molecular tomography (FMT) with MRI could provide information in these two modalities as well as optimize the recovery of functional information with MR-guidance. Here, we present a MRI-guided FMT system. An optical probe was designed consisting of a fiber plate on the top and bottom sides of the animal bed, respectively. In experiment, animal was installed between the two plates. Mounting fibers on each plate, transmission measuring could be conducted from both sides of the animal. Moreover, an accurate fluorescence reconstruction was achieved with MRI-derived anatomical guidance. The sensitivity of the FMT system was evaluated with a phantom showing that with long fibers, it was sufficient to detect 10nM Cy5.5 solution with ~28.5 dB in the phantom. The system was eventually used to image MMP activity involved in atherosclerosis with two ATX mice and two control mice. The reconstruction results were in agreement with ex vivo measurement.

Development of Neutron Imaging System for Neutron Tomography at Thai Research Reactor TRR-1/M1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wonglee, S.; Khaweerat, S.; Channuie, J.; Picha, R.; Liamsuwan, T.; Ratanatongchai, W.

2017-09-01

The neutron imaging is a powerful non-destructive technique to investigate the internal structure and provides the information which is different from the conventional X-ray/Gamma radiography. By reconstruction of the obtained 2-dimentional (2D) images from the taken different angle around the specimen, the tomographic image can be obtained and it can provide the information in more detail. The neutron imaging system at Thai Research Reactor TRR-1/M1 of Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization) has been developed to conduct the neutron tomography since 2014. The primary goal of this work is to serve the investigation of archeological samples, however, this technique can also be applied to various fields, such as investigation of industrial specimen and others. This research paper presents the performance study of a compact neutron camera manufactured by Neutron Optics such as speed and sensitivity. Furthermore, the 3-dimentional (3D) neutron image was successfully reconstructed at the developed neutron imaging system of TRR-1/M1.

Cone beam x-ray luminescence computed tomography reconstruction with a priori anatomical information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, Pei-An; Lin, Meng-Lung; Jin, Shih-Chun; Chen, Jyh-Cheng; Lin, Syue-Liang; Chang, C. Allen; Chiang, Huihua Kenny

2014-09-01

X-ray luminescence computed tomography (XLCT) is a novel molecular imaging modality that reconstructs the optical distribution of x-ray-excited phosphor particles with prior informational of anatomical CT image. The prior information improves the accuracy of image reconstruction. The system can also present anatomical CT image. The optical system based on a high sensitive charge coupled device (CCD) is perpendicular with a CT system. In the XLCT system, the xray was adopted to excite the phosphor of the sample and CCD camera was utilized to acquire luminescence emitted from the sample in 360 degrees projection free-space. In this study, the fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (FDOT)-like algorithm was used for image reconstruction, the structural prior information was incorporated in the reconstruction by adding a penalty term to the minimization function. The phosphor used in this study is Gd2O2S:Tb. For the simulation and experiments, the data was collected from 16 projections. The cylinder phantom was 40 mm in diameter and contains 8 mm diameter inclusion; the phosphor in the in vivo study was 5 mm in diameter at a depth of 3 mm. Both the errors were no more than 5%. Based on the results from these simulation and experimental studies, the novel XLCT method has demonstrated the feasibility for in vivo animal model studies.

Brain single-photon emission CT physics principles.

PubMed

Accorsi, R

2008-08-01

The basic principles of scintigraphy are reviewed and extended to 3D imaging. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a sensitive and specific 3D technique to monitor in vivo functional processes in both clinical and preclinical studies. SPECT/CT systems are becoming increasingly common and can provide accurately registered anatomic information as well. In general, SPECT is affected by low photon-collection efficiency, but in brain imaging, not all of the large FOV of clinical gamma cameras is needed: The use of fan- and cone-beam collimation trades off the unused FOV for increased sensitivity and resolution. The design of dedicated cameras aims at increased angular coverage and resolution by minimizing the distance from the patient. The corrections needed for quantitative imaging are challenging but can take advantage of the relative spatial uniformity of attenuation and scatter. Preclinical systems can provide submillimeter resolution in small animal brain imaging with workable sensitivity.

Improving material identification by combining x-ray and neutron tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaManna, Jacob M.; Hussey, Daniel S.; Baltic, Eli; Jacobson, David L.

2017-09-01

X-rays and neutrons provide complementary non-destructive probes for the analysis of structure and chemical composition of materials. Contrast differences between the modes arise due to the differences in interaction with matter. Due to the high sensitivity to hydrogen, neutrons excel at separating liquid water or hydrogenous phases from the underlying structure while X-rays resolve the solid structure. Many samples of interest, such as fluid flow in porous materials or curing concrete, are stochastic or slowly changing with time which makes analysis of sequential imaging with X-rays and neutrons difficult as the sample may change between scans. To alleviate this issue, NIST has developed a system for simultaneous X-ray and neutron tomography by orienting a 90 keVpeak micro-focus X-ray tube orthogonally to a thermal neutron beam. This system allows for non-destructive, multimodal tomography of dynamic or stochastic samples while penetrating through sample environment equipment such as pressure and flow vessels. Current efforts are underway to develop methods for 2D histogram based segmentation of reconstructed volumes. By leveraging the contrast differences between X-rays and neutrons, greater histogram peak separation can occur in 2D vs 1D enabling improved material identification.

Computed Tomography-guided Time-domain Diffuse Fluorescence Tomography in Small Animals for Localization of Cancer Biomarkers

PubMed Central

Tichauer, Kenneth M.; Holt, Robert W.; Samkoe, Kimberley S.; El-Ghussein, Fadi; Gunn, Jason R.; Jermyn, Michael; Dehghani, Hamid; Leblond, Frederic; Pogue, Brian W.

2012-01-01

Small animal fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) can be a powerful tool for preclinical drug discovery and development studies1. However, light absorption by tissue chromophores (e.g., hemoglobin, water, lipids, melanin) typically limits optical signal propagation through thicknesses larger than a few millimeters2. Compared to other visible wavelengths, tissue absorption for red and near-infrared (near-IR) light absorption dramatically decreases and non-elastic scattering becomes the dominant light-tissue interaction mechanism. The relatively recent development of fluorescent agents that absorb and emit light in the near-IR range (600-1000 nm), has driven the development of imaging systems and light propagation models that can achieve whole body three-dimensional imaging in small animals3. Despite great strides in this area, the ill-posed nature of diffuse fluorescence tomography remains a significant problem for the stability, contrast recovery and spatial resolution of image reconstruction techniques and the optimal approach to FMI in small animals has yet to be agreed on. The majority of research groups have invested in charge-coupled device (CCD)-based systems that provide abundant tissue-sampling but suboptimal sensitivity4-9, while our group and a few others10-13 have pursued systems based on very high sensitivity detectors, that at this time allow dense tissue sampling to be achieved only at the cost of low imaging throughput. Here we demonstrate the methodology for applying single-photon detection technology in a fluorescence tomography system to localize a cancerous brain lesion in a mouse model. The fluorescence tomography (FT) system employed single photon counting using photomultiplier tubes (PMT) and information-rich time-domain light detection in a non-contact conformation11. This provides a simultaneous collection of transmitted excitation and emission light, and includes automatic fluorescence excitation exposure control14, laser referencing, and co-registration with a small animal computed tomography (microCT) system15. A nude mouse model was used for imaging. The animal was inoculated orthotopically with a human glioma cell line (U251) in the left cerebral hemisphere and imaged 2 weeks later. The tumor was made to fluoresce by injecting a fluorescent tracer, IRDye 800CW-EGF (LI-COR Biosciences, Lincoln, NE) targeted to epidermal growth factor receptor, a cell membrane protein known to be overexpressed in the U251 tumor line and many other cancers18. A second, untargeted fluorescent tracer, Alexa Fluor 647 (Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY) was also injected to account for non-receptor mediated effects on the uptake of the targeted tracers to provide a means of quantifying tracer binding and receptor availability/density27. A CT-guided, time-domain algorithm was used to reconstruct the location of both fluorescent tracers (i.e., the location of the tumor) in the mouse brain and their ability to localize the tumor was verified by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Though demonstrated for fluorescence imaging in a glioma mouse model, the methodology presented in this video can be extended to different tumor models in various small animal models potentially up to the size of a rat17. PMID:22847515

Computed tomography-guided time-domain diffuse fluorescence tomography in small animals for localization of cancer biomarkers.

PubMed

Tichauer, Kenneth M; Holt, Robert W; Samkoe, Kimberley S; El-Ghussein, Fadi; Gunn, Jason R; Jermyn, Michael; Dehghani, Hamid; Leblond, Frederic; Pogue, Brian W

2012-07-17

Small animal fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) can be a powerful tool for preclinical drug discovery and development studies. However, light absorption by tissue chromophores (e.g., hemoglobin, water, lipids, melanin) typically limits optical signal propagation through thicknesses larger than a few millimeters. Compared to other visible wavelengths, tissue absorption for red and near-infrared (near-IR) light absorption dramatically decreases and non-elastic scattering becomes the dominant light-tissue interaction mechanism. The relatively recent development of fluorescent agents that absorb and emit light in the near-IR range (600-1000 nm), has driven the development of imaging systems and light propagation models that can achieve whole body three-dimensional imaging in small animals. Despite great strides in this area, the ill-posed nature of diffuse fluorescence tomography remains a significant problem for the stability, contrast recovery and spatial resolution of image reconstruction techniques and the optimal approach to FMI in small animals has yet to be agreed on. The majority of research groups have invested in charge-coupled device (CCD)-based systems that provide abundant tissue-sampling but suboptimal sensitivity, while our group and a few others have pursued systems based on very high sensitivity detectors, that at this time allow dense tissue sampling to be achieved only at the cost of low imaging throughput. Here we demonstrate the methodology for applying single-photon detection technology in a fluorescence tomography system to localize a cancerous brain lesion in a mouse model. The fluorescence tomography (FT) system employed single photon counting using photomultiplier tubes (PMT) and information-rich time-domain light detection in a non-contact conformation. This provides a simultaneous collection of transmitted excitation and emission light, and includes automatic fluorescence excitation exposure control, laser referencing, and co-registration with a small animal computed tomography (microCT) system. A nude mouse model was used for imaging. The animal was inoculated orthotopically with a human glioma cell line (U251) in the left cerebral hemisphere and imaged 2 weeks later. The tumor was made to fluoresce by injecting a fluorescent tracer, IRDye 800CW-EGF (LI-COR Biosciences, Lincoln, NE) targeted to epidermal growth factor receptor, a cell membrane protein known to be overexpressed in the U251 tumor line and many other cancers. A second, untargeted fluorescent tracer, Alexa Fluor 647 (Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY) was also injected to account for non-receptor mediated effects on the uptake of the targeted tracers to provide a means of quantifying tracer binding and receptor availability/density. A CT-guided, time-domain algorithm was used to reconstruct the location of both fluorescent tracers (i.e., the location of the tumor) in the mouse brain and their ability to localize the tumor was verified by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Though demonstrated for fluorescence imaging in a glioma mouse model, the methodology presented in this video can be extended to different tumor models in various small animal models potentially up to the size of a rat.

Detecting prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications using advanced magnetic resonance imaging

PubMed Central

Dou, Shewei; Bai, Yan; Shandil, Ankit; Ding, Degang; Shi, Dapeng; Haacke, E Mark; Wang, Meiyun

2017-01-01

Prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications have a high incidence in elderly men. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic capabilities of susceptibility-weighted imaging in detecting prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications. A total number of 156 men, including 34 with prostate cancer and 122 with benign prostate were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography, conventional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and susceptibility-weighted imaging were performed on all the patients. One hundred and twelve prostatic calcifications were detected in 87 patients. The sensitivities and specificities of the conventional magnetic resonance imaging, apparent diffusion coefficient, and susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications were calculated. McNemar's Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in sensitivities and specificities between the techniques. The results showed that the sensitivity and specificity of susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostatic cancer were greater than that of conventional magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (P < 0.05). In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostatic calcifications were comparable to that of computed tomography and greater than that of conventional magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (P < 0.05). Given the high incidence of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) abnormality in prostate cancer, we conclude that susceptibility-weighted imaging is more sensitive and specific than conventional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and computed tomography in detecting prostate cancer. Furthermore, susceptibility-weighted imaging can identify prostatic calcifications similar to computed tomography, and it is much better than conventional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging. PMID:27004542

Detecting prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications using advanced magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Dou, Shewei; Bai, Yan; Shandil, Ankit; Ding, Degang; Shi, Dapeng; Haacke, E Mark; Wang, Meiyun

2017-01-01

Prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications have a high incidence in elderly men. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic capabilities of susceptibility-weighted imaging in detecting prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications. A total number of 156 men, including 34 with prostate cancer and 122 with benign prostate were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography, conventional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and susceptibility-weighted imaging were performed on all the patients. One hundred and twelve prostatic calcifications were detected in 87 patients. The sensitivities and specificities of the conventional magnetic resonance imaging, apparent diffusion coefficient, and susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications were calculated. McNemar's Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in sensitivities and specificities between the techniques. The results showed that the sensitivity and specificity of susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostatic cancer were greater than that of conventional magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (P < 0.05). In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostatic calcifications were comparable to that of computed tomography and greater than that of conventional magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (P < 0.05). Given the high incidence of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) abnormality in prostate cancer, we conclude that susceptibility-weighted imaging is more sensitive and specific than conventional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and computed tomography in detecting prostate cancer. Furthermore, susceptibility-weighted imaging can identify prostatic calcifications similar to computed tomography, and it is much better than conventional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging.

A Simultaneous and Continuous Excitation Method for High-Speed Electrical Impedance Tomography with Reduced Transients and Noise Sensitivity

PubMed Central

Mylvaganam, Saba

2018-01-01

This paper presents a concept for soft field tomographic scan of all the projections of electromagnetic waves emanating from an array of electrodes. Instead of the sequential excitation of all pairs of electrodes in the list of all projections, the new method present here consists of a single and continuous excitation. This excitation signal is the linear combination of the excitation signals in the projection set at different AC frequencies. The response to a given projection is discriminated by selecting the corresponding AC frequency component in the signal spectra of the digitally demodulated signals. The main advantage of this method is the suppression of transients after each projection, which is particularly problematic in electrical impedance tomography due to contact impedance phenomena and skin effect. The second benefit over the sequential scan method is the increased number of samples for each measurement for reduced noise sensitivity with digital demodulation. The third benefit is the increased temporal resolution in high-speed applications. The main drawback is the increased number of signal sources required (one per electrode). This paper focuses on electrical impedance tomography, based on earlier work by the authors. An experimental proof-of-concept using a simple 4-electrodes electrical impedance tomographic system is presented using simulations and laboratory data. The method presented here may be extended to other modalities (ultrasonic, microwave, optical, etc.). PMID:29597327

Frozen Gaussian approximation for 3D seismic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chai, Lihui; Tong, Ping; Yang, Xu

2018-05-01

Three-dimensional (3D) wave-equation-based seismic tomography is computationally challenging in large scales and high-frequency regime. In this paper, we apply the frozen Gaussian approximation (FGA) method to compute 3D sensitivity kernels and seismic tomography of high-frequency. Rather than standard ray theory used in seismic inversion (e.g. Kirchhoff migration and Gaussian beam migration), FGA is used to compute the 3D high-frequency sensitivity kernels for travel-time or full waveform inversions. Specifically, we reformulate the equations of the forward and adjoint wavefields for the purpose of convenience to apply FGA, and with this reformulation, one can efficiently compute the Green’s functions whose convolutions with source time function produce wavefields needed for the construction of 3D kernels. Moreover, a fast summation method is proposed based on local fast Fourier transform which greatly improves the speed of reconstruction as the last step of FGA algorithm. We apply FGA to both the travel-time adjoint tomography and full waveform inversion (FWI) on synthetic crosswell seismic data with dominant frequencies as high as those of real crosswell data, and confirm again that FWI requires a more sophisticated initial velocity model for the convergence than travel-time adjoint tomography. We also numerically test the accuracy of applying FGA to local earthquake tomography. This study paves the way to directly apply wave-equation-based seismic tomography methods into real data around their dominant frequencies.

Quantification of abnormal intracranial pressure waves and isotope cisternography for diagnosis of occult communicating hydrocephalus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cardoso, E.R.; Piatek, D.; Del Bigio, M.R.

1989-01-01

Nineteen consecutive patients with suspected occult communicating hydrocephalus were investigated by means of clinical evaluation, neuropsychological testing, isotope cisternography, computed tomography scanning, and continuous intracranial pressure monitoring. Semi-quantitative grading systems were used in the evaluation of the clinical, neuropsychological, and cisternographic assessments. Clinical examination, neuropsychological testing, and computed tomography scanning were repeated 3 months after ventriculoperitoneal shunting. All patients showed abnormal intracranial pressure waves and all improved after shunting. There was close correlation between number, peak, and pulse pressures of B waves and the mean intracranial pressure. However, quantification of B waves by means of number, frequency, and amplitude didmore » not help in predicting the degree of clinical improvement postshunting. The most sensitive predictor of favorable response to shunting was enlargement of the temporal horns on computed tomography scan. Furthermore, the size of temporal horns correlated with mean intracranial pressure. There was no correlation between abnormalities on isotope cisternography and clinical improvement.« less

Fluorescence tomography characterization for sub-surface imaging with protoporphyrin IX

PubMed Central

Kepshire, Dax; Davis, Scott C.; Dehghani, Hamid; Paulsen, Keith D.; Pogue, Brian W.

2009-01-01

Optical imaging of fluorescent objects embedded in a tissue simulating medium was characterized using non-contact based approaches to fluorescence remittance imaging (FRI) and sub-surface fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (FDOT). Using Protoporphyrin IX as a fluorescent agent, experiments were performed on tissue phantoms comprised of typical in-vivo tumor to normal tissue contrast ratios, ranging from 3.5:1 up to 10:1. It was found that tomographic imaging was able to recover interior inclusions with high contrast relative to the background; however, simple planar fluorescence imaging provided a superior contrast to noise ratio. Overall, FRI performed optimally when the object was located on or close to the surface and, perhaps most importantly, FDOT was able to recover specific depth information about the location of embedded regions. The results indicate that an optimal system for localizing embedded fluorescent regions should combine fluorescence reflectance imaging for high sensitivity and sub-surface tomography for depth detection, thereby allowing more accurate localization in all three directions within the tissue. PMID:18545571

Robot-assisted three-dimensional registration for cochlear implant surgery using a common-path swept-source optical coherence tomography probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurbani, Saumya S.; Wilkening, Paul; Zhao, Mingtao; Gonenc, Berk; Cheon, Gyeong Woo; Iordachita, Iulian I.; Chien, Wade; Taylor, Russell H.; Niparko, John K.; Kang, Jin U.

2014-05-01

Cochlear implantation offers the potential to restore sensitive hearing in patients with severe to profound deafness. However, surgical placement of the electrode array within the cochlea can produce trauma to sensorineural components, particularly if the initial turn of the cochlea is not successfully navigated as the array is advanced. In this work, we present a robot-mounted common-path swept-source optical coherence tomography endoscopic platform for three-dimensional (3-D) optical coherence tomography (OCT) registration and preoperative surgical planning for cochlear implant surgery. The platform is composed of a common-path 600-μm diameter fiber optic rotary probe attached to a five degrees of freedom robot capable of 1 μm precision movement. The system is tested on a dry fixed ex vivo human temporal bone, and we demonstrate the feasibility of a 3-D OCT registration of the cochlea to accurately describe the spatial and angular profiles of the canal formed by the scala tympani into the first cochlear turn.

In-vivo, real-time cross-sectional images of retina using a GPU enhanced master slave optical coherence tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradu, Adrian; Kapinchev, Konstantin; Barnes, Frederick; Podoleanu, Adrian

2016-03-01

In our previous reports we demonstrated a novel Fourier domain optical coherence tomography method, Master Slave optical coherence tomography (MS-OCT), that does not require resampling of data and can deliver en-face images from several depths simultaneously. While ideally suited for delivering information from a selected depth, the MS-OCT has been so far inferior to the conventional FFT based OCT in terms of time of producing cross section images. Here, we demonstrate that by taking advantage of the parallel processing capabilities offered by the MS-OCT method, cross-sectional OCT images of the human retina can be produced in real-time by assembling several T-scans from different depths. We analyze the conditions that ensure a real-time B-scan imaging operation, and demonstrate in-vivo real-time images from human fovea and the optic nerve, of comparable resolution and sensitivity to those produced using the traditional Fourier domain based method.

Reflective type objective based spectral-domain phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography for high-sensitive structural and functional imaging of cochlear microstructures through intact bone of an excised guinea pig cochlea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subhash, Hrebesh M.; Wang, Ruikang K.; Chen, Fangyi; Nuttall, Alfred L.

2013-03-01

Most of the optical coherence tomographic (OCT) systems for high resolution imaging of biological specimens are based on refractive type microscope objectives, which are optimized for specific wave length of the optical source. In this study, we present the feasibility of using commercially available reflective type objective for high sensitive and high resolution structural and functional imaging of cochlear microstructures of an excised guinea pig through intact temporal bone. Unlike conventional refractive type microscopic objective, reflective objective are free from chromatic aberrations due to their all-reflecting nature and can support a broadband of spectrum with very high light collection efficiency.

Preoperative 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging and sentinel node biopsy in the detection of regional lymph node metastases in malignant melanoma.

PubMed

Singh, Baljinder; Ezziddin, Samer; Palmedo, Holger; Reinhardt, Michael; Strunk, Holger; Tüting, Thomas; Biersack, Hans-Jürgen; Ahmadzadehfar, Hojjat

2008-10-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography scanning, preoperative lymphoscintigraphy (LS), and sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with malignant melanoma. Fifty-two patients (36 men: 16 women; mean age 55.0+/-13.0 years; median age 61 years; range 17-76 years) with malignant melanoma were selected. According to the latest version of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, the disease in the study patients was initially classified as either stage I or II. The other primary tumor characteristics were mean Breslow depth=2.87 mm and median=2 mm; range 1-12.0 mm and Clarks levels III-V. None of the study patients had clinical or radiological evidence of regional lymph node metastatic disease. At least one sentinel node was identified in all patients. Preoperative LS detected a total of 111 sentinel lymph nodes (average 2.13 sentinel lymph node per patient) and demonstrated a single nodal draining basin in 38 (73%) patients and multiple (2-3 draining basins) in the remaining 14 (27%) patients. Fourteen out of the 52 patients (27%) had at least one involved sentinel node. Positron emission tomography was true positive in two patients with a sentinel node greater than 1 cm and false positive in two other patients. In this study, the detection of sentinel lymph node by LS and gamma probe had a sensitivity of 100%. In contrast, 18F-FDG-PET imaging demonstrated very low sensitivity (14.3%; 95% CI, 2.5 to 44%) and positive predictive value (50%; 95% CI, 9 to 90%) for localizing the subclinical nodal metastases. The specificity, net present value, and diagnostic accuracy were 94.7, 75, and 73%, respectively. Preoperative fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging is not able to substitute LS/sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients at stage I or II.

Mixed spine metastasis detection through positron emission tomography/computed tomography synthesis and multiclassifier

PubMed Central

Yao, Jianhua; Burns, Joseph E.; Sanoria, Vic; Summers, Ronald M.

2017-01-01

Abstract. Bone metastases are a frequent occurrence with cancer, and early detection can guide the patient’s treatment regimen. Metastatic bone disease can present in density extremes as sclerotic (high density) and lytic (low density) or in a continuum with an admixture of both sclerotic and lytic components. We design a framework to detect and characterize the varying spectrum of presentation of spine metastasis on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) data. A technique is proposed to synthesize CT and PET images to enhance the lesion appearance for computer detection. A combination of watershed, graph cut, and level set algorithms is first run to obtain the initial detections. Detections are then sent to multiple classifiers for sclerotic, lytic, and mixed lesions. The system was tested on 44 cases with 225 sclerotic, 139 lytic, and 92 mixed lesions. The results showed that sensitivity (false positive per patient) was 0.81 (2.1), 0.81 (1.3), and 0.76 (2.1) for sclerotic, lytic, and mixed lesions, respectively. It also demonstrates that using PET/CT data significantly improves the computer aided detection performance over using CT alone. PMID:28612036

A new method for detecting cerebral hemorrhage in rabbits by magnetic inductive phase shift.

PubMed

Jin, Gui; Sun, Jian; Qin, Mingxin; Tang, Qinghua; Xu, Lin; Ning, Xu; Xu, Jia; Pu, Xianjie; Chen, Mingsheng

2014-02-15

Cerebral hemorrhage, which is an important clinical problem, is often monitored and studied using expensive devices, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) that are unavailable in economically underdeveloped regions. Magnetic induction tomography (MIT) is a new type of non-contact, non-invasive, and low-cost detection technology, and exhibits prospects for wide application, especially for the detection of brain diseases. However, the previous studies on MIT have focused on laboratory models and rarely on in vivo applications because the induced signals produced by biological tissues are notably weak. Based on the symmetry between the two brain hemispheres and the fact that a local brain hemorrhage will not affect the contra-lateral hemisphere, a symmetric cancellation-type sensor detection system, which is characterized by one excitation coil and two receiving coils, was designed to improve the detection sensitivity of MIT. This method was subsequently used to detect the occurrence of cerebral hematomas in rabbits. The average phase drift induced by a 3-ml injection of autologous blood was 1.885°, which is a fivefold improvement compared with the traditional single excitation coil and single receiving coil method. The results indicate that this system has high sensitivity and anti-interference ability and high practical value. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.

All fiber optics circular-state swept source polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Lin, Hermann; Kao, Meng-Chun; Lai, Chih-Ming; Huang, Jyun-Cin; Kuo, Wen-Chuan

2014-02-01

A swept source (SS)-based circular-state (CS) polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) constructed entirely with polarization-maintaining fiber optics components is proposed with the experimental verification. By means of the proposed calibration scheme, bulk quarter-wave plates can be replaced by fiber optics polarization controllers to, therefore, realize an all-fiber optics CS SSPS-OCT. We also present a numerical dispersion compensation method, which can not only enhance the axial resolution, but also improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the images. We demonstrate that this compact and portable CS SSPS-OCT system with an accuracy comparable to bulk optics systems requires less stringent lens alignment and can possibly serve as a technology to realize PS-OCT instrument for clinical applications (e.g., endoscopy). The largest deviations in the phase retardation (PR) and fast-axis (FA) angle due to sample probe in the linear scanning and a rotation angle smaller than 65 deg were of the same order as those in stationary probe setups. The influence of fiber bending on the measured PR and FA is also investigated. The largest deviations of the PR were 3.5 deg and the measured FA change by ~12 to 21 deg. Finally, in vivo imaging of the human fingertip and nail was successfully demonstrated with a linear scanning probe.

Optimal Tikhonov Regularization in Finite-Frequency Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Y.; Yao, Z.; Zhou, Y.

2017-12-01

The last decade has witnessed a progressive transition in seismic tomography from ray theory to finite-frequency theory which overcomes the resolution limit of the high-frequency approximation in ray theory. In addition to approximations in wave propagation physics, a main difference between ray-theoretical tomography and finite-frequency tomography is the sparseness of the associated sensitivity matrix. It is well known that seismic tomographic problems are ill-posed and regularizations such as damping and smoothing are often applied to analyze the tradeoff between data misfit and model uncertainty. The regularizations depend on the structure of the matrix as well as noise level of the data. Cross-validation has been used to constrain data uncertainties in body-wave finite-frequency inversions when measurements at multiple frequencies are available to invert for a common structure. In this study, we explore an optimal Tikhonov regularization in surface-wave phase-velocity tomography based on minimization of an empirical Bayes risk function using theoretical training datasets. We exploit the structure of the sensitivity matrix in the framework of singular value decomposition (SVD) which also allows for the calculation of complete resolution matrix. We compare the optimal Tikhonov regularization in finite-frequency tomography with traditional tradeo-off analysis using surface wave dispersion measurements from global as well as regional studies.

Nuclear medicine imaging system

DOEpatents

Bennett, Gerald W.; Brill, A. Bertrand; Bizais, Yves J.; Rowe, R. Wanda; Zubal, I. George

1986-01-07

A nuclear medicine imaging system having two large field of view scintillation cameras mounted on a rotatable gantry and being movable diametrically toward or away from each other is disclosed. In addition, each camera may be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the diameter of the gantry. The movement of the cameras allows the system to be used for a variety of studies, including positron annihilation, and conventional single photon emission, as well as static orthogonal dual multi-pinhole tomography. In orthogonal dual multi-pinhole tomography, each camera is fitted with a seven pinhole collimator to provide seven views from slightly different perspectives. By using two cameras at an angle to each other, improved sensitivity and depth resolution is achieved. The computer system and interface acquires and stores a broad range of information in list mode, including patient physiological data, energy data over the full range detected by the cameras, and the camera position. The list mode acquisition permits the study of attenuation as a result of Compton scatter, as well as studies involving the isolation and correlation of energy with a range of physiological conditions.

Nuclear medicine imaging system

DOEpatents

Bennett, Gerald W.; Brill, A. Bertrand; Bizais, Yves J. C.; Rowe, R. Wanda; Zubal, I. George

1986-01-01

A nuclear medicine imaging system having two large field of view scintillation cameras mounted on a rotatable gantry and being movable diametrically toward or away from each other is disclosed. In addition, each camera may be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the diameter of the gantry. The movement of the cameras allows the system to be used for a variety of studies, including positron annihilation, and conventional single photon emission, as well as static orthogonal dual multi-pinhole tomography. In orthogonal dual multi-pinhole tomography, each camera is fitted with a seven pinhole collimator to provide seven views from slightly different perspectives. By using two cameras at an angle to each other, improved sensitivity and depth resolution is achieved. The computer system and interface acquires and stores a broad range of information in list mode, including patient physiological data, energy data over the full range detected by the cameras, and the camera position. The list mode acquisition permits the study of attenuation as a result of Compton scatter, as well as studies involving the isolation and correlation of energy with a range of physiological conditions.

Routine 18F-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) myocardial tomography using a normal large field of view gamma-camera.

PubMed

Höflin, F; Ledermann, H; Noelpp, U; Weinreich, R; Rösler, H

1989-12-01

There is a recent need to study glucose metabolism of the heart in ischemic, as well as in "hibernating or stunned" myocardium, and compare it with that in perfusion studies. In non-positron emission tomography centers, positron imaging is possible with a standard Anger-type camera if proper collimation and adequate shielding of the camera crystal can be achieved. For the study with fast-decaying isotopes, seven-pinhole tomography (7PHT), a limited-angle method designed for transaxial tomography of the left ventricle using a nonrotating camera, is well suited, because projections are acquired simultaneously. Individual adjustment (patient supine) of the camera's view axis (CAx) with the left ventricular axis (LVAx) gives excellent results: sensitivity for CHD 82%, specificity 72% in a prospective 201TI study (48 patients, x-ray coronarography as reference). Good alignment of CAx with LVAx is also achieved with the patient prone in LAO in a hammock above the camera surface. In this setting additional lead shielding of the camera is possible using a table reinforced with 5 cm of lead with a central hole for the 7PH-collimator, which has a special lead inlay. This allows utilization of the 511 KeV emitter 18F-FDG, which with a half-life of 109 minutes, can be transported a reasonable distance from the production site. System sensitivity and resolution for 18F was found comparable to 201Tl, 99mTc, and 123I using a phantom. First clinical examinations after 201Tl stress/redistribution studies showed increased 18F-FDG uptake in ischemic heart segments, as well as in "hibernating" nonperfused or "stunned" myocardium.

TH-AB-209-07: High Resolution X-Ray-Induced Acoustic Computed Tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xiang, L; Tang, S; Ahmad, M

Purpose: X-ray radiographic absorption imaging is an invaluable tool in medical diagnostics, biology and materials science. However, the use of conventional CT is limited by two factors: the detection sensitivity to weak absorption material and the radiation dose from CT scanning. The purpose of this study is to explore X-ray induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT), a new imaging modality, which combines X-ray absorption contrast and high ultrasonic resolution to address these challenges. Methods: First, theoretical models was built to analyze the XACT sensitivity to X-ray absorption and calculate the minimal radiation dose in XACT imaging. Then, an XACT system comprisedmore » of an ultrashort X-ray pulse, a low noise ultrasound detector and a signal acquisition system was built to evaluate the X-ray induced acoustic signal generation. A piece of chicken bone and a phantom with two golden fiducial markers were exposed to 270 kVp X-ray source with 60 ns exposure time, and the X-ray induced acoustic signal was received by a 2.25MHz ultrasound transducer in 200 positions. XACT images were reconstructed by a filtered back-projection algorithm. Results: The theoretical analysis shows that X-ray induced acoustic signals have 100% relative sensitivity to X-ray absorption, but not to X-ray scattering. Applying this innovative technology to breast imaging, we can reduce radiation dose by a factor of 50 compared with newly FDA approved breast CT. The reconstructed images of chicken bone and golden fiducial marker phantom reveal that the spatial resolution of the built XACT system is 350µm. Conclusion: In XACT, the imaging sensitivity to X-ray absorption is improved and the imaging dose is dramatically reduced by using ultrashort pulsed X-ray. Taking advantage of the high ultrasonic resolution, we can also perform 3D imaging with a single X-ray pulse. This new modality has the potential to revolutionize x-ray imaging applications in medicine and biology.« less

High-Resolution Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography for Assessing Complications Related to Intrathecal Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Morgalla, Matthias; Fortunato, Marcos; Azam, Ala; Tatagiba, Marcos; Lepski, Guillherme

2016-07-01

The assessment of the functionality of intrathecal drug delivery (IDD) systems remains difficult and time-consuming. Catheter-related problems are still very common, and sometimes difficult to diagnose. The aim of the present study is to investigate the accuracy of high-resolution three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) in order to detect catheter-related pump dysfunction. An observational, retrospective investigation. Academic medical center in Germany. We used high-resolution three dimensional (3D) computed tomography with volume rendering technique (VRT) or fluoroscopy and conventional axial-CT to assess IDD-related complications in 51 patients from our institution who had IDD systems implanted for the treatment of chronic pain or spasticity. Twelve patients (23.5%) presented a total of 22 complications. The main type of complication in our series was catheter-related (50%), followed by pump failure, infection, and inappropriate refilling. Fluoroscopy and conventional CT were used in 12 cases. High-resolution 3D CT VRT scan was used in 35 instances with suspected yet unclear complications. Using 3D-CT (VRT) the sensitivity was 58.93% - 100% (CI 95%) and the specificity 87.54% - 100% (CI 95%).The positive predictive value was 58.93% - 100% (CI 95%) and the negative predictive value: 87.54% - 100% (CI 95%).Fluoroscopy and axial CT as a combined diagnostic tool had a sensitivity of 8.3% - 91.7% (CI 95%) and a specificity of 62.9% - 100% (CI 95%). The positive predictive value was 19.29% - 100% (CI 95%) and the negative predictive value: 44.43% - 96.89% (CI 95%). This study is limited by its observational design and the small number of cases. High-resolution 3D CT VRT is a non- invasive method that can identify IDD-related complications with more precision than axial CT and fluoroscopy.

Correlation between Preoperative High Resolution Computed Tomography (CT) Findings with Surgical Findings in Chronic Otitis Media (COM) Squamosal Type.

PubMed

Karki, S; Pokharel, M; Suwal, S; Poudel, R

Background The exact role of High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) temporal bone in preoperative assessment of Chronic suppurative otitis media atticoantral disease still remains controversial. Objective To evaluate the role of high resolution computed tomography temporal bone in Chronic suppurative otitis media atticoantral disease and to compare preoperative computed tomographic findings with intra-operative findings. Method Prospective, analytical study conducted among 65 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media atticoantral disease in Department of Radiodiagnosis, Kathmandu University Dhulikhel Hospital between January 2015 to July 2016. The operative findings were compared with results of imaging. The parameters of comparison were erosion of ossicles, scutum, facial canal, lateral semicircular canal, sigmoid and tegmen plate along with extension of disease to sinus tympani and facial recess. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive values were calculated. Result High resolution computed tomography temporal bone offered sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of 100% for visualization of sigmoid and tegmen plate erosion. The performance of HRCT in detecting malleus (Se=100%, Sp=95.23%), incus (Se=100%,Sp=80.48%) and stapes (Se=96.55%, Sp=71.42%) erosion was excellent. It offered precise information about facial canal erosion (Se=100%, Sp=75%), scutum erosion (Se=100%, Sp=96.87%) and extension of disease to facial recess and sinus tympani (Se=83.33%,Sp=100%). high resolution computed tomography showed specificity of 100% for lateral semicircular canal erosion (Sp=100%) but with low sensitivity (Se=53.84%). Conclusion The findings of high resolution computed tomography and intra-operative findings were well comparable except for lateral semicircular canal erosion. high resolution computed tomography temporal bone acts as a road map for surgeon to identify the extent of disease, plan for appropriate procedure that is required and prepare for potential complications that can be encountered during surgery.

Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured with optical coherence tomography is related to visual function in glaucomatous eyes.

PubMed

El Beltagi, Tarek A; Bowd, Christopher; Boden, Catherine; Amini, Payam; Sample, Pamela A; Zangwill, Linda M; Weinreb, Robert N

2003-11-01

To determine the relationship between areas of glaucomatous retinal nerve fiber layer thinning identified by optical coherence tomography and areas of decreased visual field sensitivity identified by standard automated perimetry in glaucomatous eyes. Retrospective observational case series. Forty-three patients with glaucomatous optic neuropathy identified by optic disc stereo photographs and standard automated perimetry mean deviations >-8 dB were included. Participants were imaged with optical coherence tomography within 6 months of reliable standard automated perimetry testing. The location and number of optical coherence tomography clock hour retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measures outside normal limits were compared with the location and number of standard automated perimetry visual field zones outside normal limits. Further, the relationship between the deviation from normal optical coherence tomography-measured retinal nerve fiber layer thickness at each clock hour and the average pattern deviation in each visual field zone was examined by using linear regression (R(2)). The retinal nerve fiber layer areas most frequently outside normal limits were the inferior and inferior temporal regions. The least sensitive visual field zones were in the superior hemifield. Linear regression results (R(2)) showed that deviation from the normal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness at optical coherence tomography clock hour positions 6 o'clock, 7 o'clock, and 8 o'clock (inferior and inferior temporal) was best correlated with standard automated perimetry pattern deviation in visual field zones corresponding to the superior arcuate and nasal step regions (R(2) range, 0.34-0.57). These associations were much stronger than those between clock hour position 6 o'clock and the visual field zone corresponding to the inferior nasal step region (R(2) = 0.01). Localized retinal nerve fiber layer thinning, measured by optical coherence tomography, is topographically related to decreased localized standard automated perimetry sensitivity in glaucoma patients.

Developmental approach towards high resolution optical coherence tomography for glaucoma diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemper, Björn; Ketelhut, Steffi; Heiduschka, Peter; Thorn, Marie; Larsen, Michael; Schnekenburger, Jürgen

2018-02-01

Glaucoma is caused by a pathological rise in the intraocular pressure, which results in a progressive loss of vision by a damage to retinal cells and the optical nerve head. Early detection of pressure-induced damage is thus essential for the reduction of eye pressure and to prevent severe incapacity or blindness. Within the new European Project GALAHAD (Glaucoma Advanced, Label free High Resolution Automated OCT Diagnostics), we will develop a new low-cost and high-resolution OCT system for the early detection of glaucoma. The device is designed to improve diagnosis based on a new system of optical coherence tomography. Although OCT systems are at present available in ophthalmology centres, high-resolution devices are extremely expensive. The novelty of the new Galahad system is its super wideband light source to achieve high image resolution at a reasonable cost. Proof of concept experiments with cell and tissue Glaucoma test standards and animal models are planned for the test of the new optical components and new algorithms performance for the identification of Glaucoma associated cell and tissue structures. The intense training of the software systems with various samples should result in a increased sensitivity and specificity of the OCT software system.

Sensitivity study of an ultrasound coupled transrectal electrical Impedance Tomography system for prostate imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Y.; Halter, R.; Borsic, A.; Manwaring, P.; Hartov, A.; Paulsen, K.

2010-04-01

In 2009, prostate cancer ranks as the most common cancer and the second most fatal cancer in men in the United States. Unfortunately, the current clinical diagnostic methods (e.g. prostate-specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination, endorectal MRI, transrectal ultrasound, biopsy) used for detecting and staging prostate cancer are limited. It has been shown that cancerous prostate tissue has significantly different electrical properties when compared to benign tissues. Based on these electrical property findings, a TransRectal Electrical Impedance Tomography (TREIT) system is proposed as a novel prostate imaging modality. The TREIT system is comprised of an array of electrodes interfaced with a clinical TransRectal UltraSound (TRUS) probe. We evaluate this imaging system through series of phantom imaging experiments to assess the system's ability to image high and low contrast objects at various positions. We found that the TREIT system can easily discern high contrast inclusions of 1 cm in diameter at distances centered at 2 times the radius of the TREIT probe away from the probe surface. Furthermore, this technology's ability to detect low contrast inclusions suggests that it has the potential to successfully detect prostate cancer.

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging and rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Wang, Shi-Cun; Xie, Qiang; Lv, Wei-Fu

2014-03-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a phenotypically heterogeneous, chronic, destructive inflammatory disease of the synovial joints. A number of imaging tools are currently available for evaluation of inflammatory conditions. By targeting the upgraded glucose uptake of infiltrating granulocytes and tissue macrophages, positron emission tomography/computed tomography with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose ((18) F-FDG PET/CT) is available to delineate inflammation with high sensitivity. Recently, several studies have indicated that FDG uptake in affected joints reflects the disease activity of RA. In addition, usage of FDG PET for the sensitive detection and monitoring of the response to treatment has been reported. Combined FDG PET/CT enables the detailed assessment of disease in large joints throughout the whole body. These unique capabilities of FDG PET/CT imaging are also able to detect RA-complicated diseases. Therefore, PET/CT has become an excellent ancillary tool to assess disease activity and prognosis in RA. © 2014 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Development of a computed tomography-based scoring system for necrotizing soft-tissue infections.

PubMed

McGillicuddy, Edward A; Lischuk, Andrew W; Schuster, Kevin M; Kaplan, Lewis J; Maung, Adrian; Lui, Felix Y; Bokhari, S A Jamal; Davis, Kimberly A

2011-04-01

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but a definitive nonsurgical diagnostic test remains elusive. Despite the widespread use of computed tomography (CT) as a diagnostic adjunct, there is little data that definitively correlate CT findings with the presence of NSTI. Our goal was the development of a CT-based scoring system to discriminate non-NSTI from NSTI. Patients older than 17 years undergoing CT for evaluation of soft-tissue infection at a tertiary care medical center over a 10-year period (2000-2009) were included. Abstracted data included comorbidities and social history, physical examination, laboratory findings, and operative and pathologic findings. NSTI was defined as soft-tissue necrosis in the dictated operative note or the accompanying pathology report. CT scans were reviewed by a radiologist blinded to clinical and laboratory data. A scoring system was developed and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated. During the study period, 305 patients underwent CT scanning (57% men; mean age, 47.4 years). Forty-four patients (14.4%) evaluated had an NSTI. A scoring system was retrospectively developed (table). A score >6 points was 86.3% sensitive and 91.5% specific for the diagnosis of NSTI (positive predictive value, 63.3%; negative predictive value, 85.5%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.928 (95% confidence interval, 0.893-0.964). The mean score of the non-NSTI group was 2.74. We have developed a CT scoring system that is both sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of NSTIs. This system may allow clinicians to more accurately diagnose NSTIs. Prospective validation of this scoring system is planned.

Utility of 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose emission tomography/computed tomography fusion imaging (18F-FDG PET/CT) in combination with ultrasonography for axillary staging in primary breast cancer.

PubMed

Ueda, Shigeto; Tsuda, Hitoshi; Asakawa, Hideki; Omata, Jiro; Fukatsu, Kazuhiko; Kondo, Nobuo; Kondo, Tadaharu; Hama, Yukihiro; Tamura, Katsumi; Ishida, Jiro; Abe, Yoshiyuki; Mochizuki, Hidetaka

2008-06-09

Accurate evaluation of axillary lymph node (ALN) involvement is mandatory before treatment of primary breast cancer. The aim of this study is to compare preoperative diagnostic accuracy between positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG PET/CT) and axillary ultrasonography (AUS) for detecting ALN metastasis in patients having operable breast cancer, and to assess the clinical management of axillary 18F-FDG PET/CT for therapeutic indication of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and preoperative systemic chemotherapy (PSC). One hundred eighty-three patients with primary operable breast cancer were recruited. All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and AUS followed by SNB and/or ALN dissection (ALND). Using 18F-FDG PET/CT, we studied both a visual assessment of 18F-FDG uptake and standardized uptake value (SUV) for axillary staging. In a visual assessment of 18F-FDG PET/CT, the diagnostic accuracy of ALN metastasis was 83% with 58% in sensitivity and 95% in specificity, and when cut-off point of SUV was set at 1.8, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 36, 100, and 79%, respectively. On the other hand, the diagnostic accuracy of AUS was 85% with 54% in sensitivity and 99% in specificity. By the combination of 18F-FDG PET/CT and AUS to the axilla, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 64, 94, and 85%, respectively. If either 18F-FDG PET uptake or AUS was positive in allixa, the probability of axillary metastasis was high; 50% (6 of 12) in 18F-FDG PET uptake only, 80% (4 of 5) in AUS positive only, and 100% (28 of 28) in dual positive. By the combination of AUS and 18F-FDG PET/CT, candidates of SNB were more appropriately selected. The axillary 18F-FDG uptake was correlated with the maximum size and nuclear grade of metastatic foci (p = 0.006 and p = 0.03). The diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT was shown to be nearly equal to ultrasound, and considering their limited sensitivities, the high radiation exposure by 18F-FDG PET/CT and also costs of the examination, it is likely that AUS will be more cost-effective in detecting massive axillary tumor burden. However, when we cannot judge the axillary staging using AUS alone, metabolic approach of 18F-FDG PET/CT for axillary staging would enable us a much more confident diagnosis.

Facile synthesis, pharmacokinetic and systemic clearance evaluation, and positron emission tomography cancer imaging of 64Cu-Au alloy nanoclusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yongfeng; Sultan, Deborah; Detering, Lisa; Luehmann, Hannah; Liu, Yongjian

2014-10-01

Gold nanoparticles have been widely used for oncological applications including diagnosis and therapy. However, the non-specific mononuclear phagocyte system accumulation and potential long-term toxicity have significantly limited clinical translation. One strategy to overcome these shortcomings is to reduce the size of gold nanoparticles to allow renal clearance. Herein, we report the preparation of 64Cu alloyed gold nanoclusters (64CuAuNCs) for in vivo evaluation of pharmacokinetics, systemic clearance, and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in a mouse prostate cancer model. The facile synthesis in acqueous solution allowed precisely controlled 64Cu incorporation for high radiolabeling specific activity and stability for sensitive and accurate detection. Through surface pegylation with 350 Da polyethylene glycol (PEG), the 64CuAuNCs-PEG350 afforded optimal biodistribution and significant renal and hepatobiliary excretion. PET imaging showed low non-specific tumor uptake, indicating its potential for active targeting of clinically relevant biomarkers in tumor and metastatic organs.Gold nanoparticles have been widely used for oncological applications including diagnosis and therapy. However, the non-specific mononuclear phagocyte system accumulation and potential long-term toxicity have significantly limited clinical translation. One strategy to overcome these shortcomings is to reduce the size of gold nanoparticles to allow renal clearance. Herein, we report the preparation of 64Cu alloyed gold nanoclusters (64CuAuNCs) for in vivo evaluation of pharmacokinetics, systemic clearance, and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in a mouse prostate cancer model. The facile synthesis in acqueous solution allowed precisely controlled 64Cu incorporation for high radiolabeling specific activity and stability for sensitive and accurate detection. Through surface pegylation with 350 Da polyethylene glycol (PEG), the 64CuAuNCs-PEG350 afforded optimal biodistribution and significant renal and hepatobiliary excretion. PET imaging showed low non-specific tumor uptake, indicating its potential for active targeting of clinically relevant biomarkers in tumor and metastatic organs. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr04569f

A new probe using hybrid virus-dye nanoparticles for near-infrared fluorescence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Changfeng; Barnhill, Hannah; Liang, Xiaoping; Wang, Qian; Jiang, Huabei

2005-11-01

A fluorescent probe based on bionanoparticle cowpea mosaic virus has been developed for near-infrared fluorescence tomography. A unique advantage of this probe is that over 30 dye molecules can be loaded onto each viral nanoparticle with an average diameter of 30 nm, making high local dye concentration (∼1.8 mM) possible without significant fluorescence quenching. This ability of high loading of local dye concentration would increase the signal-to-noise ratio considerably, thus sensitivity for detection. We demonstrate successful tomographic fluorescence imaging of a target containing the virus-dye nanoparticles embedded in a tissue-like phantom. Tomographic fluorescence data were obtained through a multi-channel frequency-domain system and the spatial maps of fluorescence quantum yield were recovered with a finite-element-based reconstruction algorithm.

Improving the efficiency of optical coherence tomography by using the non-ideal behaviour of a polarising beam splitter.

PubMed

Lippok, Norman; Nielsen, Poul; Vanholsbeeck, Frédérique

2011-04-11

We present a new way of improving the efficiency of optical coherence tomography by using the polarisation crosstalk of a polarising beam splitter to direct most of the available source optical power to the sample. The use of a quarter wave plate in both the reference and the sample arms allows most of the sample power to be directed to the detector while adjusting the reference arm to ensure noise optimised operation. As a result, the sensitivity of such a system can be improved by 6 dB, or alternatively the acquisition time can be improved by a factor of 4 for shot noise limited performance,compared to a traditional OCT configuration using a 50/50 beam splitter. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Multimodal diagnosis and visualisation of oncologic pathologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zakharov, V P; Bratchenko, I A; Myakinin, O O

2014-08-31

The combined application of optical coherence tomography, Raman and autofluorescence spectroscopy of biotissues for the analysis of human malignant neoplasms is demonstrated. Rapid investigation of vast biotissue regions (at the scale of entire organs) is possible using the autofluorescence response. After selection of possible zones of pathologies one can visualise the neoplasm topology in the zone of interest with micron precision by using optical coherence tomography. In the case of suspecting the malignancy the analysis of the biotissue Raman spectrum is carried out that allows identification of the neoplasm type with the sensitivity and specificity ∼85%. An experimental scheme ismore » proposed with the combined use of the abovementioned methods, which is a prototype of the medical system for complex analysis of neoplasms. (laser biophotonics)« less

Fluorescence Molecular Tomography: Principles and Potential for Pharmaceutical Research

PubMed Central

Stuker, Florian; Ripoll, Jorge; Rudin, Markus

2011-01-01

Fluorescence microscopic imaging is widely used in biomedical research to study molecular and cellular processes in cell culture or tissue samples. This is motivated by the high inherent sensitivity of fluorescence techniques, the spatial resolution that compares favorably with cellular dimensions, the stability of the fluorescent labels used and the sophisticated labeling strategies that have been developed for selectively labeling target molecules. More recently, two and three-dimensional optical imaging methods have also been applied to monitor biological processes in intact biological organisms such as animals or even humans. These whole body optical imaging approaches have to cope with the fact that biological tissue is a highly scattering and absorbing medium. As a consequence, light propagation in tissue is well described by a diffusion approximation and accurate reconstruction of spatial information is demanding. While in vivo optical imaging is a highly sensitive method, the signal is strongly surface weighted, i.e., the signal detected from the same light source will become weaker the deeper it is embedded in tissue, and strongly depends on the optical properties of the surrounding tissue. Derivation of quantitative information, therefore, requires tomographic techniques such as fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT), which maps the three-dimensional distribution of a fluorescent probe or protein concentration. The combination of FMT with a structural imaging method such as X-ray computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will allow mapping molecular information on a high definition anatomical reference and enable the use of prior information on tissue's optical properties to enhance both resolution and sensitivity. Today many of the fluorescent assays originally developed for studies in cellular systems have been successfully translated for experimental studies in animals. The opportunity of monitoring molecular processes non-invasively in the intact organism is highly attractive from a diagnostic point of view but even more so for the drug developer, who can use the techniques for proof-of-mechanism and proof-of-efficacy studies. This review shall elucidate the current status and potential of fluorescence tomography including recent advances in multimodality imaging approaches for preclinical and clinical drug development. PMID:24310495

Regional teleseismic body-wave tomography with component-differential finite-frequency sensitivity kernels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Y.; Shen, Y.; Chen, Y. J.

2015-12-01

By using ray theory in conjunction with the Born approximation, Dahlen et al. [2000] computed 3-D sensitivity kernels for finite-frequency seismic traveltimes. A series of studies have been conducted based on this theory to model the mantle velocity structure [e.g., Hung et al., 2004; Montelli et al., 2004; Ren and Shen, 2008; Yang et al., 2009; Liang et al., 2011; Tang et al., 2014]. One of the simplifications in the calculation of the kernels is the paraxial assumption, which may not be strictly valid near the receiver, the region of interest in regional teleseismic tomography. In this study, we improve the accuracy of traveltime sensitivity kernels of the first P arrival by eliminating the paraxial approximation. For calculation efficiency, the traveltime table built by the Fast Marching Method (FMM) is used to calculate both the wave vector and the geometrical spreading at every grid in the whole volume. The improved kernels maintain the sign, but with different amplitudes at different locations. We also find that when the directivity of the scattered wave is being taken into consideration, the differential sensitivity kernel of traveltimes measured at the vertical and radial component of the same receiver concentrates beneath the receiver, which can be used to invert for the structure inside the Earth. Compared with conventional teleseismic tomography, which uses the differential traveltimes between two stations in an array, this method is not affected by instrument response and timing errors, and reduces the uncertainty caused by the finite dimension of the model in regional tomography. In addition, the cross-dependence of P traveltimes to S-wave velocity anomaly is significant and sensitive to the structure beneath the receiver. So with the component-differential finite-frequency sensitivity kernel, the anomaly of both P-wave and S-wave velocity and Vp/Vs ratio can be achieved at the same time.

High-sensitivity supercontinuum-based parallel line-field optical coherence tomography with 1 million A-lines/s (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrick, Jessica; Doblas, Ana; Sears, Patrick R.; Ostrowski, Lawrence E.; Oldenburg, Amy L.

2017-02-01

While traditional, flying-spot, spectral domain OCT systems can achieve MHz linerates, they are limited by the need for mechanical scanning to produce a B-mode image. Line-field OCT (LF OCT) removes the need for mechanical scanning by simultaneously recording all A-lines on a 2D CMOS sensor. Our LF OCT system operates at the highest A-line rate of any spectral domain (SD) LF OCT system reported to date (1,024,000 A-lines/s). This is comparable with the fastest flying-spot SDOCT system reported. Additionally, all OCT systems face a tradeoff between imaging speed and sensitivity. Long exposure times improve sensitivity but can lead to undesirable motion artifacts. LF OCT has the potential to relax this tradeoff between sensitivity and imaging speed because all A-lines are exposed during the entire frame acquisition time. However, this advantage has not yet been realized due to the loss of power-per-A-line by spreading the illumination light across all A-lines on the sample. Here we use a supercontinuum source to illuminate the sample with 500mW of light in the 605-950 nm wavelength band, effectively providing 480 µW of power-per-A-line, with axial and lateral resolutions of 1.8 µm and 14 µm, respectively. With this system we achieve the highest reported sensitivity (113 dB) of any LF OCT system. We then demonstrate the capability of this system by capturing the rapidly beating cilia of human bronchial-epithelial cells in vitro. The combination of high speed and high sensitivity offered by supercontinuum-based LF SD OCT offers new opportunities for studying cell and tissue dynamics.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, K; Zhang, B; Eslami, S

Purpose: We present a newly developed on-board optical tomography system for SARRP. Innovative features include the compact design and fast acquisition optical method to perform 3D soft tissue radiation guidance. Because of the on-board feature and the combination of the CBCT, diffusive optical tomography (DOT), bioluminescence and fluorescence tomography (BLT and FT), this integrated system is expected to provide more accurate soft tissue guidance than an off-line system as well as highly sensitive functional imaging in preclinical research. Methods: Images are acquired in the order of CBCT, DOT and then BLT/FT, where the SARRP CBCT and DOT are used tomore » provide the anatomical and optical properties information to enhance the subsequent BLT/FT optical reconstruction. The SARRP stage is redesigned to include 9 imbedded optical fibers in contact with the animal's skin. These fibers, connected to a white light lamp or laser, serve as the light sources for the DOT or FT, respectively. A CCD camera with f/1.4 lens and multi-spectral filter set is used as the optical detector and is mounted on a portable cart ready to dock into the SARRP. No radiation is delivered during optical image acquisition. A 3-way mirror system capable of 180 degree rotation around the animal reflects the optical signal to the camera at multiple projection angles. A special black-painted dome covers the stage and provides the light shielding. Results: Spontaneous metastatic bioluminescent liver and lung tumor models will be used to validate the 3D BLT reconstruction. To demonstrate the capability of our FT system, GastroSense750 fluorescence agent will be used to imaging the mouse stomach and intestinal region in 3D. Conclusion: We expect that this integrated CBCT and optical tomography on-board a SARRP will present new research opportunities for pre-clinical radiation research. Supported by NCI RO1-CA 158100.« less

Speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography of complex turbid medium flow

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Chong; Irwin, Daniel; Lin, Yu

2015-07-15

Purpose: Developed herein is a three-dimensional (3D) flow contrast imaging system leveraging advancements in the extension of laser speckle contrast imaging theories to deep tissues along with our recently developed finite-element diffuse correlation tomography (DCT) reconstruction scheme. This technique, termed speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography (scDCT), enables incorporation of complex optical property heterogeneities and sample boundaries. When combined with a reflectance-based design, this system facilitates a rapid segue into flow contrast imaging of larger, in vivo applications such as humans. Methods: A highly sensitive CCD camera was integrated into a reflectance-based optical system. Four long-coherence laser source positions were coupledmore » to an optical switch for sequencing of tomographic data acquisition providing multiple projections through the sample. This system was investigated through incorporation of liquid and solid tissue-like phantoms exhibiting optical properties and flow characteristics typical of human tissues. Computer simulations were also performed for comparisons. A uniquely encountered smear correction algorithm was employed to correct point-source illumination contributions during image capture with the frame-transfer CCD and reflectance setup. Results: Measurements with scDCT on a homogeneous liquid phantom showed that speckle contrast-based deep flow indices were within 12% of those from standard DCT. Inclusion of a solid phantom submerged below the liquid phantom surface allowed for heterogeneity detection and validation. The heterogeneity was identified successfully by reconstructed 3D flow contrast tomography with scDCT. The heterogeneity center and dimensions and averaged relative flow (within 3%) and localization were in agreement with actuality and computer simulations, respectively. Conclusions: A custom cost-effective CCD-based reflectance 3D flow imaging system demonstrated rapid acquisition of dense boundary data and, with further studies, a high potential for translatability to real tissues with arbitrary boundaries. A requisite correction was also found for measurements in the fashion of scDCT to recover accurate speckle contrast of deep tissues.« less

Innovation and fusion of x-ray and optical tomography for mouse studies of breast cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ge; Cong, Wenxiang; Yang, Qingsong; Pian, Qi; Zhu, Shouping; Liang, Jimin; Barroso, Margarida; Intes, Xavier

2016-10-01

For early detection and targeted therapy, receptor expression profiling is instrumental to classifying breast cancer into sub-groups. In particular, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression has been shown to have both prognostic and predictive values. Recently, an increasingly more complex view of HER2 in breast cancer has emerged from genome sequencing that highlights the role of inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity in therapy resistance. Studies on such heterogeneity demand high-content, high-resolution functional and molecular imaging in vivo, which cannot be achieved using any single imaging tool. Clearly, there is a critical need to develop a multimodality approach for breast cancer imaging. Since 2006, grating-based x-ray imaging has been developed for much-improved x-ray images. In 2014, the demonstration of fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) guided by x-ray grating-based micro-CT was reported with encouraging results and major drawbacks. In this paper, we propose to integrate grating-based x-ray tomography (GXT) and high-dimensional optical tomography (HOT) into the first-of-its-kind truly-fused GXT-HOT (pronounced as "Get Hot") system for imaging of breast tumor heterogeneity, HER2 expression and dimerization, and therapeutic response. The primary innovation lies in developing a brand-new high-content, high-throughput x-ray optical imager based on several contemporary techniques to have MRI-type soft tissue contrast, PET-like sensitivity and specificity, and micro-CT-equivalent resolution. This system consists of two orthogonal x-ray Talbot-Lau interferometric imaging chains and a hyperspectral time-resolved single-pixel optical imager. Both the system design and pilot results will be reported in this paper, along with relevant issues under further investigation.

Optic axis determination by fibre-based polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zenghai; Kasaragod, Deepa K.; Matcher, Stephen J.

2011-02-01

We describe a fibre-based variable-incidence angle (VIA) polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography (PS-SS-OCT) system to determine the 3D optical axis of birefringent biological tissues. Single-plane VIA-PS-OCT is also explored which requires measurement of the absolute fast-axis orientation. A state-of-the-art PS-SS-OCT system with some improvements both in hardware and software was used to determine the apparent optical birefringence of equine tendon for a number of different illumination directions. Polar and azimuthal angles of cut equine tendon were produced by the VIA method and compared with the nominal values. A quarter waveplate (QWP) and equine tendon were used as test targets to validate the fast-axis measurements using the system. Polar and azimuthal angles of cut equine tendon broadly agreed with the expected values within about 8% of the nominal values. A theoretical and experimental analysis of the effect of the sample arm fibre on determination of optical axis orientation using a proposed definition based on the orientation of the eigenpolarization ellipse experimentally confirms that this algorithm only works correctly for special settings of the sample arm fibre. A proposed algorithm based on the angle between Stokes vectors on the Poincaré sphere is confirmed to work for all settings of the sample arm fibre. A calibration procedure is proposed to remove the sign ambiguity of the measured orientation and was confirmed experimentally by using the QWP.

Optic axis determination by fiber-based polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zenghai; Kasaragod, Deepa K.; Matcher, Stephen J.

2011-03-01

We describe a fiber-based variable-incidence-angle (VIA) polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography (PS-SS-OCT) system to determine the 3-D optical axis of birefringent biological tissues. Single-plane VIAPS- OCT is also explored which requires measurement of the absolute fast-axis orientation. A state-of-the-art PS-SS-OCT system with some improvements both in hardware and software was used to determine the apparent optical birefringence of equine tendon for a number of different illumination directions. Polar and azimuthal angles of cut equine tendon were produced by VIA method and compared with the nominal values. A quarter waveplate (QWP) and equine tendon were used as test targets to validate the fast-axis measurements using the system. Polar and azimuthal angles of cut equine tendon broadly agreed with the expected values within about 8% of the nominal values. A theoretical and experimental analysis of the effect of the sample arm fiber on determination of optical axis orientation using a proposed definition based on the orientation of the eigenpolarization ellipse experimentally confirms that this algorithm only works correctly for special settings of the sample arm fiber. A proposed algorithm based on the angle between Stokes vectors on the Poincaré sphere is confirmed to work for all settings of the sample arm fiber. A calibration procedure is proposed to remove the sign ambiguity of the measured orientation and was confirmed experimentally by using the QWP.

Assessment of Sentinel Node Biopsies With Full-Field Optical Coherence Tomography.

PubMed

Grieve, Kate; Mouslim, Karima; Assayag, Osnath; Dalimier, Eugénie; Harms, Fabrice; Bruhat, Alexis; Boccara, Claude; Antoine, Martine

2016-04-01

Current techniques for the intraoperative analysis of sentinel lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery present drawbacks such as time and tissue consumption. Full-field optical coherence tomography is a novel noninvasive, high-resolution, fast imaging technique. This study investigated the use of full-field optical coherence tomography as an alternative technique for the intraoperative analysis of sentinel lymph nodes. Seventy-one axillary lymph nodes from 38 patients at Tenon Hospital were imaged minutes after excision with full-field optical coherence tomography in the pathology laboratory, before being handled for histological analysis. A pathologist performed a blind diagnosis (benign/malignant), based on the full-field optical coherence tomography images alone, which resulted in a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 83% (n = 65 samples). Regular feedback was given during the blind diagnosis, with thorough analysis of the images, such that features of normal and suspect nodes were identified in the images and compared with histology. A nonmedically trained imaging expert also performed a blind diagnosis aided by the reading criteria defined by the pathologist, which resulted in 85% sensitivity and 90% specificity (n = 71 samples). The number of false positives of the pathologist was reduced by 3 in a second blind reading a few months later. These results indicate that following adequate training, full-field optical coherence tomography can be an effective noninvasive diagnostic tool for extemporaneous sentinel node biopsy qualification. © The Author(s) 2015.

Feasibility study of basic characterization of MAGAT polymer gel using CBCT attached in linear accelerator: Preliminary study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sathiyaraj, P.; Samuel, E. James jebaseelan

2018-01-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the methacrylic acid, gelatin and tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride gel (MAGAT) by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) attached with modern linear accelerator. To compare the results of standard diagnostic computed tomography (CT) with CBCT, different parameters such as linearity, sensitivity and temporal stability were checked. MAGAT gel showed good linearity for both diagnostic CT and CBCT measurements. Sensitivity and temporal stability were also comparable with diagnostic CT measurements. In both the modalities, the sensitivity of the MAGAT increased to 4 days and decreased till the 10th day of post irradiation. Since all measurements (linearity, sensitivity and temporal stability) from diagnostic CT and CBCT were comparable, CBCT could be a potential tool for dose analysis study for polymer gel dosimeter.

Review of SPECT collimator selection, optimization, and fabrication for clinical and preclinical imaging

PubMed Central

Van Audenhaege, Karen; Van Holen, Roel; Vandenberghe, Stefaan; Vanhove, Christian; Metzler, Scott D.; Moore, Stephen C.

2015-01-01

In single photon emission computed tomography, the choice of the collimator has a major impact on the sensitivity and resolution of the system. Traditional parallel-hole and fan-beam collimators used in clinical practice, for example, have a relatively poor sensitivity and subcentimeter spatial resolution, while in small-animal imaging, pinhole collimators are used to obtain submillimeter resolution and multiple pinholes are often combined to increase sensitivity. This paper reviews methods for production, sensitivity maximization, and task-based optimization of collimation for both clinical and preclinical imaging applications. New opportunities for improved collimation are now arising primarily because of (i) new collimator-production techniques and (ii) detectors with improved intrinsic spatial resolution that have recently become available. These new technologies are expected to impact the design of collimators in the future. The authors also discuss concepts like septal penetration, high-resolution applications, multiplexing, sampling completeness, and adaptive systems, and the authors conclude with an example of an optimization study for a parallel-hole, fan-beam, cone-beam, and multiple-pinhole collimator for different applications. PMID:26233207

Action-angle formulation of generalized, orbit-based, fast-ion diagnostic weight functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stagner, L.; Heidbrink, W. W.

2017-09-01

Due to the usually complicated and anisotropic nature of the fast-ion distribution function, diagnostic velocity-space weight functions, which indicate the sensitivity of a diagnostic to different fast-ion velocities, are used to facilitate the analysis of experimental data. Additionally, when velocity-space weight functions are discretized, a linear equation relating the fast-ion density and the expected diagnostic signal is formed. In a technique known as velocity-space tomography, many measurements can be combined to create an ill-conditioned system of linear equations that can be solved using various computational methods. However, when velocity-space weight functions (which by definition ignore spatial dependencies) are used, velocity-space tomography is restricted, both by the accuracy of its forward model and also by the availability of spatially overlapping diagnostic measurements. In this work, we extend velocity-space weight functions to a full 6D generalized coordinate system and then show how to reduce them to a 3D orbit-space without loss of generality using an action-angle formulation. Furthermore, we show how diagnostic orbit-weight functions can be used to infer the full fast-ion distribution function, i.e., orbit tomography. In depth derivations of orbit weight functions for the neutron, neutral particle analyzer, and fast-ion D-α diagnostics are also shown.

GATE Monte Carlo simulation of GE Discovery 600 and a uniformity phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheen, Heesoon; Im, Ki Chun; Choi, Yong; Shin, Hanback; Han, Youngyih; Chung, Kwangzoo; Cho, Junsang; Ahn, Sang Hee

2014-12-01

GATE (Geant4 Application Tomography Emission) Monte Carlo simulations have been successful in the application of emission tomography for precise modeling of various physical processes. Most previous studies on Monte Carlo simulations have only involved performance assessments using virtual phantoms. Although that allows the performance of simulated positron emission tomography (PET) to be evaluated, it does not reflect the reality of practical conditions. This restriction causes substantial drawbacks in GATE simulations of real situations. To overcome the described limitation and to provide a method to enable simulation research relevant to clinically important issues, we conducted a GATE simulation using real data from a scanner rather than a virtual phantom and evaluated the scanner is performance. For that purpose, the system and the geometry of a commercial GE PET/ CT (computed tomography) scanner, BGO-based Discovery 600 (D600), was developed for the first time. The performance of the modeled PET system was evaluated by using the National Electrical Manufacturers Association NEMA NU 2-2007 protocols and results were compared with those of the reference data. The sensitivity, scatter fraction, noise-equivalent count rate (NECR), and resolution were estimated by using the protocol of the NEMA NU2-2007. Sensitivities were 9.01 cps/kBq at 0 cm and 9.43 cps/kBq at 10 cm. Scatter fractions were 39.5%. The NECR peak was 89.7 kcps @ 14.7 kBq/cc. Resolutions were 4.8 mm in the transaxial plane and 5.9 mm in the axial plane at 1 cm, and 6.2 mm in the transaxial plane and 6.4 mm in the axial plane at 10 cm. The resolutions exceeded the limited value provided by the manufacturer. The uniformity phantom was simulated using the CT and the PET data. The output data in a ROOT format were converted and then reconstructed by using the C program and STIR (Software for Tomographic Image Reconstruction). The reconstructed images of the simulated uniformity phantom data had comparable quality even though improvement in the quality is still required. In conclusion, we have demonstrated a successful simulation of a PET system by using scanned data. In future studies, the parameters that alter the imaging conditions, such as patient movement and physiological change, need to be studied.

Silicon photonic integrated circuit swept-source optical coherence tomography receiver with dual polarization, dual balanced, in-phase and quadrature detection.

PubMed

Wang, Zhao; Lee, Hsiang-Chieh; Vermeulen, Diedrik; Chen, Long; Nielsen, Torben; Park, Seo Yeon; Ghaemi, Allan; Swanson, Eric; Doerr, Chris; Fujimoto, James

2015-07-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a widely used three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging method with many biomedical and non-medical applications. Miniaturization, cost reduction, and increased functionality of OCT systems will be critical for future emerging clinical applications. We present a silicon photonic integrated circuit swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) coherent receiver with dual polarization, dual balanced, in-phase and quadrature (IQ) detection. We demonstrate multiple functional capabilities of IQ polarization resolved detection including: complex-conjugate suppressed full-range OCT, polarization diversity detection, and polarization-sensitive OCT. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a silicon photonic integrated receiver for OCT. The integrated coherent receiver provides a miniaturized, low-cost solution for SS-OCT, and is also a key step towards a fully integrated high speed SS-OCT system with good performance and multi-functional capabilities. With further performance improvement and cost reduction, photonic integrated technology promises to greatly increase penetration of OCT systems in existing applications and enable new applications.

Label-free optical lymphangiography: development of an automatic segmentation method applied to optical coherence tomography to visualize lymphatic vessels using Hessian filters

PubMed Central

Yousefi, Siavash; Qin, Jia; Zhi, Zhongwei

2013-01-01

Abstract. Lymphatic vessels are a part of the circulatory system that collect plasma and other substances that have leaked from the capillaries into interstitial fluid (lymph) and transport lymph back to the circulatory system. Since lymph is transparent, lymphatic vessels appear as dark hallow vessel-like regions in optical coherence tomography (OCT) cross sectional images. We propose an automatic method to segment lymphatic vessel lumen from OCT structural cross sections using eigenvalues of Hessian filters. Compared to the existing method based on intensity threshold, Hessian filters are more selective on vessel shape and less sensitive to intensity variations and noise. Using this segmentation technique along with optical micro-angiography allows label-free noninvasive simultaneous visualization of blood and lymphatic vessels in vivo. Lymphatic vessels play an important role in cancer, immune system response, inflammatory disease, wound healing and tissue regeneration. Development of imaging techniques and visualization tools for lymphatic vessels is valuable in understanding the mechanisms and studying therapeutic methods in related disease and tissue response. PMID:23922124

Silicon photonic integrated circuit swept-source optical coherence tomography receiver with dual polarization, dual balanced, in-phase and quadrature detection

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhao; Lee, Hsiang-Chieh; Vermeulen, Diedrik; Chen, Long; Nielsen, Torben; Park, Seo Yeon; Ghaemi, Allan; Swanson, Eric; Doerr, Chris; Fujimoto, James

2015-01-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a widely used three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging method with many biomedical and non-medical applications. Miniaturization, cost reduction, and increased functionality of OCT systems will be critical for future emerging clinical applications. We present a silicon photonic integrated circuit swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) coherent receiver with dual polarization, dual balanced, in-phase and quadrature (IQ) detection. We demonstrate multiple functional capabilities of IQ polarization resolved detection including: complex-conjugate suppressed full-range OCT, polarization diversity detection, and polarization-sensitive OCT. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a silicon photonic integrated receiver for OCT. The integrated coherent receiver provides a miniaturized, low-cost solution for SS-OCT, and is also a key step towards a fully integrated high speed SS-OCT system with good performance and multi-functional capabilities. With further performance improvement and cost reduction, photonic integrated technology promises to greatly increase penetration of OCT systems in existing applications and enable new applications. PMID:26203382

Fluorescence laminar optical tomography for brain imaging: system implementation and performance evaluation.

PubMed

Azimipour, Mehdi; Sheikhzadeh, Mahya; Baumgartner, Ryan; Cullen, Patrick K; Helmstetter, Fred J; Chang, Woo-Jin; Pashaie, Ramin

2017-01-01

We present our effort in implementing a fluorescence laminar optical tomography scanner which is specifically designed for noninvasive three-dimensional imaging of fluorescence proteins in the brains of small rodents. A laser beam, after passing through a cylindrical lens, scans the brain tissue from the surface while the emission signal is captured by the epi-fluorescence optics and is recorded using an electron multiplication CCD sensor. Image reconstruction algorithms are developed based on Monte Carlo simulation to model light–tissue interaction and generate the sensitivity matrices. To solve the inverse problem, we used the iterative simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique. The performance of the developed system was evaluated by imaging microfabricated silicon microchannels embedded inside a substrate with optical properties close to the brain as a tissue phantom and ultimately by scanning brain tissue in vivo. Details of the hardware design and reconstruction algorithms are discussed and several experimental results are presented. The developed system can specifically facilitate neuroscience experiments where fluorescence imaging and molecular genetic methods are used to study the dynamics of the brain circuitries.

Energy-discrimination x-ray computed tomography system utilizing a scanning cadmium-telluride detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Abduraxit, Ablajan; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Hitomi, Keitaro; Takahashi, Kiyomi; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2010-04-01

An energy-discrimination K-edge x-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for controlling the image contrast of a target region by selecting both the photon energy and the energy width. The CT system has an oscillation-type linear cadmium telluride (CdTe) detectror. CT is performed by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object. Penetrating x-ray photons from the object are detected by a CdTe detector, and event signals of x-ray photons are produced using charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. Both photon energy and energy width are selected out using a multichannel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted by a counter card. In energy-discrimination CT, the tube voltage and tube current were 80 kV and 20 μA, respectively, and the x-ray intensity was 1.92 μGy/s at a distance of 1.0 m from the source and a tube voltage of 80 kV. The energy-discrimination CT was carried out by selecting x-ray photon energies.

Energy-discriminating X-ray computed tomography system utilizing a cadmium telluride detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Abderyim, Purkhet; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Hitomi, Keitaro; Takahasi, Kiyomi; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawae, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2010-07-01

An energy-discriminating K-edge X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for increasing contrast resolution of a target region utilizing contrast media and for reducing the absorbed dose for patients. The CT system is of the first-generation type with a cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector, and a projection curve is obtained by translation scanning using the CdTe detector in conjunction with an x-stage. An object is rotated by the rotation step angle using a turntable between the translation scans. Thus, CT is carried out by repeating the translation scanning and the rotation of an object. Penetrating X-ray photons from the object are detected by the CdTe detector, and event signals of X-ray photons are produced using charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. Both the photon energy and the energy width are selected by use of a multi-channel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted by a counter card. Demonstration of enhanced iodine K-edge X-ray CT was carried out by selecting photons with energies just beyond the iodine K-edge energy of 33.2 keV.

J-substitution algorithm in magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT): phantom experiments for static resistivity images.

PubMed

Khang, Hyun Soo; Lee, Byung Il; Oh, Suk Hoon; Woo, Eung Je; Lee, Soo Yeol; Cho, Min Hyoung; Kwon, Ohin; Yoon, Jeong Rock; Seo, Jin Keun

2002-06-01

Recently, a new static resistivity image reconstruction algorithm is proposed utilizing internal current density data obtained by magnetic resonance current density imaging technique. This new imaging method is called magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT). The derivation and performance of J-substitution algorithm in MREIT have been reported as a new accurate and high-resolution static impedance imaging technique via computer simulation methods. In this paper, we present experimental procedures, denoising techniques, and image reconstructions using a 0.3-tesla (T) experimental MREIT system and saline phantoms. MREIT using J-substitution algorithm effectively utilizes the internal current density information resolving the problem inherent in a conventional EIT, that is, the low sensitivity of boundary measurements to any changes of internal tissue resistivity values. Resistivity images of saline phantoms show an accuracy of 6.8%-47.2% and spatial resolution of 64 x 64. Both of them can be significantly improved by using an MRI system with a better signal-to-noise ratio.

Adaptive optics optical coherence tomography with dynamic retinal tracking

PubMed Central

Kocaoglu, Omer P.; Ferguson, R. Daniel; Jonnal, Ravi S.; Liu, Zhuolin; Wang, Qiang; Hammer, Daniel X.; Miller, Donald T.

2014-01-01

Adaptive optics optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) is a highly sensitive and noninvasive method for three dimensional imaging of the microscopic retina. Like all in vivo retinal imaging techniques, however, it suffers the effects of involuntary eye movements that occur even under normal fixation. In this study we investigated dynamic retinal tracking to measure and correct eye motion at KHz rates for AO-OCT imaging. A customized retina tracking module was integrated into the sample arm of the 2nd-generation Indiana AO-OCT system and images were acquired on three subjects. Analyses were developed based on temporal amplitude and spatial power spectra in conjunction with strip-wise registration to independently measure AO-OCT tracking performance. After optimization of the tracker parameters, the system was found to correct eye movements up to 100 Hz and reduce residual motion to 10 µm root mean square. Between session precision was 33 µm. Performance was limited by tracker-generated noise at high temporal frequencies. PMID:25071963

Sensitivity and accuracy of hybrid fluorescence-mediated tomography in deep tissue regions.

PubMed

Rosenhain, Stefanie; Al Rawashdeh, Wa'el; Kiessling, Fabian; Gremse, Felix

2017-09-01

Fluorescence-mediated tomography (FMT) enables noninvasive assessment of the three-dimensional distribution of near-infrared fluorescence in mice. The combination with micro-computed tomography (µCT) provides anatomical data, enabling improved fluorescence reconstruction and image analysis. The aim of our study was to assess sensitivity and accuracy of µCT-FMT under realistic in vivo conditions in deeply-seated regions. Accordingly, we acquired fluorescence reflectance images (FRI) and µCT-FMT scans of mice which were prepared with rectal insertions with different amounts of fluorescent dye. Default and high-sensitivity scans were acquired and background signal was analyzed for three FMT channels (670 nm, 745 nm, and 790 nm). Analysis was performed for the original and an improved FMT reconstruction using the µCT data. While FRI and the original FMT reconstruction could detect 100 pmol, the improved FMT reconstruction could detect 10 pmol and significantly improved signal localization. By using a finer sampling grid and increasing the exposure time, the sensitivity could be further improved to detect 0.5 pmol. Background signal was highest in the 670 nm channel and most prominent in the gastro-intestinal tract and in organs with high relative amounts of blood. In conclusion, we show that µCT-FMT allows sensitive and accurate assessment of fluorescence in deep tissue regions. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High speed parallel spectral-domain OCT using spectrally encoded line-field illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kye-Sung; Hur, Hwan; Bae, Ji Yong; Kim, I. Jong; Kim, Dong Uk; Nam, Ki-Hwan; Kim, Geon-Hee; Chang, Ki Soo

2018-01-01

We report parallel spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) at 500 000 A-scan/s. This is the highest-speed spectral-domain (SD) OCT system using a single line camera. Spectrally encoded line-field scanning is proposed to increase the imaging speed in SD-OCT effectively, and the tradeoff between speed, depth range, and sensitivity is demonstrated. We show that three imaging modes of 125k, 250k, and 500k A-scan/s can be simply switched according to the sample to be imaged considering the depth range and sensitivity. To demonstrate the biological imaging performance of the high-speed imaging modes of the spectrally encoded line-field OCT system, human skin and a whole leaf were imaged at the speed of 250k and 500k A-scan/s, respectively. In addition, there is no sensitivity dependence in the B-scan direction, which is implicit in line-field parallel OCT using line focusing of a Gaussian beam with a cylindrical lens.

Optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in Barret's esophagus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gladkova, N. D.; Zagaynova, E. V.; Zuccaro, G.; Kareta, M. V.; Feldchtein, F. I.; Balalaeva, I. V.; Balandina, E. B.

2007-02-01

Statistical analysis of endoscopic optical coherence tomography (EOCT) surveillance of 78 patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) is presented in this study. The sensitivity of OCT device in retrospective open detection of early malignancy (including high grade dysplasia and intramucosal adenocarcinoma (IMAC)) was 75%, specificity 82%, diagnostic accuracy - 80%, positive predictive value- 60%, negative predictive value- 87%. In the open recognition of IMAC sensitivity was 81% and specificity were 85% each. Results of a blind recognition with the same material were similar: sensitivity - 77%, specificity 85%, diagnostic accuracy - 82%, positive predictive value- 70%, negative predictive value- 87%. As the endoscopic detection of early malignancy is problematic, OCT holds great promise in enhancing the diagnostic capability of clinical GI endoscopy.

Cerenkov luminescence tomography based on preconditioning orthogonal matching pursuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Haixiao; Hu, Zhenhua; Wang, Kun; Tian, Jie; Yang, Xin

2015-03-01

Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) is a novel optical imaging method and has been proved to be a potential substitute of the traditional radionuclide imaging such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). This imaging method inherits the high sensitivity of nuclear medicine and low cost of optical molecular imaging. To obtain the depth information of the radioactive isotope, Cerenkov luminescence tomography (CLT) is established and the 3D distribution of the isotope is reconstructed. However, because of the strong absorption and scatter, the reconstruction of the CLT sources is always converted to an ill-posed linear system which is hard to be solved. In this work, the sparse nature of the light source was taken into account and the preconditioning orthogonal matching pursuit (POMP) method was established to effectively reduce the ill-posedness and obtain better reconstruction accuracy. To prove the accuracy and speed of this algorithm, a heterogeneous numerical phantom experiment and an in vivo mouse experiment were conducted. Both the simulation result and the mouse experiment showed that our reconstruction method can provide more accurate reconstruction result compared with the traditional Tikhonov regularization method and the ordinary orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) method. Our reconstruction method will provide technical support for the biological application for Cerenkov luminescence.

Compact cold stage for micro-computerized tomography imaging of chilled or frozen samples

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hullar, Ted; Anastasio, Cort, E-mail: canastasio@ucdavis.edu; Paige, David F.

2014-04-15

High resolution X-ray microCT (computerized tomography) can be used to image a variety of objects, including temperature-sensitive materials. In cases where the sample must be chilled or frozen to maintain sample integrity, either the microCT machine itself must be placed in a refrigerated chamber, or a relatively expensive commercial cold stage must be purchased. We describe here the design and construction of a low-cost custom cold stage suitable for use in a microCT imaging system. Our device uses a boron nitride sample holder, two-stage Peltier cooler, fan-cooled heat sink, and electronic controller to maintain sample temperatures as low as −25 °Cmore » ± 0.2 °C for the duration of a tomography acquisition. The design does not require modification to the microCT machine, and is easily installed and removed. Our custom cold stage represents a cost-effective solution for refrigerating CT samples for imaging, and is especially useful for shared equipment or machines unsuitable for cold room use.« less

Optical Brain Imaging: A Powerful Tool for Neuroscience.

PubMed

Zhu, Xinpei; Xia, Yanfang; Wang, Xuecen; Si, Ke; Gong, Wei

2017-02-01

As the control center of organisms, the brain remains little understood due to its complexity. Taking advantage of imaging methods, scientists have found an accessible approach to unraveling the mystery of neuroscience. Among these methods, optical imaging techniques are widely used due to their high molecular specificity and single-molecule sensitivity. Here, we overview several optical imaging techniques in neuroscience of recent years, including brain clearing, the micro-optical sectioning tomography system, and deep tissue imaging.

In vivo polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography of human burn scars: birefringence quantification and correspondence with histologically determined collagen density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaspers, Mariëlle E. H.; Feroldi, Fabio; Vlig, Marcel; de Boer, Johannes F.; van Zuijlen, Paul P. M.

2017-12-01

Obtaining adequate information on scar characteristics is important for monitoring their evolution and the effectiveness of clinical treatment. The aberrant type of collagen in scars may give rise to specific birefringent properties, which can be determined using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a method to quantify the birefringence of the scanned volume and correlate it with the collagen density as measured from histological slides. Five human burn scars were measured in vivo using a handheld probe and custom-made PS-OCT system. The local retardation caused by the tissue birefringence was extracted using the Jones formalism. To compare the samples, histograms of birefringence values of each volume were produced. After imaging, punch biopsies were harvested from the scar area of interest and sent in for histological evaluation using Herovici polychrome staining. Two-dimensional en face maps showed higher birefringence in scars compared to healthy skin. The Pearson's correlation coefficient for the collagen density as measured by histology versus the measured birefringence was calculated at r=0.80 (p=0.105). In conclusion, the custom-made PS-OCT system was capable of in vivo imaging and quantifying the birefringence of human burn scars, and a nonsignificant correlation between PS-OCT birefringence and histological collagen density was found.

A four-tier classification system of pulmonary artery metrics on computed tomography for the diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary hypertension.

PubMed

Truong, Quynh A; Bhatia, Harpreet Singh; Szymonifka, Jackie; Zhou, Qing; Lavender, Zachary; Waxman, Aaron B; Semigran, Marc J; Malhotra, Rajeev

We aimed to develop a severity classification system of the main pulmonary artery diameter (mPA) and its ratio to the ascending aorta diameter (ratio PA) for the diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) on computed tomography (CT) scans. In 228 patients (136 with PH) undergoing right heart catheterization (RHC) and CT for dyspnea, we measured mPA and ratio PA. In a derivation cohort (n = 114), we determined cutpoints for a four-tier severity grading system that would maximize sensitivity and specificity, and validated it in a separate cohort (n = 114). Cutpoints for mPA were defined with ≤27 mm(F) and ≤29 mm(M) as the normal reference range; mild as >27 to <31 mm(F) and >29 to <31 mm(M); moderate≥31-34 mm; and severe>34 mm. Cutpoints for ratio PA were defined as normal ≤0.9; mild>0.9 to 1.0; moderate>1.0 to 1.1; and severe>1.1. Sensitivities for normal tier were 99% for mPA and 93% for ratio PA; while specificities for severe tier were 98% for mPA>34 mm and 100% for ratio PA>1.1. C-statistics for four-tier mPA and ratio PA were both 0.90 (derivation) and both 0.85 (validation). Severity of mPA and ratio PA corresponded to hemodynamics by RHC and echocardiography (both p < 0.001). Moderate-severe mPA values of ≥31 mm and ratio PA>1.1 had worse survival than normal values (all p ≤ 0.01). A CT-based four-tier severity classification system of PA diameter and its ratio to the aortic diameter has high accuracy for PH diagnosis with increased mortality in patients with moderate-severe severity grades. These results may support clinical utilization on chest and cardiac CT reports. Copyright © 2018 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High sensitive volumetric imaging of renal microcirculation in vivo using ultrahigh sensitive optical microangiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhi, Zhongwei; Jung, Yeongri; Jia, Yali; An, Lin; Wang, Ruikang K.

2011-03-01

We present a non-invasive, label-free imaging technique called Ultrahigh Sensitive Optical Microangiography (UHSOMAG) for high sensitive volumetric imaging of renal microcirculation. The UHS-OMAG imaging system is based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), which uses a 47000 A-line scan rate CCD camera to perform an imaging speed of 150 frames per second that takes only ~7 seconds to acquire a 3D image. The technique, capable of measuring slow blood flow down to 4 um/s, is sensitive enough to image capillary networks, such as peritubular capillaries and glomerulus within renal cortex. We show superior performance of UHS-OMAG in providing depthresolved volumetric images of rich renal microcirculation. We monitored the dynamics of renal microvasculature during renal ischemia and reperfusion. Obvious reduction of renal microvascular density due to renal ischemia was visualized and quantitatively analyzed. This technique can be helpful for the assessment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) which relates to abnormal microvasculature.

Visibility of trabecular meshwork by standard and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuno, Yoshiaki; Yamanari, Masahiro; Kawana, Keisuke; Miura, Masahiro; Fukuda, Shinichi; Makita, Shuichi; Sakai, Shingo; Oshika, Tetsuro

2010-11-01

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is known to be advantageous because of its additional tissue-specific contrast of the anterior eye. So far, this advantage has been shown only qualitatively. We evaluate the improved visibility afforded by 3-D PS corneal and anterior eye segment OCT (PS-CAS-OCT) in visualizing the trabecular meshwork (TM) based on statistical evidences. A total of 31 normal subjects participated in this study. The anterior eye segments of both the eyes of the subjects are scanned using a custom-made PS-CAS-OCT and the standard-scattering OCT (S-OCT) and polarization-sensitive phase-retardation OCT (P-OCT) images are obtained. Three graders grade the visibility of the TM using a four-leveled grading system. The intergrader agreement, intermodality differences, and interquadrant dependence of visibility are statistically examined. All three of three combinations of graders show substantial agreement in visibility with P-OCT (ρ = 0.74, 0.70, and 0.68, Spearman's correlation), while only one of three shows substantial agreement with S-OCT (ρ = 0.72). Significant dependence of the visibility on the modality (S-OCT versus P-OCT) and quadrants are found by the analysis of variance. A subsequent Wilcoxon signed-rank test reveals significantly improved visibility. PS-CAS-OCT may become a useful tool for screening angle-closure glaucoma.

Experimental validation of L-shell x-ray fluorescence computed tomography imaging: phantom study

PubMed Central

Bazalova-Carter, Magdalena; Ahmad, Moiz; Xing, Lei; Fahrig, Rebecca

2015-01-01

Abstract. Thanks to the current advances in nanoscience, molecular biochemistry, and x-ray detector technology, x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) has been considered for molecular imaging of probes containing high atomic number elements, such as gold nanoparticles. The commonly used XFCT imaging performed with K-shell x rays appears to have insufficient imaging sensitivity to detect the low gold concentrations observed in small animal studies. Low energy fluorescence L-shell x rays have exhibited higher signal-to-background ratio and appeared as a promising XFCT mode with greatly enhanced sensitivity. The aim of this work was to experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of L-shell XFCT imaging and to assess its achievable sensitivity. We built an experimental L-shell XFCT imaging system consisting of a miniature x-ray tube and two spectrometers, a silicon drift detector (SDD), and a CdTe detector placed at ±120  deg with respect to the excitation beam. We imaged a 28-mm-diameter water phantom with 4-mm-diameter Eppendorf tubes containing gold solutions with concentrations of 0.06 to 0.1% Au. While all Au vials were detectable in the SDD L-shell XFCT image, none of the vials were visible in the CdTe L-shell XFCT image. The detectability limit of the presented L-shell XFCT SDD imaging setup was 0.007% Au, a concentration observed in small animal studies. PMID:26839910

Swept source optical coherence tomography using an all-fiber 1300-nm ring laser source.

PubMed

Choma, Michael A; Hsu, Kevin; Izatt, Joseph A

2005-01-01

The increased sensitivity of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) has driven the development of a new generation of technologies in OCT, including rapidly tunable, broad bandwidth swept laser sources and spectral domain OCT interferometer topologies. In this work, the operation of a turnkey 1300-nm swept laser source is demonstrated. This source has a fiber ring cavity with a semiconductor optical amplifier gain medium. Intracavity mode selection is achieved with an in-fiber tunable fiber Fabry-Perot filter. A novel optoelectronic technique that allows for even sampling of the swept source OCT signal in k space also is described. A differential swept source OCT system is presented, and images of in vivo human cornea and skin are presented. Lastly, the effects of analog-to-digital converter aliasing on image quality in swept source OCT are discussed.

Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography – a review [Invited

PubMed Central

de Boer, Johannes F.; Hitzenberger, Christoph K.; Yasuno, Yoshiaki

2017-01-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is now a well-established modality for high-resolution cross-sectional and three-dimensional imaging of transparent and translucent samples and tissues. Conventional, intensity based OCT, however, does not provide a tissue-specific contrast, causing an ambiguity with image interpretation in several cases. Polarization sensitive (PS) OCT draws advantage from the fact that several materials and tissues can change the light’s polarization state, adding an additional contrast channel and providing quantitative information. In this paper, we review basic and advanced methods of PS-OCT and demonstrate its use in selected biomedical applications. PMID:28663869

Fast calculation of the sensitivity matrix in magnetic induction tomography by tetrahedral edge finite elements and the reciprocity theorem.

PubMed

Hollaus, K; Magele, C; Merwa, R; Scharfetter, H

2004-02-01

Magnetic induction tomography of biological tissue is used to reconstruct the changes in the complex conductivity distribution by measuring the perturbation of an alternating primary magnetic field. To facilitate the sensitivity analysis and the solution of the inverse problem a fast calculation of the sensitivity matrix, i.e. the Jacobian matrix, which maps the changes of the conductivity distribution onto the changes of the voltage induced in a receiver coil, is needed. The use of finite differences to determine the entries of the sensitivity matrix does not represent a feasible solution because of the high computational costs of the basic eddy current problem. Therefore, the reciprocity theorem was exploited. The basic eddy current problem was simulated by the finite element method using symmetric tetrahedral edge elements of second order. To test the method various simulations were carried out and discussed.

Full-field swept-source optical coherence tomography with phase-shifting techniques for skin cancer detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauter, J.; Boettcher, T.; Körner, K.; Gronle, M.; Osten, W.; Passilly, N.; Froehly, L.; Perrin, S.; Gorecki, C.

2015-05-01

The EU-funded project VIAMOS1 proposes an optical coherence tomography system (OCT) for skin cancer detection, which combines full-field and full-range swept-source OCT in a multi-channel sensor for parallel detection. One of the project objectives is the development of new fabrication technologies for micro-optics, which makes it compatible to Micro-Opto-Electromechanical System technology (MOEMS). The basic system concept is a wafer-based Mirau interferometer array with an actuated reference mirror, which enables phase shifted interferogram detection and therefore reconstruction of the complex phase information, resulting in a higher measurement range with reduced image artifacts. This paper presents an experimental one-channel on-bench OCT system with bulk optics, which serves as a proof-of-concept setup for the final VIAMOS micro-system. It is based on a Linnik interferometer with a wavelength tuning light source and a camera for parallel A-Scan detection. Phase shifting interferometry techniques (PSI) are used for the suppression of the complex conjugate artifact, whose suppression reaches 36 dB. The sensitivity of the system is constant over the full-field with a mean value of 97 dB. OCT images are presented of a thin membrane microlens and a biological tissue (onion) as a preliminary demonstration.

Detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia by using optical coherence tomography in combination with microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallwas, Julia; Jalilova, Aydan; Ladurner, Roland; Kolben, Theresa Maria; Kolben, Thomas; Ditsch, Nina; Homann, Christian; Lankenau, Eva; Dannecker, Christian

2017-01-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive high-resolution imaging technique that permits the detection of cancerous and precancerous lesions of the uterine cervix. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new system that integrates an OCT device into a microscope. OCT images were taken from loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) specimens under microscopic guidance. The images were blinded with respect to their origin within the microscopic image and analyzed independently by two investigators using initially defined criteria and later compared to the corresponding histology. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated with respect to the correct identification of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). The interinvestigator agreement was assessed by using Cohen's kappa statistics. About 160 OCT images were obtained from 20 LEEP specimens. Sixty randomly chosen images were used to define reproducible criteria for evaluation. The assessment of the remaining 100 images showed a sensitivity of 88% (second investigator 84%) and a specificity of 69% (65%) in detecting HSIL. Surgical microscopy-guided OCT appears to be a promising technique for immediate assessment of microanatomical changes. In the gynecological setting, the combination of OCT with a colposcope may improve the detection of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.

SU-E-I-79: Effect of Number of Pinholes in Onboard Robotic Multi-Pinhole SPECT System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Touch, M; Bowsher, J; Yan, S

Purpose: To study the effect of number of pinholes for a novel Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) system for onboard molecular and functional imaging. Methods: Comparison studies were performed using simulation for the 49-pinhole SPECT system and a series of reductions in number of pinholes. Trajectories about the breast of a supine patient were considered. Minimum distances, radii of rotation (RORs), were determined by requirements to fully view the region of interest (ROI) and to avoid collision between the detector and the patient. Reductions in RORs translate into improvements in sensitivity. Starting from the 49-pinhole system, pinholes were removedmore » pod by pod. The furthest two end pods in the Sup-Inf direction were removed first for their higher likelihood of alleviating the collision avoidance criteria. After iterating through different combinations of pinhole pods, and selecting three combinations, the corresponding RORs were used to analytically calculate sensitivities. Results: Based on the Methods procedure, 3 combination of pods removal were identified: 1) Superior peripheral pod 2) Inferior peripheral pod 3) both pods. RORs were reduced at only one multi-pinhole stop. Analytic calculation showed that sensitivities were reduced from 0.032 for the 49-pinhole system to 0.028 for 42-pinhole and to 0.023 for 39-pinhole system respectively. The sensitivity per pinhole detector was approximately the same for all three cases. Conclusion: For the trajectories considered, only minimal improvements in RORs were identified by removing pinhole pods. Consequently, sensitivities decreased in proportion to the number of pinholes. Studies of other anatomical sites are needed to determine if in some cases sensitivity per pinhole can be improved by removing some pinholes. PHS/NIH/NCI grant R21-CA156390-01A1.« less

Fusion Imaging: A Novel Staging Modality in Testis Cancer

PubMed Central

Sterbis, Joseph R.; Rice, Kevin R.; Javitt, Marcia C.; Schenkman, Noah S.; Brassell, Stephen A.

2010-01-01

Objective: Computed tomography and chest radiographs provide the standard imaging for staging, treatment, and surveillance of testicular germ cell neoplasms. Positron emission tomography has recently been utilized for staging, but is somewhat limited in its ability to provide anatomic localization. Fusion imaging combines the metabolic information provided by positron emission tomography with the anatomic precision of computed tomography. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first study of the effectiveness using fusion imaging in evaluation of patients with testis cancer. Methods: A prospective study of 49 patients presenting to Walter Reed Army Medical Center with testicular cancer from 2003 to 2009 was performed. Fusion imaging was compared with conventional imaging, tumor markers, pathologic results, and clinical follow-up. Results: There were 14 true positives, 33 true negatives, 1 false positive, and 1 false negative. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 93.3, 97.0, 93.3, and 97.0% respectively. In 11 patient scenarios, fusion imaging differed from conventional imaging. Utility was found in superior lesion detection compared to helical computed tomography due to anatomical/functional image co-registration, detection of micrometastasis in lymph nodes (pathologic nodes < 1cm), surveillance for recurrence post-chemotherapy, differentiating fibrosis from active disease in nodes < 2.5cm, and acting as a quality assurance measure to computed tomography alone. Conclusions: In addition to demonstrating a sensitivity and specificity comparable or superior to conventional imaging, fusion imaging shows promise in providing additive data that may assist in clinical decision-making. PMID:21103077

Fusion imaging: a novel staging modality in testis cancer.

PubMed

Sterbis, Joseph R; Rice, Kevin R; Javitt, Marcia C; Schenkman, Noah S; Brassell, Stephen A

2010-11-05

Computed tomography and chest radiographs provide the standard imaging for staging, treatment, and surveillance of testicular germ cell neoplasms. Positron emission tomography has recently been utilized for staging, but is somewhat limited in its ability to provide anatomic localization. Fusion imaging combines the metabolic information provided by positron emission tomography with the anatomic precision of computed tomography. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first study of the effectiveness using fusion imaging in evaluation of patients with testis cancer. A prospective study of 49 patients presenting to Walter Reed Army Medical Center with testicular cancer from 2003 to 2009 was performed. Fusion imaging was compared with conventional imaging, tumor markers, pathologic results, and clinical follow-up. There were 14 true positives, 33 true negatives, 1 false positive, and 1 false negative. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 93.3, 97.0, 93.3, and 97.0% respectively. In 11 patient scenarios, fusion imaging differed from conventional imaging. Utility was found in superior lesion detection compared to helical computed tomography due to anatomical/functional image co-registration, detection of micrometastasis in lymph nodes (pathologic nodes < 1cm), surveillance for recurrence post-chemotherapy, differentiating fibrosis from active disease in nodes < 2.5cm, and acting as a quality assurance measure to computed tomography alone. In addition to demonstrating a sensitivity and specificity comparable or superior to conventional imaging, fusion imaging shows promise in providing additive data that may assist in clinical decision-making.

Use of the stereoscopic virtual reality display system for the detection and characterization of intracranial aneurysms: A Icomparison with conventional computed tomography workstation and 3D rotational angiography.

PubMed

Liu, Xiujuan; Tao, Haiquan; Xiao, Xigang; Guo, Binbin; Xu, Shangcai; Sun, Na; Li, Maotong; Xie, Li; Wu, Changjun

2018-07-01

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of the stereoscopic virtual reality display system with the conventional computed tomography (CT) workstation and three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) for intracranial aneurysm detection and characterization, with a focus on small aneurysms and those near the bone. First, 42 patients with suspected intracranial aneurysms underwent both 256-row CT angiography (CTA) and 3DRA. Volume rendering (VR) images were captured using the conventional CT workstation. Next, VR images were transferred to the stereoscopic virtual reality display system. Two radiologists independently assessed the results that were obtained using the conventional CT workstation and stereoscopic virtual reality display system. The 3DRA results were considered as the ultimate reference standard. Based on 3DRA images, 38 aneurysms were confirmed in 42 patients. Two cases were misdiagnosed and 1 was missed when the traditional CT workstation was used. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of the conventional CT workstation were 94.7%, 85.7%, 97.3%, 75%, and99.3%, respectively, on a per-aneurysm basis. The stereoscopic virtual reality display system missed a case. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of the stereoscopic virtual reality display system were 100%, 85.7%, 97.4%, 100%, and 97.8%, respectively. No difference was observed in the accuracy of the traditional CT workstation, stereoscopic virtual reality display system, and 3DRA in detecting aneurysms. The stereoscopic virtual reality display system has some advantages in detecting small aneurysms and those near the bone. The virtual reality stereoscopic vision obtained through the system was found as a useful tool in intracranial aneurysm diagnosis and pre-operative 3D imaging. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The predictive value of 18F-FDG PET for pathological response of primary tumor in patients with esophageal cancer during or after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Cong, Lihong; Wang, Shikun; Gao, Teng; Hu, Likuan

2016-12-01

We want to review the value of 18-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography for response prediction of primary tumor in patients with esophageal cancer during or after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Studies were searched in Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library with specific search strategy. The published articles were included according to the criteria established in advance. The included studies were divided into two groups according to the time of the repeat positron emission tomography: during (Group A) or after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (Group B). The studies that performed the repeat positron emission tomography after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were graded Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio were obtained for both groups on the basis of no-existing of threshold effect. Fifteen studies were included in the present study. The threshold effect did not exist in both groups. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio were 85%, 59%, 6.82 with 95% confidence interval 76-91%, 48-69%, 2.25-20.72 in Group A. The equivalent values were 67%, 69%, 6.34 with 95% confidence interval 60-73%, 63-74%, 2.08-19.34 in Group B. The pooled sensitivity was 90% in four studies that enrolled patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma merely in Group B. According to the present data, positron emission tomography should not be used routinely to guide treatment strategy in esophageal cancer patients. We speculated that positron emission tomography could be used as a tool to predict treatment response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Sensitivity of Hyperdense Basilar Artery Sign on Non-Enhanced Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Ernst, Marielle; Romero, Javier M; Buhk, Jan-Hendrik; Cheng, Bastian; Herrmann, Jochen; Fiehler, Jens; Groth, Michael

2015-01-01

The hyperdense basilar artery sign (HBAS) is an indicator of vessel occlusion on non contrast-enhanced computer tomography (NECT) in acute stroke patients. Since basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is associated with a high mortality and morbidity, its early detection is of great clinical value. We sought to analyze the influence of density measurement as well as a normalized ratio of Hounsfield unit/hematocrit (HU/Hct) ratio on the detection of BAO on NECT in patients with suspected BAO. 102 patients with clinically suspected BAO were examined with NECT followed immediately by Multidetector computed tomography Angiography. Two observers independently analyzed the images regarding the presence or absence of HBAS on NECT and performed HU measurements in the basilar artery. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal density threshold for BAO using attenuation measurements or HU/Hct ratio. Sensitivity of visual detection of the HBAS on NECT was relatively low 81% (95%-CI, 54-95%) while specificity was high 91% (95%-CI, 82-96%). The highest sensitivity was achieved by the combination of visual assessment and additional quantitative attenuation measurements applying a cut-off value of 46.5 HU with 94% sensitivity and 81% specificity for BAO. A HU/Hct ratio >1.32 revealed sensitivity of 88% (95%-CI, 60-98%) and specificity of 84% (95%-CI, 74-90%). In patients with clinically suspected acute BAO the combination of visual assessment and additional attenuation measurement with a cut-off value of 46.5 HU is a reliable approach with high sensitivity in the detection of BAO on NECT.

Decorrelation-based viscosity measurement using phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blackburn, Brecken J.; Gu, Shi; Jenkins, Michael W.; Rollins, Andrew M.

2017-02-01

A robust method to measure viscosity of microquantities of biological samples, such as blood and mucus, could lead to a better understanding and diagnosis of diseases. Microsamples have presented persistent challenges to conventional rheology, which requires bulk quantities of a sample. Alternatively, fluid viscosity can be probed by monitoring microscale motion of particles. Here, we present a decorrelation-based method using M-mode phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure particle Brownian motion. This is similar to previous methods using laser speckle decorrelation but with sensitivity to nanometer-scale displacement. This allows for the measurement of decorrelation in less than 1 millisecond and significantly decreases sensitivity to bulk motion, thereby potentially enabling in vivo and in situ applications. From first principles, an analytical method is established using M-mode images obtained from a 47 kHz spectral-domain OCT system. A g(1) first-order autocorrelation is calculated from windows containing several pixels over a time frame of 200-1000 microseconds. Total imaging time is 500 milliseconds for averaging purposes. The autocorrelation coefficient over this short time frame decreases linearly and at a rate proportional to the diffusion constant of the particles, allowing viscosity to be calculated. In verification experiments using phantoms of microbeads in 200 µL glycerol-water mixtures, this method showed insensitivity to 2 mm/s lateral bulk motion and accurate viscosity measurements over a depth of 400 µm. In addition, the method measured a significant decrease of the apparent diffusion constant of soft tissue after formalin fixation, suggesting potential applications in mapping tissue stiffness.

Laser optoacoustic tomography for medical diagnostics: principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oraevsky, Alexander A.; Esenaliev, Rinat O.; Jacques, Steven L.; Tittel, Frank K.

1996-04-01

This paper is to describe principles of laser optoacoustic tomography for medical diagnostics. Two types of imaging modes are presented. The first is the tomography in transmission mode, which utilizes detection of stress transients transmitted from the laser-excited volume toward the depth through thick layers of tissue. The second is the tomography in reflection mode which utilizes detection of stress transients generated in superficial tissue layer and reflected back toward tissue surface. To distinguish the two modes, we have abbreviated them as (1) laser optoacoustic tomography in transmission mode, LOATT, and (2) time-resolved stress detection tomography of light absorption, TRSDTLA, in reflection mode where emphasis is made on high spatial resolution of images. The basis for laser optoacoustic tomography is the time-resolved detection of laser-induced transient stress waves, selectively generated in absorbing tissues of diagnostic interest. Such a technique allows one to visualize absorbed light distribution in turbid biological tissues irradiated by short laser pulses. Laser optoacoustic tomography can be used for detection of tissue pathological changes that result in either increased concentration of various tissue chromophores such as hemoglobin or in development of enhanced microcirculation in diseased tissue. Potential areas of applications are diagnosis of cancer, brain hemorrhages, arterial atherosclerotic plaques, and other diseased tissues. In addition, it can provide feedback information during medical treatments. Both LOATT and TRSDTLA utilize laser excitation of biological tissues and sensitive detection of laser-induced stress waves. Optical selectivity is based upon differences in optical properties of pathologically different tissues. Sensitivity comes from stress generation under irradiation conditions of temporal stress confinement. The use of sensitive wide-band lithium niobate acoustic transducers expands limits of laser optoacoustic tomography. The technology allows us to determine directly temperature distributions in tissues and locate tissues volumes with different absorption. To demonstrate principles of TRSDTLA, experiments were conducted in vivo with mice-model for breast cancer using specially designed front-surface transducers- reflectometers. To present advantages and limitation of LOATT, experiments were performed in phantoms made of gel with polystyrene spheres colored with copper sulfate. Our experimental results and theoretical calculations show that TRSDTLA can be applied for non- invasive histology of layered tissues with in-depth resolution of up to 2 microns. TRSDTLA in acoustic reflection mode is promising for diagnostics of skin and ocular diseases. LOATT in acoustic transmission mode can be applied for detection of small tissue volumes with enhanced absorption located inside organs at the depth of up to 10 cm.

Automatic Detection of Lung and Liver Lesions in 3-D Positron Emission Tomography Images: A Pilot Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lartizien, Carole; Marache-Francisco, Simon; Prost, Rémy

2012-02-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) using fluorine-18 deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) has become an increasingly recommended tool in clinical whole-body oncology imaging for the detection, diagnosis, and follow-up of many cancers. One way to improve the diagnostic utility of PET oncology imaging is to assist physicians facing difficult cases of residual or low-contrast lesions. This study aimed at evaluating different schemes of computer-aided detection (CADe) systems for the guided detection and localization of small and low-contrast lesions in PET. These systems are based on two supervised classifiers, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and the nonlinear support vector machine (SVM). The image feature sets that serve as input data consisted of the coefficients of an undecimated wavelet transform. An optimization study was conducted to select the best combination of parameters for both the SVM and the LDA. Different false-positive reduction (FPR) methods were evaluated to reduce the number of false-positive detections per image (FPI). This includes the removal of small detected clusters and the combination of the LDA and SVM detection maps. The different CAD schemes were trained and evaluated based on a simulated whole-body PET image database containing 250 abnormal cases with 1230 lesions and 250 normal cases with no lesion. The detection performance was measured on a separate series of 25 testing images with 131 lesions. The combination of the LDA and SVM score maps was shown to produce very encouraging detection performance for both the lung lesions, with 91% sensitivity and 18 FPIs, and the liver lesions, with 94% sensitivity and 10 FPIs. Comparison with human performance indicated that the different CAD schemes significantly outperformed human detection sensitivities, especially regarding the low-contrast lesions.

Phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography characterization of pulse-induced trabecular meshwork displacement in ex vivo nonhuman primate eyes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Peng; Reif, Roberto; Zhi, Zhongwei; Martin, Elizabeth; Shen, Tueng T.; Johnstone, Murray; Wang, Ruikang K.

2012-07-01

Glaucoma is a blinding disease for which intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only treatable risk factor. The mean IOP is regulated through the aqueous outflow system, which contains the trabecular meshwork (TM). Considerable evidence indicates that trabecular tissue movement regulates the aqueous outflow and becomes abnormal during glaucoma; however, such motion has thus far escaped detection. The purpose of this study is to describe anovel use of a phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT) method to assess pulse-dependent TM movement. For this study, we used enucleated monkey eyes, each mounted in an anterior segment holder. A perfusion system was used to control the mean IOP as well as to provide IOP sinusoidal transients (amplitude 3 mmHg, frequency 1 pulse/second) in all experiments. Measurements were carried out at seven graded mean IOPs (5, 8, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mm Hg). We demonstrate that PhS-OCT is sensitive enough to image/visualize TM movement synchronous with the pulse-induced IOP transients, providing quantitative measurements of dynamic parameters such as velocity, displacement, and strain rate that are important for assessing the biomechanical compliance of the TM. We find that the largest TM displacement is in the area closest to Schlemm's canal (SC) endothelium. While maintaining constant ocular pulse amplitude, an increase of mean IOP results in a decrease of TM displacement and mean size of the SC. These results demonstrate that the PhS-OCT is a useful imaging technique capable of assessing functional properties necessary to maintain IOP in a healthy range, offering a new diagnostic alternative for glaucoma.

The predictive value of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography for sentinel lymph node localization in head and neck cutaneous malignancy.

PubMed

Remenschneider, Aaron K; Dilger, Amanda E; Wang, Yingbing; Palmer, Edwin L; Scott, James A; Emerick, Kevin S

2015-04-01

Preoperative localization of sentinel lymph nodes in head and neck cutaneous malignancies can be aided by single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT); however, its true predictive value for identifying lymph nodes intraoperatively remains unquantified. This study aims to understand the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of SPECT/CT in sentinel lymph node biopsy for cutaneous malignancies of the head and neck. Blinded retrospective imaging review with comparison to intraoperative gamma probe confirmed sentinel lymph nodes. A consecutive series of patients with a head and neck cutaneous malignancy underwent preoperative SPECT/CT followed by sentinel lymph node biopsy with a gamma probe. Two nuclear medicine physicians, blinded to clinical data, independently reviewed each SPECT/CT. Activity within radiographically defined nodal basins was recorded and compared to intraoperative gamma probe findings. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were calculated with subgroup stratification by primary tumor site. Ninety-two imaging reads were performed on 47 patients with cutaneous malignancy who underwent SPECT/CT followed by sentinel lymph node biopsy. Overall sensitivity was 73%, specificity 92%, positive predictive value 54%, and negative predictive value 96%. The predictive ability of SPECT/CT to identify the basin or an adjacent basin containing the single hottest node was 92%. SPECT/CT overestimated uptake by an average of one nodal basin. In the head and neck, SPECT/CT has higher reliability for primary lesions of the eyelid, scalp, and cheek. SPECT/CT has high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value, but may overestimate relevant nodal basins in sentinel lymph node biopsy. © 2014 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Comparison of DWI and 18F-FDG PET/CT for assessing preoperative N-staging in gastric cancer: evidence from a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Luo, Mingxu; Song, Hongmei; Liu, Gang; Lin, Yikai; Luo, Lintao; Zhou, Xin; Chen, Bo

2017-10-13

The diagnostic values of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) for N-staging of gastric cancer (GC) were identified and compared. After a systematic search to identify relevant articles, meta-analysis was used to summarize the sensitivities, specificities, and areas under curves (AUCs) for DWI and PET/CT. To better understand the diagnostic utility of DWI and PET/CT for N-staging, the performance of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) was used as a reference. Fifteen studies were analyzed. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC with 95% confidence intervals of DWI were 0.79 (0.73-0.85), 0.69 (0.61-0.77), and 0.81 (0.77-0.84), respectively. For PET/CT, the corresponding values were 0.52 (0.39-0.64), 0.88 (0.61-0.97), and 0.66 (0.62-0.70), respectively. Comparison of the two techniques revealed DWI had higher sensitivity and AUC, but no difference in specificity. DWI exhibited higher sensitivity but lower specificity than MDCT, and 18 F-FDG PET/CT had lower sensitivity and equivalent specificity. Overall, DWI performed better than 18 F-FDG PET/CT for preoperative N-staging in GC. When the efficacy of MDCT was taken as a reference, DWI represented a complementary imaging technique, while 18 F-FDG PET/CT had limited utility for preoperative N-staging.

The Accuracy of Integrated [18F] Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Detection of Pelvic and Para-aortic Nodal Metastasis in Patients with High Risk Endometrial Cancer

PubMed Central

Gholkar, Nikhil Shirish; Saha, Subhas Chandra; Prasad, GRV; Bhattacharya, Anish; Srinivasan, Radhika; Suri, Vanita

2014-01-01

Lymph nodal (LN) metastasis is the most important prognostic factor in high-risk endometrial cancer. However, the benefit of routine lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer is controversial. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F] FDG-PET/CT) in detection of pelvic and para-aortic nodal metastases in high-risk endometrial cancer. 20 patients with high-risk endometrial carcinoma underwent [18F] FDG-PET/CT followed by total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy. The findings on histopathology were compared with [18F] FDG-PET/CT findings to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of [18F] FDG-PET/CT. The pelvic nodal findings were analyzed on a patient and nodal chain based criteria. The para-aortic nodal findings were reported separately. Histopathology documented nodal involvement in two patients (10%). For detection of pelvic nodes, on a patient based analysis, [18F] FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 61.11%, PPV of 22.22%, NPV of 100% and accuracy of 65% and on a nodal chain based analysis, [18F] FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 80%, PPV of 20%, NPV of 100%, and accuracy of 80.95%. For detection of para-aortic nodes, [18F] FDG-PET/CT had sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 66.67%, PPV of 20%, NPV of 100%, and accuracy of 69.23%. Although [18F] FDG-PET/CT has high sensitivity for detection of LN metastasis in endometrial carcinoma, it had moderate accuracy and high false positivity. However, the high NPV is important in selecting patients in whom lymphadenectomy may be omitted. PMID:25538488

High-sensitivity brain SPECT system using cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductor detector and 4-pixel matched collimator.

PubMed

Suzuki, Atsuro; Takeuchi, Wataru; Ishitsu, Takafumi; Tsuchiya, Katsutoshi; Morimoto, Yuichi; Ueno, Yuichiro; Kobashi, Keiji; Kubo, Naoki; Shiga, Tohru; Tamaki, Nagara

2013-11-07

For high-sensitivity brain imaging, we have developed a two-head single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system using a CdTe semiconductor detector and 4-pixel matched collimator (4-PMC). The term, '4-PMC' indicates that the collimator hole size is matched to a 2 × 2 array of detector pixels. By contrast, a 1-pixel matched collimator (1-PMC) is defined as a collimator whose hole size is matched to one detector pixel. The performance of the higher-sensitivity 4-PMC was experimentally compared with that of the 1-PMC. The sensitivities of the 1-PMC and 4-PMC were 70 cps/MBq/head and 220 cps/MBq/head, respectively. The SPECT system using the 4-PMC provides superior image resolution in cold and hot rods phantom with the same activity and scan time to that of the 1-PMC. In addition, with half the usual scan time the 4-PMC provides comparable image quality to that of the 1-PMC. Furthermore, (99m)Tc-ECD brain perfusion images of healthy volunteers obtained using the 4-PMC demonstrated acceptable image quality for clinical diagnosis. In conclusion, our CdTe SPECT system equipped with the higher-sensitivity 4-PMC can provide better spatial resolution than the 1-PMC either in half the imaging time with the same administered activity, or alternatively, in the same imaging time with half the activity.

Super-sensing technology: industrial applications and future challenges of electrical tomography.

PubMed

Wei, Kent Hsin-Yu; Qiu, Chang-Hua; Primrose, Ken

2016-06-28

Electrical tomography is a relatively new imaging technique that can image the distribution of the passive electrical properties of an object. Since electrical tomography technology was proposed in the 1980s, the technique has evolved rapidly because of its low cost, easy scale-up and non-invasive features. The technique itself can be sensitive to all passive electrical properties, such as conductivity, permittivity and permeability. Hence, it has a huge potential to be applied in many applications. Owing to its ill-posed nature and low image resolution, electrical tomography attracts more attention in industrial fields than biomedical fields. In the past decades, there have been many research developments and industrial implementations of electrical tomography; nevertheless, the awareness of this technology in industrial sectors is still one of the biggest limitations for technology implementation. In this paper, the authors have summarized several representative applications that use electrical tomography. Some of the current tomography research activities will also be discussed. This article is part of the themed issue 'Supersensing through industrial process tomography'. © 2016 The Author(s).

Phase-contrast x-ray computed tomography for observing biological specimens and organic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Momose, Atsushi; Takeda, Tohoru; Itai, Yuji

1995-02-01

A novel three-dimensional x-ray imaging method has been developed by combining a phase-contrast x-ray imaging technique with x-ray computed tomography. This phase-contrast x-ray computed tomography (PCX-CT) provides sectional images of organic specimens that would produce absorption-contrast x-ray CT images with little contrast. Comparing PCX-CT images of rat cerebellum and cancerous rabbit liver specimens with corresponding absorption-contrast CT images shows that PCX-CT is much more sensitive to the internal structure of organic specimens.

Handheld, rapidly switchable, anterior/posterior segment swept source optical coherence tomography probe

PubMed Central

Nankivil, Derek; Waterman, Gar; LaRocca, Francesco; Keller, Brenton; Kuo, Anthony N.; Izatt, Joseph A.

2015-01-01

We describe the first handheld, swept source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) system capable of imaging both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye in rapid succession. A single 2D microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) scanner was utilized for both imaging modes, and the optical paths for each imaging mode were optimized for their respective application using a combination of commercial and custom optics. The system has a working distance of 26.1 mm and a measured axial resolution of 8 μm (in air). In posterior segment mode, the design has a lateral resolution of 9 μm, 7.4 mm imaging depth range (in air), 4.9 mm 6dB fall-off range (in air), and peak sensitivity of 103 dB over a 22° field of view (FOV). In anterior segment mode, the design has a lateral resolution of 24 μm, imaging depth range of 7.4 mm (in air), 6dB fall-off range of 4.5 mm (in air), depth-of-focus of 3.6 mm, and a peak sensitivity of 99 dB over a 17.5 mm FOV. In addition, the probe includes a wide-field iris imaging system to simplify alignment. A fold mirror assembly actuated by a bi-stable rotary solenoid was used to switch between anterior and posterior segment imaging modes, and a miniature motorized translation stage was used to adjust the objective lens position to correct for patient refraction between −12.6 and + 9.9 D. The entire probe weighs less than 630 g with a form factor of 20.3 x 9.5 x 8.8 cm. Healthy volunteers were imaged to illustrate imaging performance. PMID:26601014

Diagnostic accuracy of integrated intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography (IVUS-OCT) system for coronary plaque characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiawen; Ma, Teng; Mohar, Dilbahar; Correa, Adrian; Minami, Hataka; Jing, Joseph; Zhou, Qifa; Patel, Pranav M.; Chen, Zhongping

2014-03-01

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT), two commonly used intracoronary imaging modalities, play important roles in plaque evaluation. The combined use of IVUS (to visualize the entire plaque volume) and OCT (to quantify the thickness of the plaque cap, if any) is hypothesized to increase plaque diagnostic accuracy. Our group has developed a fully-integrated dual-modality IVUS-OCT imaging system and 3.6F catheter for simultaneous IVUS-OCT imaging with a high resolution and deep penetration depth. However, the diagnostic accuracy of an integrated IVUS-OCT system has not been investigated. In this study, we imaged 175 coronary artery sites (241 regions of interest) from 20 cadavers using our previous reported integrated IVUS-OCT system. IVUS-OCT images were read by two skilled interventional cardiologists. Each region of interest was classified as either calcification, lipid pool or fibrosis. Comparing the diagnosis by cardiologists using IVUSOCT images with the diagnosis by the pathologist, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity for characterization of calcification, lipid pool or fibrosis with this integrated system. In vitro imaging of cadaver coronary specimens demonstrated the complementary nature of these two modalities for plaques classification. A higher accuracy was shown than using a single modality alone.

Errors due to measuring voltage on current-carrying electrodes in electric current computed tomography.

PubMed

Cheng, K S; Simske, S J; Isaacson, D; Newell, J C; Gisser, D G

1990-01-01

Electric current computed tomography is a process for determining the distribution of electrical conductivity inside a body based upon measurements of voltage or current made at the body's surface. Most such systems use different electrodes for the application of current and the measurement of voltage. This paper shows that when a multiplicity of electrodes are attached to a body's surface, the voltage data are most sensitive to changes in resistivity in the body's interior when voltages are measured from all electrodes, including those carrying current. This assertion is true despite the presence of significant levels of skin impedance at the electrodes. This conclusion is supported both theoretically and by experiment. Data were first taken using all electrodes for current and voltage. Then current was applied only at a pair of electrodes, with voltages measured on all other electrodes. We then constructed the second data set by calculation from the first. Targets could be detected with better signal-to-noise ratio by using the reconstructed data than by using the directly measured voltages on noncurrent-carrying electrodes. Images made from voltage data using only noncurrent-carrying electrodes had higher noise levels and were less able to accurately locate targets. We conclude that in multiple electrode systems for electric current computed tomography, current should be applied and voltage should be measured from all available electrodes.

High sensitivity contrast enhanced optical coherence tomography for functional in vivo imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liba, Orly; SoRelle, Elliott D.; Sen, Debasish; de la Zerda, Adam

2017-02-01

In this study, we developed and applied highly-scattering large gold nanorods (LGNRs) and custom spectral detection algorithms for high sensitivity contrast-enhanced optical coherence tomography (OCT). We were able to detect LGNRs at a concentration as low as 50 pM in blood. We used this approach for noninvasive 3D imaging of blood vessels deep in solid tumors in living mice. Additionally, we demonstrated multiplexed imaging of spectrally-distinct LGNRs that enabled observations of functional drainage in lymphatic networks. This method, which we call MOZART, provides a platform for molecular imaging and characterization of tissue noninvasively at cellular resolution.

Depth-resolved birefringence and differential optical axis orientation measurements with fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Guo, Shuguang; Zhang, Jun; Wang, Lei; Nelson, J Stuart; Chen, Zhongping

2004-09-01

Conventional polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) can provide depth-resolved Stokes parameter measurements of light reflected from turbid media. A new algorithm that takes into account changes in the optical axis is introduced to provide depth-resolved birefringence and differential optical axis orientation images by use of fiber-based PS-OCT. Quaternion, a convenient mathematical tool, is used to represent an optical element and simplify the algorithm. Experimental results with beef tendon and rabbit tendon and muscle show that this technique has promising potential for imaging the birefringent structure of multiple-layer samples with varying optical axes.

In vivo imaging of pulmonary nodule and vasculature using endoscopic co-registered optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pahlevaninezhad, Hamid; Lee, Anthony; Hohert, Geoffrey; Schwartz, Carely; Shaipanich, Tawimas; Ritchie, Alexander J.; Zhang, Wei; MacAulay, Calum E.; Lam, Stephen; Lane, Pierre M.

2016-03-01

Peripheral lung nodules found by CT-scans are difficult to localize and biopsy bronchoscopically particularly for those ≤ 2 cm in diameter. In this work, we present the results of endoscopic co-registered optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging (OCT-AFI) of normal and abnormal peripheral airways from 40 patients using 0.9 mm diameter fiber optic rotary pullback catheter. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can visualize detailed airway morphology endoscopically in the lung periphery. Autofluorescence imaging (AFI) can visualize fluorescing tissue components such as collagen and elastin, enabling the detection of airway lesions with high sensitivity. Results indicate that AFI of abnormal airways is different from that of normal airways, suggesting that AFI can provide a sensitive visual presentation for rapidly identifying possible sites of pulmonary nodules. AFI can also rapidly visualize in vivo vascular networks using fast scanning parameters resulting in vascular-sensitive imaging with less breathing/cardiac motion artifacts compared to Doppler OCT imaging. It is known that tumor vasculature is structurally and functionally different from normal vessels. Thus, AFI can be potentially used for differentiating normal and abnormal lung vasculature for studying vascular remodeling.

New Ways to Detect Pediatric Sickle Cell Retinopathy: A Comprehensive Review.

PubMed

Pahl, Daniel A; Green, Nancy S; Bhatia, Monica; Chen, Royce W S

2017-11-01

Sickle retinopathy reflects disease-related vascular injury of the eye, which can potentially result in visual loss from vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment. Here we review sickle retinopathy among children with sickle cell disease, describe the epidemiology, pediatric risk factors, pathophysiology, ocular findings, and treatment. Newer, more sensitive ophthalmological imaging modalities are available for retinal imaging, including ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography. Optical coherence tomography angiography provides a noninvasive view of retinal vascular layers that could previously not be imaged and can be quantified for comparative or prospective analyses. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography provides a more comprehensive view of the peripheral retina than traditional imaging techniques. Screening for retinopathy by standard fundoscopic imaging modalities detects a prevalence of approximately 10%. In contrast, these more sensitive methods allow for more sensitive examination that includes the retina perimeter where sickle retinopathy is often first detectable. Use of these new imaging modalities may detect a higher prevalence of early sickle pathology among children than has previously been reported. Earlier detection may help in better understanding the pathogenesis of sickle retinopathy and guide future screening and treatment paradigms.

The impact of slice-reduced computed tomography on histogram-based densitometry assessment of lung fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Nguyen-Kim, Thi Dan Linh; Maurer, Britta; Suliman, Yossra A; Morsbach, Fabian; Distler, Oliver; Frauenfelder, Thomas

2018-04-01

To evaluate usability of slice-reduced sequential computed tomography (CT) compared to standard high-resolution CT (HRCT) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) for qualitative and quantitative assessment of interstitial lung disease (ILD) with respect to (I) detection of lung parenchymal abnormalities, (II) qualitative and semiquantitative visual assessment, (III) quantification of ILD by histograms and (IV) accuracy for the 20%-cut off discrimination. From standard chest HRCT of 60 SSc patients sequential 9-slice-computed tomography (reduced HRCT) was retrospectively reconstructed. ILD was assessed by visual scoring and quantitative histogram parameters. Results from standard and reduced HRCT were compared using non-parametric tests and analysed by univariate linear regression analyses. With respect to the detection of parenchymal abnormalities, only the detection of intrapulmonary bronchiectasis was significantly lower in reduced HRCT compared to standard HRCT (P=0.039). No differences were found comparing visual scores for fibrosis severity and extension from standard and reduced HRCT (P=0.051-0.073). All scores correlated significantly (P<0.001) to histogram parameters derived from both, standard and reduced HRCT. Significant higher values of kurtosis and skewness for reduced HRCT were found (both P<0.001). In contrast to standard HRCT histogram parameters from reduced HRCT showed significant discrimination at cut-off 20% fibrosis (sensitivity 88% kurtosis and skewness; specificity 81% kurtosis and 86% skewness; cut-off kurtosis ≤26, cut-off skewness ≤4; both P<0.001). Reduced HRCT is a robust method to assess lung fibrosis in SSc with minimal radiation dose with no difference in scoring assessment of lung fibrosis severity and extension in comparison to standard HRCT. In contrast to standard HRCT histogram parameters derived from the approach of reduced HRCT could discriminate at a threshold of 20% lung fibrosis with high sensitivity and specificity. Hence it might be used to detect early disease progression of lung fibrosis in context of monitoring and treatment of SSc patients.

A restraint-free small animal SPECT imaging system with motion tracking

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weisenberger, A.G.; Gleason, S.S.; Goddard, J.

2005-06-01

We report on an approach toward the development of a high-resolution single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system to image the biodistribution of radiolabeled tracers such as Tc-99m and I-125 in unrestrained/unanesthetized mice. An infrared (IR)-based position tracking apparatus has been developed and integrated into a SPECT gantry. The tracking system is designed to measure the spatial position of a mouse's head at a rate of 10-15 frames per second with submillimeter accuracy. The high-resolution, gamma imaging detectors are based on pixellated NaI(Tl) crystal scintillator arrays, position-sensitive photomultiplier tubes, and novel readout circuitry requiring fewer analog-digital converter (ADC) channels whilemore » retaining high spatial resolution. Two SPECT gamma camera detector heads based upon position-sensitive photomultiplier tubes have been built and installed onto the gantry. The IR landmark-based pose measurement and tracking system is under development to provide animal position data during a SPECT scan. The animal position and orientation data acquired by the tracking system will be used for motion correction during the tomographic image reconstruction.« less

In vivo label-free lymphangiography of cutaneous lymphatic vessels in human burn scars using optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Gong, Peijun; Es’haghian, Shaghayegh; Harms, Karl-Anton; Murray, Alexandra; Rea, Suzanne; Wood, Fiona M.; Sampson, David D.; McLaughlin, Robert A.

2016-01-01

We present an automated, label-free method for lymphangiography of cutaneous lymphatic vessels in humans in vivo using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This method corrects for the variation in OCT signal due to the confocal function and sensitivity fall-off of a spectral-domain OCT system and utilizes a single-scattering model to compensate for A-scan signal attenuation to enable reliable thresholding of lymphatic vessels. A segment-joining algorithm is then incorporated into the method to mitigate partial-volume effects with small vessels. The lymphatic vessel images are augmented with images of the blood vessel network, acquired from the speckle decorrelation with additional weighting to differentiate blood vessels from the observed high decorrelation in lymphatic vessels. We demonstrate the method with longitudinal scans of human burn scar patients undergoing ablative fractional laser treatment, showing the visualization of the cutaneous lymphatic and blood vessel networks. PMID:28018713

Remineralization of root caries monitored using cross polarization optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darling, Cynthia L.; Staninec, Michal; Chan, Kenneth H.; Kang, Hobin; Fried, Daniel

2012-01-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) can be used to image caries lesions in dentin, measure nondestructively the severity of dentin demineralization, and determine the efficacy of intervention with anticaries agents including fluoride and lasers. However, those studies were limited to artificial lesions on dentin and roots surfaces. The objective of this study is to determine if a cross polarization OCT system (CP-OCT) can be used to nondestructively measure a reduction in the reflectivity of natural root caries lesions after exposure to a remineralization solution. CPOCT images of 11 teeth with existing root lesions were acquired before and after exposure to a remineralizing solution for 20 days. The integrated reflectivity was calculated after integrating to a fixed depth of 200-μm. There was a significant decrease in the integrated reflectivity after exposure to the remineralizing solution.

AEG-1 promoter-mediated imaging of prostate cancer

PubMed Central

Bhatnagar, Akrita; Wang, Yuchuan; Mease, Ronnie C.; Gabrielson, Matthew; Sysa, Polina; Minn, Il; Green, Gilbert; Simmons, Brian; Gabrielson, Kathleen; Sarkar, Siddik; Fisher, Paul B.; Pomper, Martin G.

2014-01-01

We describe a new imaging method for detecting prostate cancer, whether localized or disseminated and metastatic to soft tissues and bone. The method relies on the use of imaging reporter genes under the control of the promoter of AEG-1 (MTDH), which is selectively active only in malignant cells. Through systemic, nanoparticle-based delivery of the imaging construct, lesions can be identified through bioluminescence imaging and single photon emission-computed tomography in the PC3-ML murine model of prostate cancer at high sensitivity. This approach is applicable for the detection of prostate cancer metastases, including bone lesions for which there is no current reliable agent for non-invasive clinical imaging. Further, the approach compares favorably to accepted and emerging clinical standards, including positron emission tomography with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose and [18F]sodium fluoride. Our results offer a preclinical proof of concept that rationalizes clinical evaluation in patients with advanced prostate cancer. PMID:25145668

Molecular imaging needles: dual-modality optical coherence tomography and fluorescence imaging of labeled antibodies deep in tissue

PubMed Central

Scolaro, Loretta; Lorenser, Dirk; Madore, Wendy-Julie; Kirk, Rodney W.; Kramer, Anne S.; Yeoh, George C.; Godbout, Nicolas; Sampson, David D.; Boudoux, Caroline; McLaughlin, Robert A.

2015-01-01

Molecular imaging using optical techniques provides insight into disease at the cellular level. In this paper, we report on a novel dual-modality probe capable of performing molecular imaging by combining simultaneous three-dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT) and two-dimensional fluorescence imaging in a hypodermic needle. The probe, referred to as a molecular imaging (MI) needle, may be inserted tens of millimeters into tissue. The MI needle utilizes double-clad fiber to carry both imaging modalities, and is interfaced to a 1310-nm OCT system and a fluorescence imaging subsystem using an asymmetrical double-clad fiber coupler customized to achieve high fluorescence collection efficiency. We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first dual-modality OCT and fluorescence needle probe with sufficient sensitivity to image fluorescently labeled antibodies. Such probes enable high-resolution molecular imaging deep within tissue. PMID:26137379

A common-path optical coherence tomography based electrode for structural imaging of nerves and recording of action potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, M. Shahidul; Haque, Md. Rezuanul; Oh, Christian M.; Wang, Yan; Park, B. Hyle

2013-03-01

Current technologies for monitoring neural activity either use different variety of electrodes (electrical recording) or require contrast agents introduced exogenously or through genetic modification (optical imaging). Here we demonstrate an optical method for non-contact and contrast agent free detection of nerve activity using phase-resolved optical coherence tomography (pr-OCT). A common-path variation of the pr-OCT is recently implemented and the developed system demonstrated the capability to detect rapid transient structural changes that accompany neural spike propagation. No averaging over multiple trials was required, indicating its capability of single-shot detection of individual impulses from functionally stimulated Limulus optic nerve. The strength of this OCT-based optical electrode is that it is a contactless method and does not require any exogenous contrast agent. With further improvements in accuracy and sensitivity, this optical electrode will play a complementary role to the existing recording technologies in future.

Detection of extracellular matrix modification in cancer models with inverse spectroscopic optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spicer, Graham L. C.; Azarin, Samira M.; Yi, Ji; Young, Scott T.; Ellis, Ronald; Bauer, Greta M.; Shea, Lonnie D.; Backman, Vadim

2016-10-01

In cancer biology, there has been a recent effort to understand tumor formation in the context of the tissue microenvironment. In particular, recent progress has explored the mechanisms behind how changes in the cell-extracellular matrix ensemble influence progression of the disease. The extensive use of in vitro tissue culture models in simulant matrix has proven effective at studying such interactions, but modalities for non-invasively quantifying aspects of these systems are scant. We present the novel application of an imaging technique, Inverse Spectroscopic Optical Coherence Tomography, for the non-destructive measurement of in vitro biological samples during matrix remodeling. Our findings indicate that the nanoscale-sensitive mass density correlation shape factor D of cancer cells increases in response to a more crosslinked matrix. We present a facile technique for the non-invasive, quantitative study of the micro- and nano-scale structure of the extracellular matrix and its host cells.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a contrast agent for imaging of animal tissue using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, Indranil; Raj, Shipra; Roy, Poulomi; Poddar, Raju

2018-01-01

We present noninvasive three-dimensional depth-resolved imaging of animal tissue with a swept-source optical coherence tomography system at 1064 nm center wavelength and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a potential contrast agent. A swept-source laser light source is used to enable an imaging rate of 100 kHz (100 000 A-scans s-1). Swept-source optical coherence tomography is a new variant of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) technique, offering unique advantages in terms of sensitivity, reduction of motion artifacts, etc. To enhance the contrast of an OCT image, AgNPs are utilized as an exogeneous contrast agent. AgNPs are synthesized using a modified Tollens method and characterization is done by UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. In vitro imaging of chicken breast tissue, with and without the application of AgNPs, is performed. The effect of AgNPs is studied with different exposure times. A mathematical model is also built to calculate changes in the local scattering coefficient of tissue from OCT images. A quantitative estimation of scattering coefficient and contrast is performed for tissues with and without application of AgNPs. Significant improvement in contrast and increase in scattering coefficient with time is observed.

Multimodal imaging system for dental caries detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Rongguang; Wong, Victor; Marcus, Michael; Burns, Peter; McLaughlin, Paul

2007-02-01

Dental caries is a disease in which minerals of the tooth are dissolved by surrounding bacterial plaques. A caries process present for some time may result in a caries lesion. However, if it is detected early enough, the dentist and dental professionals can implement measures to reverse and control caries. Several optical, nonionized methods have been investigated and used to detect dental caries in early stages. However, there is not a method that can singly detect the caries process with both high sensitivity and high specificity. In this paper, we present a multimodal imaging system that combines visible reflectance, fluorescence, and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging. This imaging system is designed to obtain one or more two-dimensional images of the tooth (reflectance and fluorescence images) and a three-dimensional OCT image providing depth and size information of the caries. The combination of two- and three-dimensional images of the tooth has the potential for highly sensitive and specific detection of dental caries.

Comparison of Computed Tomography and Chest Radiography in the Detection of Rib Fractures in Abused Infants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wootton-Gorges, Sandra L.; Stein-Wexler, Rebecca; Walton, John W.; Rosas, Angela J.; Coulter, Kevin P.; Rogers, Kristen K.

2008-01-01

Purpose: Chest radiographs (CXR) are the standard method for evaluating rib fractures in abused infants. Computed tomography (CT) is a sensitive method to detect rib fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare CT and CXR in the evaluation of rib fractures in abused infants. Methods: This retrospective study included all 12 abused infants…

Single-Photon Computed Tomography With Large Position-Sensitive Phototubes*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feldmann, John; Ranck, Amoreena; Saunders, Robert S.; Welsh, Robert E.; Bradley, Eric L.; Saha, Margaret S.; Kross, Brian; Majewski, Stan; Popov, Vladimir; Weisenberger, Andrew G.; Wojcik, Randolph

2000-10-01

Position-sensitive photomultiplier tubes (PSPMTs) coupled to pixelated CsI(Tl) scintillators have been used with parallel-hole collimators to view the metabolism in small animals of radiopharmaceuticals tagged with ^125I. We report here our preliminary results analyzed using a tomography program^1 written in IDL programming language. The PSPMTs are mounted on a rotating gantry so as to view the subject animal from any azimuth. Preliminary results to test the tomography algorithm have been obtained by placing a variety of plastic mouse-brain phantoms (loaded with Na^125I) in front of one of the detectors and rotating the phantom in steps through 360 degrees. Results of this simulation taken with a variety of collimator hole sizes will be compared and discussed. Extentions of this technique to the use of very small PSPMTs (Hamamatsu M-64) which are capable of a very close approach to those parts of the animal of greatest interest will be described. *Supported in part by The Department of Energy, The National Science Foundation, The American Diabetes Association, The Howard Hughes Foundation and The Jeffress Trust. 1. Tomography algorithm kindly provided by Dr. S. Meikle of The Royal Prince Albert Hospital, Sydney, Australia

Design study of a high-resolution breast-dedicated PET system built from cadmium zinc telluride detectors

PubMed Central

Peng, Hao; Levin, Craig S

2013-01-01

We studied the performance of a dual-panel positron emission tomography (PET) camera dedicated to breast cancer imaging using Monte Carlo simulation. The proposed system consists of two 4 cm thick 12 × 15 cm2 area cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) panels with adjustable separation, which can be put in close proximity to the breast and/or axillary nodes. Unique characteristics distinguishing the proposed system from previous efforts in breast-dedicated PET instrumentation are the deployment of CZT detectors with superior spatial and energy resolution, using a cross-strip electrode readout scheme to enable 3D positioning of individual photon interaction coordinates in the CZT, which includes directly measured photon depth-of-interaction (DOI), and arranging the detector slabs edge-on with respect to incoming 511 keV photons for high photon sensitivity. The simulation results show that the proposed CZT dual-panel PET system is able to achieve superior performance in terms of photon sensitivity, noise equivalent count rate, spatial resolution and lesion visualization. The proposed system is expected to achieve ~32% photon sensitivity for a point source at the center and a 4 cm panel separation. For a simplified breast phantom adjacent to heart and torso compartments, the peak noise equivalent count (NEC) rate is predicted to be ~94.2 kcts s−1 (breast volume: 720 cm3 and activity concentration: 3.7 kBq cm−3) for a ~10% energy window around 511 keV and ~8 ns coincidence time window. The system achieves 1 mm intrinsic spatial resolution anywhere between the two panels with a 4 cm panel separation if the detectors have DOI resolution less than 2 mm. For a 3 mm DOI resolution, the system exhibits excellent sphere resolution uniformity (σrms/mean) ≤ 10%) across a 4 cm width FOV. Simulation results indicate that the system exhibits superior hot sphere visualization and is expected to visualize 2 mm diameter spheres with a 5:1 activity concentration ratio within roughly 7 min imaging time. Furthermore, we observe that the degree of spatial resolution degradation along the direction orthogonal to the two panels that is typical of a limited angle tomography configuration is mitigated by having high-resolution DOI capabilities that enable more accurate positioning of oblique response lines. PMID:20400807

Photonic integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer with an on-chip reference arm for optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Yurtsever, Günay; Považay, Boris; Alex, Aneesh; Zabihian, Behrooz; Drexler, Wolfgang; Baets, Roel

2014-01-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive, three-dimensional imaging modality with several medical and industrial applications. Integrated photonics has the potential to enable mass production of OCT devices to significantly reduce size and cost, which can increase its use in established fields as well as enable new applications. Using silicon nitride (Si3N4) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) waveguides, we fabricated an integrated interferometer for spectrometer-based OCT. The integrated photonic circuit consists of four splitters and a 190 mm long reference arm with a foot-print of only 10 × 33 mm2. It is used as the core of a spectral domain OCT system consisting of a superluminescent diode centered at 1320 nm with 100 nm bandwidth, a spectrometer with 1024 channels, and an x-y scanner. The sensitivity of the system was measured at 0.25 mm depth to be 65 dB with 0.1 mW on the sample. Using the system, we imaged human skin in vivo. With further optimization in design and fabrication technology, Si3N4/SiO2 waveguides have a potential to serve as a platform for passive photonic integrated circuits for OCT. PMID:24761288

Near-infrared image-guided laser ablation of dental decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, You-Chen; Fried, Daniel

2009-09-01

Image-guided laser ablation systems are now feasible for dentistry with the recent development of nondestructive high-contrast imaging modalities such as near-IR (NIR) imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) that are capable of discriminating between sound and demineralized dental enamel at the early stages of development. Our objective is to demonstrate that images of demineralized tooth surfaces have sufficient contrast to be used to guide a CO2 laser for the selective removal of natural and artificial caries lesions. NIR imaging and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) operating at 1310-nm are used to acquire images of natural lesions on extracted human teeth and highly patterned artificial lesions produced on bovine enamel. NIR and PS-OCT images are analyzed and converted to binary maps designating the areas on the samples to be removed by a CO2 laser to selectively remove the lesions. Postablation NIR and PS-OCT images confirmed preferential removal of demineralized areas with minimal damage to sound enamel areas. These promising results suggest that NIR and PS-OCT imaging systems can be integrated with a CO2 laser ablation system for the selective removal of dental caries.

Near-infrared image-guided laser ablation of dental decay

PubMed Central

Tao, You-Chen; Fried, Daniel

2009-01-01

Image-guided laser ablation systems are now feasible for dentistry with the recent development of nondestructive high-contrast imaging modalities such as near-IR (NIR) imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) that are capable of discriminating between sound and demineralized dental enamel at the early stages of development. Our objective is to demonstrate that images of demineralized tooth surfaces have sufficient contrast to be used to guide a CO2 laser for the selective removal of natural and artificial caries lesions. NIR imaging and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) operating at 1310-nm are used to acquire images of natural lesions on extracted human teeth and highly patterned artificial lesions produced on bovine enamel. NIR and PS-OCT images are analyzed and converted to binary maps designating the areas on the samples to be removed by a CO2 laser to selectively remove the lesions. Postablation NIR and PS-OCT images confirmed preferential removal of demineralized areas with minimal damage to sound enamel areas. These promising results suggest that NIR and PS-OCT imaging systems can be integrated with a CO2 laser ablation system for the selective removal of dental caries. PMID:19895146

Near-infrared image-guided laser ablation of dental decay.

PubMed

Tao, You-Chen; Fried, Daniel

2009-01-01

Image-guided laser ablation systems are now feasible for dentistry with the recent development of nondestructive high-contrast imaging modalities such as near-IR (NIR) imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) that are capable of discriminating between sound and demineralized dental enamel at the early stages of development. Our objective is to demonstrate that images of demineralized tooth surfaces have sufficient contrast to be used to guide a CO(2) laser for the selective removal of natural and artificial caries lesions. NIR imaging and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) operating at 1310-nm are used to acquire images of natural lesions on extracted human teeth and highly patterned artificial lesions produced on bovine enamel. NIR and PS-OCT images are analyzed and converted to binary maps designating the areas on the samples to be removed by a CO(2) laser to selectively remove the lesions. Postablation NIR and PS-OCT images confirmed preferential removal of demineralized areas with minimal damage to sound enamel areas. These promising results suggest that NIR and PS-OCT imaging systems can be integrated with a CO(2) laser ablation system for the selective removal of dental caries.

Sensitivity of Hyperdense Basilar Artery Sign on Non-Enhanced Computed Tomography

PubMed Central

Ernst, Marielle; Romero, Javier M.; Buhk, Jan-Hendrik; Cheng, Bastian; Herrmann, Jochen; Fiehler, Jens; Groth, Michael

2015-01-01

Purpose The hyperdense basilar artery sign (HBAS) is an indicator of vessel occlusion on non contrast-enhanced computer tomography (NECT) in acute stroke patients. Since basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is associated with a high mortality and morbidity, its early detection is of great clinical value. We sought to analyze the influence of density measurement as well as a normalized ratio of Hounsfield unit/hematocrit (HU/Hct) ratio on the detection of BAO on NECT in patients with suspected BAO. Materials and Methods 102 patients with clinically suspected BAO were examined with NECT followed immediately by Multidetector computed tomography Angiography. Two observers independently analyzed the images regarding the presence or absence of HBAS on NECT and performed HU measurements in the basilar artery. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal density threshold for BAO using attenuation measurements or HU/Hct ratio. Results Sensitivity of visual detection of the HBAS on NECT was relatively low 81% (95%-CI, 54–95%) while specificity was high 91% (95%-CI, 82–96%). The highest sensitivity was achieved by the combination of visual assessment and additional quantitative attenuation measurements applying a cut-off value of 46.5 HU with 94% sensitivity and 81% specificity for BAO. A HU/Hct ratio >1.32 revealed sensitivity of 88% (95%-CI, 60–98%) and specificity of 84% (95%-CI, 74–90%). Conclusion In patients with clinically suspected acute BAO the combination of visual assessment and additional attenuation measurement with a cut-off value of 46.5 HU is a reliable approach with high sensitivity in the detection of BAO on NECT. PMID:26479718

Methamphetamine-sensitized rats show augmented dopamine release to methylphenidate stimulation: a positron emission tomography using [18F]fallypride.

PubMed

Ota, Miho; Ogawa, Shintaro; Kato, Koichi; Wakabayashi, Chisato; Kunugi, Hiroshi

2015-04-30

Previous studies demonstrated that patients with schizophrenia show greater sensitivity to psychostimulants than healthy subjects. Sensitization to psychostimulants and resultant alteration of dopaminergic neurotransmission in rodents have been suggested as a useful model of schizophrenia. This study was aimed to examine the use of methylphenidate as a psychostimulant to induce dopamine release and that of [18F]fallypride as a radioligand to estimate the release in a rat model of schizophrenia. Six rats were scanned by positron emission tomography (PET) twice before and after methylphenidate challenge to evaluate dopamine release. After the scans, these rats were sensitized by using repeated methamphetamine (MAP) administration. Then, they were re-scanned twice again before and after methylphenidate challenge to evaluate whether MAP-sensitized rats show greater sensitivity to methylphenidate. We revealed a main effect of MAP-pretreatment and that of metylphenidate challenge. We found that % change of distribution volume ratio after repeated administration of MAP was greater than that before sensitization. These results suggest that methylphenidate-induced striatal dopamine release increased after sensitization to MAP. PET scan using [18F]fallypride at methylphenidate-challenge may provide a biological marker for schizophrenia and be useful to diagnose schizophrenia. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A fast and high-sensitive dual-wavelength diffuse optical tomography system using digital lock-in photon-counting technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Weiting; Yi, Xi; Zhao, Huijuan; Gao, Feng

2014-09-01

We presented a novel dual-wavelength diffuse optical imaging system which can perform 2-D or 3-D imaging fast and high-sensitively for monitoring the dynamic change of optical parameters. A newly proposed lock-in photon-counting detection method was adopted for week optical signal collection, which brought in excellent property as well as simplified geometry. Fundamental principles of the lock-in photon-counting detection were elaborately demonstrated, and the feasibility was strictly verified by the linearity experiment. Systemic performance of the prototype set up was experimentally accessed, including stray light rejection and inherent interference. Results showed that the system possessed superior anti-interference capability (under 0.58% in darkroom) compared with traditional photon-counting detection, and the crosstalk between two wavelengths was lower than 2.28%. For comprehensive assessment, 2-D phantom experiments towards relatively large dimension model (diameter of 4cm) were conducted. Different absorption targets were imaged to investigate detection sensitivity. Reconstruction image under all conditions was exciting, with a desirable SNR. Study on image quality v.s. integration time put forward a new method for accessing higher SNR with the sacrifice of measuring speed. In summary, the newly developed system showed great potential in promoting detection sensitivity as well as measuring speed. This will make substantial progress in dynamically tracking the blood concentration distribution in many clinical areas, such as small animal disease modeling, human brain activity research and thick tissues (for example, breast) diagnosis.

Dosimetry study of diagnostic X-ray using doped iodide normoxic polymer gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Y. R.; Chang, Y. J.; Hsieh, L. L.; Liu, M. H.; Liu, J. S.; Chu, C. H.; Hsieh, B. T.

2014-11-01

In radiotherapy, polymer gel dosimeters are used for three-dimensional (3D) dose distribution. However, the doses are within the Gy range. In this study, we attempted to develop a low-dose 3D dosimeter within the mGy range for diagnostic radiology. The effect of the iodinated compound was used as a dose enhancement sensitizer to enhance the dose sensitivity of normoxic polymer gel dosimeters. This study aims to use N-isopropylacrylamide(NIPAM)-based and methacrylic acid (MAGAT)-based gels to evaluate the potential dose enhancement sensitizer, as well as to compare two gels that may be suitable for measuring diagnostic radiation doses. The suitable formulation of NIPAM gel [5% (w/w) gelatin, 5% (w/w) NIPAM, 3% (w/w) N,N‧-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS), 5 mM tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride (THPC), and 87% (w/w) deionized distilled water] and MAGAT gel (4% MAA, 9% gelatin, 87% deionized water, and 10 mM THPC) were used and loaded with clinical iodinated contrast medium agent (Iobitridol, Xenetix® 350). Irradiation was conducted using X-ray computed tomography. The irradiation doses ranged from 0 mGy to 80 mGy. Optical computed tomography was the employed gel measurement system. The results indicate that the iodinated contrast agent yields a quantifiable dose enhancement ratio. The dose enhancement ratios of NIPAM and MAGAT gels are 3.35±0.6 and 1.36±0.3, respectively. The developed NIPAM gel in this study could be suitable for measuring diagnostic radiation doses.

Magnetic resonance-coupled fluorescence tomography scanner for molecular imaging of tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Scott C.; Pogue, Brian W.; Springett, Roger; Leussler, Christoph; Mazurkewitz, Peter; Tuttle, Stephen B.; Gibbs-Strauss, Summer L.; Jiang, Shudong S.; Dehghani, Hamid; Paulsen, Keith D.

2008-06-01

A multichannel spectrally resolved optical tomography system to image molecular targets in small animals from within a clinical MRI is described. Long source/detector fibers operate in contact mode and couple light from the tissue surface in the magnet bore to 16 spectrometers, each containing two optical gratings optimized for the near infrared wavelength range. High sensitivity, cooled charge coupled devices connected to each spectrograph provide detection of the spectrally resolved signal, with exposure times that are automated for acquisition at each fiber. The design allows spectral fitting of the remission light, thereby separating the fluorescence signal from the nonspecific background, which improves the accuracy and sensitivity when imaging low fluorophore concentrations. Images of fluorescence yield are recovered using a nonlinear reconstruction approach based on the diffusion approximation of photon propagation in tissue. The tissue morphology derived from the MR images serves as an imaging template to guide the optical reconstruction algorithm. Sensitivity studies show that recovered values of indocyanine green fluorescence yield are linear to concentrations of 1nM in a 70mm diameter homogeneous phantom, and detection is feasible to near 10pM. Phantom data also demonstrate imaging capabilities of imperfect fluorophore uptake in tissue volumes of clinically relevant sizes. A unique rodent MR coil provides optical fiber access for simultaneous optical and MR data acquisition of small animals. A pilot murine study using an orthotopic glioma tumor model demonstrates optical-MRI imaging of an epidermal growth factor receptor targeted fluorescent probe in vivo.

Resolution, sensitivity, and in vivo application of high-resolution computed tomography for titanium-coated polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) dental implants.

PubMed

Cuijpers, Vincent M J I; Jaroszewicz, Jacub; Anil, Sukumaran; Al Farraj Aldosari, Abdullah; Walboomers, X Frank; Jansen, John A

2014-03-01

The aims of this study were (i) to determine the spatial resolution and sensitivity of micro- versus nano-computed tomography (CT) techniques and (ii) to validate micro- versus nano-CT in a dog dental implant model, comparative to histological analysis. To determine spatial resolution and sensitivity, standardized reference samples containing standardized nano- and microspheres were prepared in polymer and ceramic matrices. Thereafter, 10 titanium-coated polymer dental implants (3.2 mm in Ø by 4 mm in length) were placed in the mandible of Beagle dogs. Both micro- and nano-CT, as well as histological analyses, were performed. The reference samples confirmed the high resolution of the nano-CT system, which was capable of revealing sub-micron structures embedded in radiodense matrices. The dog implantation study and subsequent statistical analysis showed equal values for bone area and bone-implant contact measurements between micro-CT and histology. However, because of the limited sample size and field of view, nano-CT was not rendering reliable data representative of the entire bone-implant specimen. Micro-CT analysis is an efficient tool to quantitate bone healing parameters at the bone-implant interface, especially when using titanium-coated PMMA implants. Nano-CT is not suitable for such quantification, but reveals complementary morphological information rivaling histology, yet with the advantage of a 3D visualization. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

a Portable Pixel Detector Operating as AN Active Nuclear Emulsion and its Application for X-Ray and Neutron Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vykydal, Z.; Jakubek, J.; Holy, T.; Pospisil, S.

2006-04-01

This work is devoted to the development of a USB1.1 (Universal Serial Bus) based read out system for the Medipix2 detector to achieve maximum portability of this position sensitive detecting device. All necessary detector support is integrated into one compact system (80 × 50 × 20 mm3) including the detector bias source (up to 100 V). The read out interface can control external I2C based devices, so in case of tomography it is easy to synchronize detector shutter with stepper motor control. An additional significant advantage of the USB interface is the support of back side pulse processing. This feature enables to determine the energy additionally to the position of a heavy charged particle hitting the sensor. Due to the small pixel dimensions it is also possible to distinguish the type of single quanta of radiation from the track created in the pixel detector as in case of an active nuclear emulsion.

Multimodal breast cancer imaging using coregistered dynamic diffuse optical tomography and digital breast tomosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmermann, Bernhard B.; Deng, Bin; Singh, Bhawana; Martino, Mark; Selb, Juliette; Fang, Qianqian; Sajjadi, Amir Y.; Cormier, Jayne; Moore, Richard H.; Kopans, Daniel B.; Boas, David A.; Saksena, Mansi A.; Carp, Stefan A.

2017-04-01

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is emerging as a noninvasive functional imaging method for breast cancer diagnosis and neoadjuvant chemotherapy monitoring. In particular, the multimodal approach of combining DOT with x-ray digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is especially synergistic as DBT prior information can be used to enhance the DOT reconstruction. DOT, in turn, provides a functional information overlay onto the mammographic images, increasing sensitivity and specificity to cancer pathology. We describe a dynamic DOT apparatus designed for tight integration with commercial DBT scanners and providing a fast (up to 1 Hz) image acquisition rate to enable tracking hemodynamic changes induced by the mammographic breast compression. The system integrates 96 continuous-wave and 24 frequency-domain source locations as well as 32 continuous wave and 20 frequency-domain detection locations into low-profile plastic plates that can easily mate to the DBT compression paddle and x-ray detector cover, respectively. We demonstrate system performance using static and dynamic tissue-like phantoms as well as in vivo images acquired from the pool of patients recalled for breast biopsies at the Massachusetts General Hospital Breast Imaging Division.

In vivo tomographic imaging of lung colonization of tumour in mouse with simultaneous fluorescence and X-ray CT.

PubMed

Zhang, Bin; Gao, Fuping; Wang, Mengjiao; Cao, Xu; Liu, Fei; Wang, Xin; Luo, Jianwen; Wang, Guangzhi; Bai, Jing

2014-01-01

Non-invasive in vivo imaging of diffuse and wide-spread colonization within the lungs, rather than distinct solid primary tumors, is still a challenging work. In this work, a lung colonization mouse model bearing A549 human lung tumor was simultaneously scanned by a dual-modality fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) system in vivo. A two steps method which incorporates CT structural information into the FMT reconstruction procedure is employed to provide concurrent anatomical and functional information. By using the target-specific fluorescence agent, the fluorescence tomographic results show elevated fluorescence intensity deep within the lungs which is colonized with diffuse and wide-spread tumors. The results were confirmed with ex vivo fluorescence reflectance imaging and histological examination of the lung tissues. With FMT reconstruction combined with the CT information, the dual-modality FMT/micro-CT system is expected to offer sensitive and noninvasive imaging of diffuse tumor colonization within the lungs in vivo. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Texture classification of lung computed tomography images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pheng, Hang See; Shamsuddin, Siti M.

2013-03-01

Current development of algorithms in computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) scheme is growing rapidly to assist the radiologist in medical image interpretation. Texture analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans is one of important preliminary stage in the computerized detection system and classification for lung cancer. Among different types of images features analysis, Haralick texture with variety of statistical measures has been used widely in image texture description. The extraction of texture feature values is essential to be used by a CAD especially in classification of the normal and abnormal tissue on the cross sectional CT images. This paper aims to compare experimental results using texture extraction and different machine leaning methods in the classification normal and abnormal tissues through lung CT images. The machine learning methods involve in this assessment are Artificial Immune Recognition System (AIRS), Naive Bayes, Decision Tree (J48) and Backpropagation Neural Network. AIRS is found to provide high accuracy (99.2%) and sensitivity (98.0%) in the assessment. For experiments and testing purpose, publicly available datasets in the Reference Image Database to Evaluate Therapy Response (RIDER) are used as study cases.

Intraoperative spatial frequency domain diffuse optical tomography with indo-cyanine green (ICG) fluorescence contrast (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Sang Hoon; Parthasarathy, Ashwin B.; Kavuri, Venkaiah C.; Moscatelli, Frank A.; Singhal, Sunil; Yodh, Arjun G.

2017-02-01

Surgical resection is the most effective treatment strategy for solid tumors, but complete removal of the tumor is critical for post-surgical recovery/long-term survival and is dependent on correct identification of the tumor margin and accurate excision of microscopic residual tumor in the surgical field. Fluorescence image guided surgery is an emerging technique that has shown promise for intraoperative location of tumors and tumor margins. Current versions of such intraoperative fluorescence imaging, however, are generally limited to 2D near-surface images, i.e., without information about tumor depth. Here we present an intraoperative fluorescence imaging system for 3D volumetric imaging of tumors; the system uses spatial frequency domain diffuse optical tomography with an analytic inversion reconstruction method. The new instrument can derive depth-sensitive 3D tumor images at depths up to 1 cm, and it employs compact epi-imaging and illumination suitable for the operating room, with quasi-real-time image reconstruction for surgical visualization. We present experimental results with FDA-approved Indocynanine Green using an extensive array of tissue phantoms and in a pilot in-vivo study.

Striatal and extrastriatal dopamine release in the common marmoset brain measured by positron emission tomography and [(18)F]fallypride.

PubMed

Ota, Miho; Ogawa, Shintaro; Kato, Koichi; Masuda, Chiaki; Kunugi, Hiroshi

2015-12-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with schizophrenia show greater sensitivity to psychostimulants than healthy subjects. Sensitization to psychostimulants and resultant alteration of dopaminergic neurotransmission in rodents has been suggested as a useful model of schizophrenia. This study sought to examine the use of methylphenidate as a psychostimulant to induce dopamine release and that of [(18)F]fallypride as a radioligand to quantify the release in a primate model of schizophrenia. Four common marmosets were scanned by positron emission tomography twice, before and after methylphenidate challenge, to evaluate dopamine release. Four other marmosets were sensitized by repeated methamphetamine (MAP) administration. Then, they were scanned twice, before and after methylphenidate challenge, to evaluate whether MAP-sensitization induced greater sensitivity to methylphenidate. We revealed a main effect of the methylphenidate challenge but not the MAP pretreatment on the striatal binding potential. These results suggest that methylphenidate-induced striatal dopamine release in the common marmoset could be evaluated by [(18)F]fallypride. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and the Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved.

Multiple Fan-Beam Optical Tomography: Modelling Techniques

PubMed Central

Rahim, Ruzairi Abdul; Chen, Leong Lai; San, Chan Kok; Rahiman, Mohd Hafiz Fazalul; Fea, Pang Jon

2009-01-01

This paper explains in detail the solution to the forward and inverse problem faced in this research. In the forward problem section, the projection geometry and the sensor modelling are discussed. The dimensions, distributions and arrangements of the optical fibre sensors are determined based on the real hardware constructed and these are explained in the projection geometry section. The general idea in sensor modelling is to simulate an artificial environment, but with similar system properties, to predict the actual sensor values for various flow models in the hardware system. The sensitivity maps produced from the solution of the forward problems are important in reconstructing the tomographic image. PMID:22291523

Multiparameter thermo-mechanical OCT-based characterization of laser-induced cornea reshaping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaitsev, Vladimir Yu.; Matveyev, Alexandr L.; Matveev, Lev A.; Gelikonov, Grigory V.; Vitkin, Alex; Omelchenko, Alexander I.; Baum, Olga I.; Shabanov, Dmitry V.; Sovetsky, Alexander A.; Sobol, Emil N.

2017-02-01

Phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used for visualizing dynamic and cumulative strains and corneashape changes during laser-produced tissue heating. Such non-destructive (non-ablative) cornea reshaping can be used as a basis of emerging technologies of laser vision correction. In experiments with cartilaginous samples, polyacrilamide phantoms and excised rabbit eyes we demonstrate ability of the developed OCT system to simultaneously characterize transient and cumulated strain distributions, surface displacements, scattering tissue properties and possibility of temperature estimation via thermal-expansion measurements. The proposed approach can be implemented in perspective real-time OCT systems for ensuring safety of new methods of laser reshaping of cornea.

High-speed polarization sensitive optical frequency domain imaging with frequency multiplexing

PubMed Central

Yun, S.H.; Vakoc, B.J.; Shishkov, M.; Desjardins, A.E.; Park, B.H.; de Boer, J.F.; Tearney, G.J.; Bouma, B.E.

2009-01-01

Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) provides a cross-sectional image of birefringence in biological samples that is complementary in many applications to the standard reflectance-based image. Recent ex vivo studies have demonstrated that birefringence mapping enables the characterization of collagen and smooth muscle concentration and distribution in vascular tissues. Instruments capable of applying these measurements percutaneously in vivo may provide new insights into coronary atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction. We have developed a polarization sensitive optical frequency domain imaging (PS-OFDI) system that enables high-speed intravascular birefringence imaging through a fiber-optic catheter. The novel design of this system utilizes frequency multiplexing to simultaneously measure reflectance of two incident polarization states, overcoming concerns regarding temporal variations of the catheter fiber birefringence and spatial variations in the birefringence of the sample. We demonstrate circular cross-sectional birefringence imaging of a human coronary artery ex vivo through a flexible fiber-optic catheter with an A-line rate of 62 kHz and a ranging depth of 6.2 mm. PMID:18542183

High-contrast X-ray micro-tomography of low attenuation samples using large area hybrid semiconductor pixel detector array of 10 × 5 Timepix chips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karch, J.; Krejci, F.; Bartl, B.; Dudak, J.; Kuba, J.; Kvacek, J.; Zemlicka, J.

2016-01-01

State-of-the-art hybrid pixel semiconductor detectors provide excellent imaging properties such as unlimited dynamic range, high spatial resolution, high frame rate and energy sensitivity. Nevertheless, a limitation in the use of these devices for imaging has been the small sensitive area of a few square centimetres. In the field of microtomography we make use of a large area pixel detector assembled from 50 Timepix edgeless chips providing fully sensitive area of 14.3 × 7.15 cm2. We have successfully demonstrated that the enlargement of the sensitive area enables high-quality tomographic measurements of whole objects with high geometrical magnification without any significant degradation in resulting reconstructions related to the chip tilling and edgeless sensor technology properties. The technique of micro-tomography with the newly developed large area detector is applied for samples formed by low attenuation, low contrast materials such a seed from Phacelia tanacetifolia, a charcoalified wood sample and a beeswax seal sample.

Comparison of DWI and 18F-FDG PET/CT for assessing preoperative N-staging in gastric cancer: evidence from a meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Luo, Mingxu; Song, Hongmei; Liu, Gang; Lin, Yikai; Luo, Lintao; Zhou, Xin; Chen, Bo

2017-01-01

The diagnostic values of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) for N-staging of gastric cancer (GC) were identified and compared. After a systematic search to identify relevant articles, meta-analysis was used to summarize the sensitivities, specificities, and areas under curves (AUCs) for DWI and PET/CT. To better understand the diagnostic utility of DWI and PET/CT for N-staging, the performance of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) was used as a reference. Fifteen studies were analyzed. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC with 95% confidence intervals of DWI were 0.79 (0.73–0.85), 0.69 (0.61–0.77), and 0.81 (0.77–0.84), respectively. For PET/CT, the corresponding values were 0.52 (0.39–0.64), 0.88 (0.61–0.97), and 0.66 (0.62–0.70), respectively. Comparison of the two techniques revealed DWI had higher sensitivity and AUC, but no difference in specificity. DWI exhibited higher sensitivity but lower specificity than MDCT, and 18F-FDG PET/CT had lower sensitivity and equivalent specificity. Overall, DWI performed better than 18F-FDG PET/CT for preoperative N-staging in GC. When the efficacy of MDCT was taken as a reference, DWI represented a complementary imaging technique, while 18F-FDG PET/CT had limited utility for preoperative N-staging. PMID:29137440

imaging volcanos with gravity and muon tomography measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jourde, Kevin; Gibert, Dominique; Marteau, Jacques; Deroussi, Sébastien; Dufour, Fabrice; de Bremond d'Ars, Jean; Ianigro, Jean-Christophe; Gardien, Serge; Girerd, Claude

2015-04-01

Both muon tomography and gravimetry are geohysical methods that provide information on the density structure of the Earth's subsurface. Muon tomography measures the natural flux of cosmic muons and its attenuation produced by the screening effect of the rock mass to image. Gravimetry generally consists in measurements of the vertical component of the local gravity field. Both methods are linearly linked to density, but their spatial sensitivity is very different. Muon tomography essentially works like medical X-ray scan and integrates density information along elongated narrow conical volumes while gravimetry measurements are linked to density by a 3-dimensional integral encompassing the whole studied domain. We show that gravity data are almost useless to constrain the density structure in regions sampled by more than two muon tomography acquisitions. Interestingly the resolution in deeper regions not sampled by muon tomography is significantly improved by joining the two techniques. Examples taken from field experiments performed on La Soufrière of Guadeloupe volcano are discussed.

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography-based imaging, parameterization, and quantification of human cartilage degeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brill, Nicolai; Wirtz, Mathias; Merhof, Dorit; Tingart, Markus; Jahr, Holger; Truhn, Daniel; Schmitt, Robert; Nebelung, Sven

2016-07-01

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is a light-based, high-resolution, real-time, noninvasive, and nondestructive imaging modality yielding quasimicroscopic cross-sectional images of cartilage. As yet, comprehensive parameterization and quantification of birefringence and tissue properties have not been performed on human cartilage. PS-OCT and algorithm-based image analysis were used to objectively grade human cartilage degeneration in terms of surface irregularity, tissue homogeneity, signal attenuation, as well as birefringence coefficient and band width, height, depth, and number. Degeneration-dependent changes were noted for the former three parameters exclusively, thereby questioning the diagnostic value of PS-OCT in the assessment of human cartilage degeneration.

Influence of the internal wall thickness of electrical capacitance tomography sensors on image quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Shiguo; Ye, Jiamin; Wang, Haigang; Wu, Meng; Yang, Wuqiang

2018-03-01

In the design of electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) sensors, the internal wall thickness can vary with specific applications, and it is a key factor that influences the sensitivity distribution and image quality. This paper will discuss the effect of the wall thickness of ECT sensors on image quality. Three flow patterns are simulated for wall thicknesses of 2.5 mm to 15 mm on eight-electrode ECT sensors. The sensitivity distributions and potential distributions are compared for different wall thicknesses. Linear back-projection and Landweber iteration algorithms are used for image reconstruction. Relative image error and correlation coefficients are used for image evaluation using both simulation and experimental data.

Preclinical positron emission tomography scanner based on a monolithic annulus of scintillator: initial design study.

PubMed

Stolin, Alexander V; Martone, Peter F; Jaliparthi, Gangadhar; Raylman, Raymond R

2017-01-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) scanners designed for imaging of small animals have transformed translational research by reducing the necessity to invasively monitor physiology and disease progression. Virtually all of these scanners are based on the use of pixelated detector modules arranged in rings. This design, while generally successful, has some limitations. Specifically, use of discrete detector modules to construct PET scanners reduces detection sensitivity and can introduce artifacts in reconstructed images, requiring the use of correction methods. To address these challenges, and facilitate measurement of photon depth-of-interaction in the detector, we investigated a small animal PET scanner (called AnnPET) based on a monolithic annulus of scintillator. The scanner was created by placing 12 flat facets around the outer surface of the scintillator to accommodate placement of silicon photomultiplier arrays. Its performance characteristics were explored using Monte Carlo simulations and sections of the NEMA NU4-2008 protocol. Results from this study revealed that AnnPET's reconstructed spatial resolution is predicted to be [Formula: see text] full width at half maximum in the radial, tangential, and axial directions. Peak detection sensitivity is predicted to be 10.1%. Images of simulated phantoms (mini-hot rod and mouse whole body) yielded promising results, indicating the potential of this system for enhancing PET imaging of small animals.

Efficient Simultaneous Reconstruction of Time-Varying Images and Electrode Contact Impedances in Electrical Impedance Tomography.

PubMed

Boverman, Gregory; Isaacson, David; Newell, Jonathan C; Saulnier, Gary J; Kao, Tzu-Jen; Amm, Bruce C; Wang, Xin; Davenport, David M; Chong, David H; Sahni, Rakesh; Ashe, Jeffrey M

2017-04-01

In electrical impedance tomography (EIT), we apply patterns of currents on a set of electrodes at the external boundary of an object, measure the resulting potentials at the electrodes, and, given the aggregate dataset, reconstruct the complex conductivity and permittivity within the object. It is possible to maximize sensitivity to internal conductivity changes by simultaneously applying currents and measuring potentials on all electrodes but this approach also maximizes sensitivity to changes in impedance at the interface. We have, therefore, developed algorithms to assess contact impedance changes at the interface as well as to efficiently and simultaneously reconstruct internal conductivity/permittivity changes within the body. We use simple linear algebraic manipulations, the generalized singular value decomposition, and a dual-mesh finite-element-based framework to reconstruct images in real time. We are also able to efficiently compute the linearized reconstruction for a wide range of regularization parameters and to compute both the generalized cross-validation parameter as well as the L-curve, objective approaches to determining the optimal regularization parameter, in a similarly efficient manner. Results are shown using data from a normal subject and from a clinical intensive care unit patient, both acquired with the GE GENESIS prototype EIT system, demonstrating significantly reduced boundary artifacts due to electrode drift and motion artifact.

Remineralization of in vitro dental caries assessed with polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Robert S.; Darling, Cynthia L.; Featherstone, John D. B.; Fried, Daniel

2006-01-01

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is potentially useful for imaging the nonsurgical remineralization of dental enamel. This study uses an all-fiber-based PS-OCT system operating at 1310 nm to image demineralized and fluoride-enhanced remineralized artificial lesions. PS-OCT images of lesions before and after remineralization are compared with the relative mineral loss ΔZ (%vol×µm), obtained from high resolution digital microradiography (DM), and chemical composition changes by infrared spectroscopy. Severe early artificial caries show a significant increase in perpendicular-axis integrated reflectivity after remineralization. After sectioning the samples, DM demonstrates that the lesions remineralized with new mineral and the lesion surface zone show significant restoration of mineral volume. PS-OCT and DM both do not show a major change in lesion depth. For less severe artificial caries, the perpendicular-axis image resolves the scattering and depolarization of an outer growth layer after remineralization. This outer layer has a mineral volume close to that of sound enamel, and spectroscopic analysis indicates that the layer is a highly crystalline phase of apatite, without carbonate substitutions that increase the solubility of sound enamel. This study determines that PS-OCT can image the effects of fluoride-enhanced remineralization of mild and severe early artificial in vitro caries.

What is the role of florine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose/positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging in well-differentiated thyroid cancers with negative iodine-131 scan high thyroglobulin and normal anti-thyroglobulin levels.

PubMed

Döner, Rana Kaya; Sager, Sait; Görtan, Fatma Arzu; Topuz, Özge Vural; Akyel, Reşit; Vatankulu, Betül; Baran, Ahmet; Teksoz, Serkan; Sönmezoglu, Kerim

2016-01-01

This retrospective study aims to assess the cut-off value of thyroglobulin (Tg) levels in nux or metastatic well-differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) with normal anti-Tg levels using with fluorodeoxyglucose/positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT). We reviewed FDG PET/CT images of 104 patients with well DTC (28 men, 76 women) whose: Iodine-131 (131 I) whole-body scanning was negative but had elevated Tg with normal anti-Tg levels. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of florine-18-FDG PET/CT findings were found to be 95.92%, 87.27%, 87.04%, 96.00%, and 91.35%, respectively. The best Tg cut-off value was found to be 10.4 ng/ml. In the Tg level <10.4 ng/ml group, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of FDG PET/CT were found to be 94.1%, 91.30%, 88.8%, 95.4%, and 92.5%, respectively. In the other group, which Tg level ≥10.4 ng/ml, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of FDG PET/CT exams were found to be 96.8%, 84.3%, 86.1%, 96.4%, and 90.6%, respectively. FDG PET/CT imaging is a valuable imaging method in the evaluation of patients with elevated serum Tg levels and normal anti-Tg levels. Furthermore, it has potential utility in the dedifferentiation of active foci that are present, and in assessing optimal decision making during follow-up.

Simulation of Underground Muon Flux with Application to Muon Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaoka, J. A. K.; Bonneville, A.; Flygare, J.; Lintereur, A.; Kouzes, R.

2015-12-01

Muon tomography uses highly energetic muons, produced by cosmic rays interacting within the upper atmosphere, to image dense materials. Like x-rays, an image can be constructed from the negative of the absorbed (or scattered) muons. Unlike x-rays, these muons can penetrate thousands of meters of earth. Muon tomography has been shown to be useful across a wide range of applications (such as imaging of the interior of volcanoes and cargo containers). This work estimates the sensitivity of muon tomography for various underground applications. We use simulations to estimate the change in flux as well as the spatial resolution when imaging static objects, such as mine shafts, and dynamic objects, such as a CO2 reservoir filling over time. We present a framework where we import ground density data from other sources, such as wells, gravity and seismic data, to generate an expected muon flux distribution at specified underground locations. This information can further be fed into a detector simulation to estimate a final experimental sensitivity. There are many applications of this method. We explore its use to image underground nuclear test sites, both the deformation from the explosion as well as the supporting infrastructure (access tunnels and shafts). We also made estimates for imaging a CO2 sequestration site similar to Futuregen 2.0 in Illinois and for imaging magma chambers beneath the Cascade Range volcanoes. This work may also be useful to basic science, such as underground dark matter experiments, where increasing experimental sensitivity requires, amongst other factors, a precise knowledge of the muon background.

Comparison of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI and PET/CT in the Evaluation of Laryngeal Cancer After Inadequate CT Results.

PubMed

Citil, Serdal; Dogan, Serap; Atilgan, Hasan Ikbal; Menzilcioglu, Mehmet Sait; Sahin, Tuna; Abdulrezzak, Ummuhan; Duymus, Mahmut; Ozturk, Mustafa

2015-01-01

To investigate the diagnostic value of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for laryngeal cancers after inadequate CT results. The study comprised 45 patients investigated for primary laryngeal cancer or recurrence-residue in which CT was considered inadequate. A mass was found in 20 patients. Dynamic MRI and PET/CT were compared for diagnosis of mass, lymph node involvement, recurrence and residue. The dynamic curves formed in dynamic MRI were investigated for diagnostic contributions. The sensitivity and specificity of the dynamic MRI, for supraglottic, glottic and subglottic location, was 100%, 80%, and 92%; 100%, 85%, and 100%, respectively. In PET/CT the sensitivity and specificity were 100% for all of those localizations. For lymph node involvement, the sensitivity of dynamic MRI and PET/CT was 100%, the specificity was 100% and 93%, respectively. For recurrence-residue, the sensitivity and specificity of dynamic MRI were 86% and 67%, respectively, with 100% sensitivity and specificity in PET/CT. The sensitivity of type A curve for detection of malignancy was 40%, and specificity was 100%. When type A and B curves were included, the sensitivity was 100%. For patients investigated for laryngeal cancer in which CT is considered inadequate, dynamic MRI or PET/CT is useful.

Sensitivity of endoscopic ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis of pancreas divisum: a tertiary center experience.

PubMed

Kushnir, Vladimir M; Wani, Sachin B; Fowler, Kathryn; Menias, Christine; Varma, Rakesh; Narra, Vamsi; Hovis, Christine; Murad, Faris M; Mullady, Daniel K; Jonnalagadda, Sreenivasa S; Early, Dayna S; Edmundowicz, Steven A; Azar, Riad R

2013-04-01

There are limited data comparing imaging modalities in the diagnosis of pancreas divisum. We aimed to: (1) evaluate the sensitivity of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for pancreas divisum; and (2) assess interobserver agreement (IOA) among expert radiologists for detecting pancreas divisum on MDCT and MRCP. For this retrospective cohort study, we identified 45 consecutive patients with pancreaticobiliary symptoms and pancreas divisum established by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography who underwent EUS and cross-sectional imaging. The control group was composed of patients without pancreas divisum who underwent endoscopic retrograde pancreatography and cross-sectional imaging. The sensitivity of EUS for pancreas divisum was 86.7%, significantly higher than the sensitivity reported in the medical records for MDCT (15.5%) or MRCP (60%) (P < 0.001 for each). On review by expert radiologists, the sensitivity of MDCT increased to 83.3% in cases where the pancreatic duct was visualized, with fair IOA (κ = 0.34). Expert review of MRCPs did not identify any additional cases of pancreas divisum; IOA was moderate (κ = 0.43). Endoscopic ultrasound is a sensitive test for diagnosing pancreas divisum and is superior to MDCT and MRCP. Review of MDCT studies by expert radiologists substantially raises its sensitivity for pancreas divisum.

Sensitivity Kernels for the Cross-Convolution Measure: Eliminate the Source in Waveform Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menke, W. H.

2017-12-01

We use the adjoint method to derive sensitivity kernels for the cross-convolution measure, a goodness-of-fit criterion that is applicable to seismic data containing closely-spaced multiple arrivals, such as reverberating compressional waves and split shear waves. In addition to a general formulation, specific expressions for sensitivity with respect to density, Lamé parameter and shear modulus are derived for a isotropic elastic solid. As is typical of adjoint methods, the kernels depend upon an adjoint field, the source of which, in this case, is the reference displacement field, pre-multiplied by a matrix of cross-correlations of components of the observed field. We use a numerical simulation to evaluate the resolving power of a topographic inversion that employs the cross-convolution measure. The estimated resolving kernel shows is point-like, indicating that the cross-convolution measure will perform well in waveform tomography settings.

Multi-modal approach using Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography for the discrimination of colonic adenocarcinoma from normal colon

PubMed Central

Ashok, Praveen C.; Praveen, Bavishna B.; Bellini, Nicola; Riches, Andrew; Dholakia, Kishan; Herrington, C. Simon

2013-01-01

We report a multimodal optical approach using both Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in tandem to discriminate between colonic adenocarcinoma and normal colon. Although both of these non-invasive techniques are capable of discriminating between normal and tumour tissues, they are unable individually to provide both the high specificity and high sensitivity required for disease diagnosis. We combine the chemical information derived from Raman spectroscopy with the texture parameters extracted from OCT images. The sensitivity obtained using Raman spectroscopy and OCT individually was 89% and 78% respectively and the specificity was 77% and 74% respectively. Combining the information derived using the two techniques increased both sensitivity and specificity to 94% demonstrating that combining complementary optical information enhances diagnostic accuracy. These data demonstrate that multimodal optical analysis has the potential to achieve accurate non-invasive cancer diagnosis. PMID:24156073

Diagnostic accuracy of functional, imaging and biochemical tests for patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Iannaccone, Mario; Gili, Sebastiano; De Filippo, Ovidio; D'Amico, Salvatore; Gagliardi, Marco; Bertaina, Maurizio; Mazzilli, Silvia; Rettegno, Sara; Bongiovanni, Federica; Gatti, Paolo; Ugo, Fabrizio; Boccuzzi, Giacomo G; Colangelo, Salvatore; Prato, Silvia; Moretti, Claudio; D'Amico, Maurizio; Noussan, Patrizia; Garbo, Roberto; Hildick-Smith, David; Gaita, Fiorenzo; D'Ascenzo, Fabrizio

2018-01-01

Non-invasive ischaemia tests and biomarkers are widely adopted to rule out acute coronary syndrome in the emergency department. Their diagnostic accuracy has yet to be precisely defined. Medline, Cochrane Library CENTRAL, EMBASE and Biomed Central were systematically screened (start date 1 September 2016, end date 1 December 2016). Prospective studies (observational or randomised controlled trial) comparing functional/imaging or biochemical tests for patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department were included. Overall, 77 studies were included, for a total of 49,541 patients (mean age 59.9 years). Fast and six-hour highly sensitive troponin T protocols did not show significant differences in their ability to detect acute coronary syndromes, as they reported a sensitivity and specificity of 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.79-0.94) and 0.84 (0.74-0.9) vs 0.89 (0.78-0.94) and 0.83 (0.70-0.92), respectively. The addition of copeptin to troponin increased sensitivity and reduced specificity, without improving diagnostic accuracy. The diagnostic value of non-invasive tests for patients without troponin increase was tested. Coronary computed tomography showed the highest level of diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 0.93 (0.81-0.98) and specificity 0.90 (0.93-0.94)), along with myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (sensitivity 0.85 (0.77-0.91) and specificity 0.92 (0.83-0.96)). Stress echography was inferior to coronary computed tomography but non-inferior to myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, while exercise testing showed the lower level of diagnostic accuracy. Fast and six-hour highly sensitive troponin T protocols provide an overall similar level of diagnostic accuracy to detect acute coronary syndrome. Among the non-invasive ischaemia tests for patients without troponin increase, coronary computed tomography and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy showed the highest sensitivity and specificity.

A three-wavelength multi-channel brain functional imager based on digital lock-in photon-counting technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Xuemei; Wang, Bingyuan; Liu, Dongyuan; Zhang, Yao; He, Jie; Zhao, Huijuan; Gao, Feng

2018-02-01

During the past two decades there has been a dramatic rise in the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a neuroimaging technique in cognitive neuroscience research. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and optical topography (OT) can be employed as the optical imaging techniques for brain activity investigation. However, most current imagers with analogue detection are limited by sensitivity and dynamic range. Although photon-counting detection can significantly improve detection sensitivity, the intrinsic nature of sequential excitations reduces temporal resolution. To improve temporal resolution, sensitivity and dynamic range, we develop a multi-channel continuous-wave (CW) system for brain functional imaging based on a novel lock-in photon-counting technique. The system consists of 60 Light-emitting device (LED) sources at three wavelengths of 660nm, 780nm and 830nm, which are modulated by current-stabilized square-wave signals at different frequencies, and 12 photomultiplier tubes (PMT) based on lock-in photon-counting technique. This design combines the ultra-high sensitivity of the photon-counting technique with the parallelism of the digital lock-in technique. We can therefore acquire the diffused light intensity for all the source-detector pairs (SD-pairs) in parallel. The performance assessments of the system are conducted using phantom experiments, and demonstrate its excellent measurement linearity, negligible inter-channel crosstalk, strong noise robustness and high temporal resolution.

Long-term Cost-Effectiveness of Diagnostic Tests for Assessing Stable Chest Pain: Modeled Analysis of Anatomical and Functional Strategies.

PubMed

Bertoldi, Eduardo G; Stella, Steffan F; Rohde, Luis E; Polanczyk, Carisi A

2016-05-01

Several tests exist for diagnosing coronary artery disease, with varying accuracy and cost. We sought to provide cost-effectiveness information to aid physicians and decision-makers in selecting the most appropriate testing strategy. We used the state-transitions (Markov) model from the Brazilian public health system perspective with a lifetime horizon. Diagnostic strategies were based on exercise electrocardiography (Ex-ECG), stress echocardiography (ECHO), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA), or stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (C-MRI) as the initial test. Systematic review provided input data for test accuracy and long-term prognosis. Cost data were derived from the Brazilian public health system. Diagnostic test strategy had a small but measurable impact in quality-adjusted life-years gained. Switching from Ex-ECG to CTA-based strategies improved outcomes at an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 3100 international dollars per quality-adjusted life-year. ECHO-based strategies resulted in cost and effectiveness almost identical to CTA, and SPECT-based strategies were dominated because of their much higher cost. Strategies based on stress C-MRI were most effective, but the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio vs CTA was higher than the proposed willingness-to-pay threshold. Invasive strategies were dominant in the high pretest probability setting. Sensitivity analysis showed that results were sensitive to costs of CTA, ECHO, and C-MRI. Coronary CT is cost-effective for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and should be included in the Brazilian public health system. Stress ECHO has a similar performance and is an acceptable alternative for most patients, but invasive strategies should be reserved for patients at high risk. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Utility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant gynaecological tumours.

PubMed

Takagi, Hiroaki; Sakamoto, Jinichi; Osaka, Yasuhiro; Shibata, Takeo; Fujita, Satoko; Sasagawa, Toshiyuki

2018-02-05

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) involving 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is widely used for systemic cancer and recurrence diagnosis. However, the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant gynaecological tumours according to FDG accumulation is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the intensity of FDG uptake/metabolic activity for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant gynaecological tumours. This study included seven patients with physiological phenomena, 34 with benign tumours, 13 with borderline malignant tumours and 119 with malignant tumours who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT. We assessed the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and determined its utility in the diagnosis of benign and malignant tumours using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Among the 63 patients with ovarian tumours, the mean SUVmax of 22 patients with benign ovarian tumours was 2.48 and the mean SUVmax of 41 patients with malignant ovarian tumours was 10.98 (P < 0.001). In the ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.977, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.947-1.000. With a cut-off value of 3.97 for the optimal SUVmax, the sensitivity and specificity were 95.1% and 86.4%, respectively. In addition, the AUC was 0.911 (95% CI: 0.768-1.000) for the assessment of uterine myomas and sarcomas. With a cut-off value of 10.62 for the optimal SUVmax, the sensitivity and specificity were 91.7% and 86.7% respectively. The SUVmax value helps differentiate benign and malignant ovarian tumours, as well as uterine myomas and uterine sarcomas. © 2018 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

Detection of oral early cancerous lesion by using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography: mice model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hong-Yi; Chen, Ping-Hsien; Lee, Tzu-Han; Chang, Kuo-Wei; Kuo, Wen-Chuan

2018-02-01

Oral cancer is the 11th most common cancer worldwide, especially in a male adult. The median age of death in oral cancer was 55 years, 10-20 years earlier than other cancers. Presently, oral cancer is often found in late stage, because the lesion is often flat in early stage and is difficult to diagnose under traditional white light imaging. The only definitive method for determining cancer is an invasive biopsy and then using histology examination. How to detect precancerous lesions or early malignant lesions is an important issue for improving prognosis of oral cancer. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new optical tool for diagnosing early malignant lesions in the skin or gastrointestinal tract recently. Here we report a new method for detecting precancerous or early malignant oral lesions by using swept source polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) with center-wavelength 1310 nm, bandwidth 110 nm and 100 kHz swept rate. We used all single-mode fiber design to detect the change of birefringence information in the epithelium structure. This system has an advantage that enables measurement of backscattered intensity and birefringence simultaneously with only one A-scan per transverse location. In preliminary result, we computed the slope of the every A-scan signal in tissue part using a linear-curve fitting in backscattered intensity and birefringence on the enface. In this research, we used an oral cancer mice model for observing the change of structure and birefringence properties in different stages of oral cancer mice. We presented the parametric enface imaging that can detect the early oral malignant lesions.

Offset-electrode profile acquisition strategy for electrical resistivity tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robbins, Austin R.; Plattner, Alain

2018-04-01

We present an electrode layout strategy that allows electrical resistivity profiles to image the third dimension close to the profile plane. This "offset-electrode profile" approach involves laterally displacing electrodes away from the profile line in an alternating fashion and then inverting the resulting data using three-dimensional electrical resistivity tomography software. In our synthetic and field surveys, the offset-electrode method succeeds in revealing three-dimensional structures in the vicinity of the profile plane, which we could not achieve using three-dimensional inversions of linear profiles. We confirm and explain the limits of linear electrode profiles through a discussion of the three-dimensional sensitivity patterns: For a homogeneous starting model together with a linear electrode layout, all sensitivities remain symmetric with respect to the profile plane through each inversion step. This limitation can be overcome with offset-electrode layouts by breaking the symmetry pattern among the sensitivities. Thanks to freely available powerful three-dimensional resistivity tomography software and cheap modern computing power, the requirement for full three-dimensional calculations does not create a significant burden and renders the offset-electrode approach a cost-effective method. By offsetting the electrodes in an alternating pattern, as opposed to laying the profile out in a U-shape, we minimize shortening the profile length.

Volcano deformation source parameters estimated from InSAR: Sensitivities to uncertainties in seismic tomography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Masterlark, Timothy; Donovan, Theodore; Feigl, Kurt L.; Haney, Matt; Thurber, Clifford H.; Tung, Sui

2016-01-01

The eruption cycle of a volcano is controlled in part by the upward migration of magma. The characteristics of the magma flux produce a deformation signature at the Earth's surface. Inverse analyses use geodetic data to estimate strategic controlling parameters that describe the position and pressurization of a magma chamber at depth. The specific distribution of material properties controls how observed surface deformation translates to source parameter estimates. Seismic tomography models describe the spatial distributions of material properties that are necessary for accurate models of volcano deformation. This study investigates how uncertainties in seismic tomography models propagate into variations in the estimates of volcano deformation source parameters inverted from geodetic data. We conduct finite element model-based nonlinear inverse analyses of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data for Okmok volcano, Alaska, as an example. We then analyze the estimated parameters and their uncertainties to characterize the magma chamber. Analyses are performed separately for models simulating a pressurized chamber embedded in a homogeneous domain as well as for a domain having a heterogeneous distribution of material properties according to seismic tomography. The estimated depth of the source is sensitive to the distribution of material properties. The estimated depths for the homogeneous and heterogeneous domains are 2666 ± 42 and 3527 ± 56 m below mean sea level, respectively (99% confidence). A Monte Carlo analysis indicates that uncertainties of the seismic tomography cannot account for this discrepancy at the 99% confidence level. Accounting for the spatial distribution of elastic properties according to seismic tomography significantly improves the fit of the deformation model predictions and significantly influences estimates for parameters that describe the location of a pressurized magma chamber.

Measuring Weld Profiles By Computer Tomography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pascua, Antonio G.; Roy, Jagatjit

1990-01-01

Noncontacting, nondestructive computer tomography system determines internal and external contours of welded objects. System makes it unnecessary to take metallurgical sections (destructive technique) or to take silicone impressions of hidden surfaces (technique that contaminates) to inspect them. Measurements of contours via tomography performed 10 times as fast as measurements via impression molds, and tomography does not contaminate inspected parts.

Depth-encoded all-fiber swept source polarization sensitive OCT

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhao; Lee, Hsiang-Chieh; Ahsen, Osman Oguz; Lee, ByungKun; Choi, WooJhon; Potsaid, Benjamin; Liu, Jonathan; Jayaraman, Vijaysekhar; Cable, Alex; Kraus, Martin F.; Liang, Kaicheng; Hornegger, Joachim; Fujimoto, James G.

2014-01-01

Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is a functional extension of conventional OCT and can assess depth-resolved tissue birefringence in addition to intensity. Most existing PS-OCT systems are relatively complex and their clinical translation remains difficult. We present a simple and robust all-fiber PS-OCT system based on swept source technology and polarization depth-encoding. Polarization multiplexing was achieved using a polarization maintaining fiber. Polarization sensitive signals were detected using fiber based polarization beam splitters and polarization controllers were used to remove the polarization ambiguity. A simplified post-processing algorithm was proposed for speckle noise reduction relaxing the demand for phase stability. We demonstrated systems design for both ophthalmic and catheter-based PS-OCT. For ophthalmic imaging, we used an optical clock frequency doubling method to extend the imaging range of a commercially available short cavity light source to improve polarization depth-encoding. For catheter based imaging, we demonstrated 200 kHz PS-OCT imaging using a MEMS-tunable vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and a high speed micromotor imaging catheter. The system was demonstrated in human retina, finger and lip imaging, as well as ex vivo swine esophagus and cardiovascular imaging. The all-fiber PS-OCT is easier to implement and maintain compared to previous PS-OCT systems and can be more easily translated to clinical applications due to its robust design. PMID:25401008

On-chip Mach-Zehnder interferometer for OCT systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Leeuwen, Ton G.; Akca, Imran B.; Angelou, Nikolaos; Weiss, Nicolas; Hoekman, Marcel; Leinse, Arne; Heideman, Rene G.

2018-04-01

By using integrated optics, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of a bulky optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. One of the OCT components that can be implemented on-chip is the interferometer. In this work, we present the design and characterization of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer consisting of the wavelength-independent splitters and an on-chip reference arm. The Si3N4 was chosen as the material platform as it can provide low losses while keeping the device size small. The device was characterized by using a home-built swept source OCT system. A sensitivity value of 83 dB, an axial resolution of 15.2 μm (in air) and a depth range of 2.5 mm (in air) were all obtained.

Development of High-Speed Fluorescent X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, T.; Tsuchiya, Y.; Kuroe, T.; Zeniya, T.; Wu, J.; Lwin, Thet-Thet; Yashiro, T.; Yuasa, T.; Hyodo, K.; Matsumura, K.; Dilmanian, F. A.; Itai, Y.; Akatsuka, T.

2004-05-01

A high-speed fluorescent x-ray CT (FXCT) system using monochromatic synchrotron x rays was developed to detect very low concentration of medium-Z elements for biomedical use. The system is equipped two types of high purity germanium detectors, and fast electronics and software. Preliminary images of a 10mm diameter plastic phantom containing channels field with iodine solutions of different concentrations showed a minimum detection level of 0.002 mg I/ml at an in-plane spatial resolution of 100μm. Furthermore, the acquisition time was reduced about 1/2 comparing to previous system. The results indicate that FXCT is a highly sensitive imaging modality capable of detecting very low concentration of iodine, and that the method has potential in biomedical applications.

Frequency multiplexed long range swept source optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Zurauskas, Mantas; Bradu, Adrian; Podoleanu, Adrian Gh.

2013-01-01

We present a novel swept source optical coherence tomography configuration, equipped with acousto-optic deflectors that can be used to simultaneously acquire multiple B-scans originating from different depths. The sensitivity range of the configuration is evaluated while acquiring five simultaneous B-scans. Then the configuration is employed to demonstrate long range B-scan imaging by combining two simultaneous B-scans from a mouse head sample. PMID:23760762

USE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR INVESTIGATION OF HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS IN CAPTIVE CHELONOIDIS CARBONARIA (SPIX, 1824).

PubMed

Marchiori, Adriano; da Silva, Ieverton Cleiton Correia; de Albuquerque Bonelli, Marília; de Albuquerque Zanotti, Luciana Carla Rameh; Siqueira, Daniel B; Zanotti, Alexandre Pinheiro; Costa, Fabiano Séllos

2015-06-01

Computed tomography is a sensitive and highly applicable technique for determining the degree of radiographic attenuation of the hepatic parenchyma. Radiodensity measurements of the liver can help in the diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis in humans and animals. The objective was to investigate the presence of hepatic lipidosis in captive red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) using computed tomography. Computed tomography was performed in 10 male red-footed tortoises. Mean radiographic attenuation values for the hepatic parenchyma were 11.2±3.0 Hounsfield units (HU). Seven red-footed tortoises had values lower than 20 HU, which is compatible with C. carbonaria hepatic lipidosis. These results allowed an early diagnosis of the hepatic changes and suggested corrective measures regarding feeding and management protocols.

Continuous imaging of the blood vessels in tumor mouse dorsal skin window chamber model by using SD-OCT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Xiao; Yang, Shaozhuang; Yu, Bin; Wang, Qi; Lin, Danying; Gao, Jian; Zhang, Peiqi; Ma, Yiqun; Qu, Junle; Niu, Hanben

2016-03-01

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has been widely applied into microstructure imaging of tissues or blood vessels with a series of advantages, including non-destructiveness, real-time imaging, high resolution and high sensitivity. In this study, a Spectral Domain OCT (SD-OCT) system with higher sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was built up, which was used to observe the blood vessel distribution and blood flow in the dorsal skin window chamber of the nude mouse tumor model. In order to obtain comparable data, the distribution images of blood vessels were collected from the same mouse before and after tumor injection. In conclusion, in vivo blood vessel distribution images of the tumor mouse model have been continuously obtained during around two weeks.

Terahertz Computed Tomography of NASA Thermal Protection System Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, D. J.; Reyes-Rodriguez, S.; Zimdars, D. A.; Rauser, R. W.; Ussery, W. W.

2011-01-01

A terahertz axial computed tomography system has been developed that uses time domain measurements in order to form cross-sectional image slices and three-dimensional volume renderings of terahertz-transparent materials. The system can inspect samples as large as 0.0283 cubic meters (1 cubic foot) with no safety concerns as for x-ray computed tomography. In this study, the system is evaluated for its ability to detect and characterize flat bottom holes, drilled holes, and embedded voids in foam materials utilized as thermal protection on the external fuel tanks for the Space Shuttle. X-ray micro-computed tomography was also performed on the samples to compare against the terahertz computed tomography results and better define embedded voids. Limits of detectability based on depth and size for the samples used in this study are loosely defined. Image sharpness and morphology characterization ability for terahertz computed tomography are qualitatively described.

Relationship between endobronchial ultrasound‐guided (EBUS)‐transbronchial needle aspiration utility and computed tomography staging, node size at EBUS, and positron emission tomography scan node standard uptake values: A retrospective analysis

PubMed Central

Marchand, Clare

2017-01-01

Background Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) diagnoses and stages mediastinal lymph node pathology. This retrospective study determined the relationship between EBUS‐TBNA utility and non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stage, lymph node size, and positron emission tomography (PET) standard uptake values (SUV), and the utility of neck ultrasound in bulky mediastinal disease. Methods Data of 284 consecutive patients who had undergone EBUS‐TBNA was collected. Two hundred patients had suspected NSCLC, with 148 confirmed NSCLC cases. The diagnostic utility of EBUS‐TBNA was determined according to NSCLC stage, EBUS lymph node size, PET SUV, use in distal metastases, and mutation testing. The utility of neck ultrasound for N3 disease was calculated in patients with bulky mediastinal disease. Results EBUS‐TBNA was well tolerated with 97% sensitivity in distant metastatic disease, avoiding the need for distal metastases biopsy in 81% of cases. It had equivalent diagnostic accuracy in all NSCLC stages and in lymph nodes <10 mm, <20 mm or >20 mm (sensitivity >92% in all cases), with no mutation testing failures. EBUS‐TBNA had 33% sensitivity in PET indolent (SUV < 4) nodes and 79% sensitivity in PET active nodes (SUV > 4). EBUS‐TBNA diagnosed 12 cases of lymphoma without flow cytometry. Conclusions The use of EBUS‐TBNA meant that distant metastatic biopsy was avoided in 81% of cases, performing well irrespective of cancer stage, node size, and facilitating mutation testing. Neck ultrasound failed to detect N3 disease in patients with bulky mediastinal disease. EBUS‐TBNA had a sensitivity of 33% for metastases in PET negative nodes, highlighting PET limitations. PMID:28436173

Post-PET ultrasound improves specificity of 18F-FDG-PET for recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer while maintaining sensitivity

PubMed Central

Kråkenes, Jostein; Brauckhoff, Katrin; Haugland, Hans Kristian; Heinecke, Achim; Akslen, Lars A; Varhaug, Jan Erik; Brauckhoff, Michael

2015-01-01

Background Positron emission tomography (PET) using fluor-18-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) with or without computed tomography (CT) is generally accepted as the most sensitive imaging modality for diagnosing recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in patients with negative whole body scintigraphy with iodine-131 (I-131). Purpose To assess the potential incremental value of ultrasound (US) over 18F-FDG-PET-CT. Material and Methods Fifty-one consecutive patients with suspected recurrent DTC were prospectively evaluated using the following multimodal imaging protocol: (i) US before PET (pre-US) with or without fine needle biopsy (FNB) of suspicious lesions; (ii) single photon emission computed tomography (≥3 GBq I-131) with co-registered CT (SPECT-CT); (iii) 18F-FDG-PET with co-registered contrast-enhanced CT of the neck; (iv) US in correlation with the other imaging modalities (post-US). Postoperative histology, FNB, and long-term follow-up (median, 2.8 years) were taken as composite gold standard. Results Fifty-eight malignant lesions were identified in 34 patients. Forty lesions were located in the neck or upper mediastinum. On receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, 18F-FDG-PET had a limited lesion-based specificity of 59% at a set sensitivity of 90%. Pre-US had poor sensitivity and specificity of 52% and 53%, respectively, increasing to 85% and 94% on post-US, with knowledge of the PET/CT findings (P < 0.05 vs. PET and pre-US). Multimodal imaging changed therapy in 15 out of 51 patients (30%). Conclusion In patients with suspected recurrent DTC, supplemental targeted US in addition to 18F-FDG-PET-CT increases specificity while maintainin sensitivity, as non-malignant FDG uptake in cervical lesions can be confirmed. PMID:25770086

Accuracy of ultrasound versus computed tomography urogram in detecting urinary tract calculi.

PubMed

Salinawati, B; Hing, E Y; Fam, X I; Zulfiqar, M A

2015-08-01

To determine the (i) sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound (USG) in the detection of urinary tract calculi, (ii) size of renal calculi detected on USG, and (iii) size of renal calculi not seen on USG but detected on computed tomography urogram (CTU). A total of 201 patients' USG and CTU were compared retrospectively for the presence of calculi. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of USG were calculated with CTU as the gold standard. From the 201 sets of data collected, 59 calculi were detected on both USG and CTU. The sensitivity and specificity of renal calculi detection on USG were 53% and 85% respectively. The mean size of the renal calculus detected on USG was 7.6 mm ± 4.1 mm and the mean size of the renal calculus not visualised on USG but detected on CTU was 4 mm ± 2.4 mm. The sensitivity and specificity of ureteric calculi detection on USG were 12% and 97% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of urinary bladder calculi detection on USG were 20% and 100% respectively. This study showed that the accuracy of US in detecting renal, ureteric and urinary bladder calculi were 67%, 80% and 98% respectively.

Sensitivity and specificity of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) for detection of choroidal neovascularization in real-life practice and varying retinal expertise level.

PubMed

Souedan, Vaël; Souied, Eric H; Caillaux, Violaine; Miere, Alexandra; Ameen, Ala El; Blanco-Garavito, Rocio

2017-05-25

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of OCT angiography (OCT-A) detecting or predicting choroidal neovascularization (CNV), by ophthalmologists of disparate degrees of skills in retinal diseases, using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA) as a standard reference. Retrospective observational case series. Patient presenting maculopathy and complete imaging were included. FA, SD-OCT, OCT-A and FA coupled to SD-OCT images were graded independently for presence or absence of CNV by ophthalmologists with varying expertise levels. Overall sensitivity of OCT-A was 85.62% (95% CI 79.04-90.76%) and specificity was 81.51% (95% CI 73.36-88.03). Sensitivity of FA was 74.51% (95% CI 66.84-81.20), and specificity was 82.35% (95% CI 74.30-88.73). Sensitivity of FA + SD-OCT was 92.72% (95% CI 87.34-96.30), and specificity was 90.91% (95% CI 84.31-95.37). OCT-A has good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of CNV in all expertise level groups. OCT-A may soon become a routine tool for CNV diagnosis and follow-up.

Combining Gabor and Talbot bands techniques to enhance the sensitivity with depth in Fourier domain optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradu, Adrian; Marques, Manuel J.; Bouchal, Petr; Podoleanu, Adrian Gh.

2013-03-01

The purpose of this study was to show how to favorably mix two e_ects to improve the sensitivity with depth in Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (OCT): Talbot bands (TB) and Gabor-based fusion (GF) technique. TB operation is achieved by directing the two beams, from the object arm and from the reference arm in the OCT interferometer, along parallel separate paths towards the spectrometer. By changing the lateral gap between the two beams in their path towards the spectrometer, the position for the maximum sensitivity versus the optical path difference in the interferometer is adjusted. For five values of the focus position, the gap between the two beams is readjusted to reach maximum sensitivity. Then, similar to the procedure employed in the GF technique, a composite image is formed by edging together the parts of the five images that exhibited maximum brightness. The combined procedure, TB/GF is examined for four different values of the beam diameters of the two beams. Also we demonstrate volumetric FD-OCT images with mirror term attenuation and sensitivity profile shifted towards higher OPD values by applying a Talbot bands configuration.

Tomography using monochromatic thermal neutrons with attenuation and phase contrast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubus, Francois; Bonse, Ulrich; Biermann, Theodor; Baron, Matthias; Beckmann, Felix; Zawisky, Michael

2002-01-01

Attenuation-contrast tomography with monochromatic thermal neutrons was developed and operated at guide station S18 of the institute Laue-Langevin in Grenoble. From the S18 spectrum the neutron wavelength (lambda) equals 0.18 nm was selected by employing a fore crystal with the silicon 220 reflection at a Bragg angle (Theta) equals 30 degrees. Projections were registered by a position sensitive detector (PSD) consisting of a neutron-to-visible-light converter coupled to a CCD detector. Neutron tomography and its comparison with X-ray tomography is studied. This is of special interest since the cross section for neutron attenuation ((sigma) atom) and the cross section for neutron phase shift (bc) are isotope specific and, in addition, by no means mostly monotonous functions of atomic number Z as are attenuation coefficient ((mu) x) and atomic scattering amplitude (f) in the case of X-rays. Results obtained with n-attenuation tomography will be presented. Possibilities and the setup of an instrument for neutron phase-contrast tomography based on single-crystal neutron interferometry will be described.

PSOCT studies of intervertebral disk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matcher, Stephen J.; Winlove, Peter C.; Gangnus, Sergey V.

2004-07-01

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) is an emerging optical imaging technique that is sensitive to the birefringence properties of tissues. It thus has applications in studying the large-scale ordering of collagen fibers within connective tissues. This ordering not only provides useful insights into the relationship between structure and function for various anatomical structures but also is an indicator of pathology. Intervertebral disk is an elastic tissue of the spine and possesses a 3-D collagen structure well suited to study using PSOCT. Since the outer layer of the disk has a lamellar structure with collagen fibers oriented in a trellis-like arrangement between lamellae, the birefringence fast-axis shows pronounced variations with depth, on a spatial scale of about 100 μm. The lamellar thickness varies with age and possibly with disease. We have used a polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography system to measure the birefringence properties of freshly excised, hydrated bovine caudal intervertebral disk and compared this with equine flexor tendon. Our results clearly demonstrate the ability of PSOCT to detect the outer three lamellae, down to a depth of at least 700 μm, via discontinuities in the depth-resolved retardance. We have applied a simple semi-empirical model based on Jones calculus to quantify the variation in the fast-axis orientation with depth. Our data and modeling is in broad agreement with previous studies using x-ray diffraction and polarization microscopy applied to histological sections of dehydrated disk. Our results imply that PSOCT may prove a useful tool to study collagen organisation within intervertebral disk in vitro and possibly in vivo and its variation with age and disease.

Analysis of the Origin of Atypical Scanning Laser Polarimetry Patterns by Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Götzinger, Erich; Pircher, Michael; Baumann, Bernhard; Hirn, Cornelia; Vass, Clemens; Hitzenberger, Christoph K.

2010-01-01

Purpose To analyze the physical origin of atypical scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) patterns. To compare polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) scans to SLP images. To present a method to obtain pseudo-SLP images by PS-OCT that are free of atypical artifacts. Methods Forty-one eyes of healthy subjects, subjects with suspected glaucoma, and patients with glaucoma were imaged by SLP (GDx VCC) and a prototype spectral domain PS-OCT system. The PS-OCT system acquires three-dimensional (3D) datasets of intensity, retardation, and optic axis orientation simultaneously within 3 seconds. B-scans of intensity and retardation and en face maps of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) retardation were derived from the 3D PS-OCT datasets. Results were compared with those obtained by SLP. Results Twenty-two eyes showed atypical retardation patterns, and 19 eyes showed normal patterns. From the 22 atypical eyes, 15 showed atypical patterns in both imaging modalities, five were atypical only in SLP images, and two were atypical only in PS-OCT images. In most (15 of 22) atypical cases, an increased penetration of the probing beam into the birefringent sclera was identified as the source of atypical patterns. In such cases, the artifacts could be eliminated in PS-OCT images by depth segmentation and exclusion of scleral signals. Conclusions PS-OCT provides deeper insight into the contribution of different fundus layers to SLP images. Increased light penetration into the sclera can distort SLP retardation patterns of the RNFL. PMID:19036999

Nano-particle doped hydroxyapatite material evaluation using spectroscopic polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strąkowska, Paulina; Trojanowski, Michał; Gardas, Mateusz; Głowacki, Maciej J.; Kraszewski, Maciej; Strąkowski, Marcin R.

2015-03-01

Bio-ceramics such as hydroxyapatite (HAp) are widely used materials in medical applications, especially as an interface between implants and living tissues. There are many ways of creating structures from HAp like electrochemical assisted deposition, biomimetic, electrophoresis, pulsed laser deposition or sol-gel processing. Our research is based on analyzing the parameters of the sol-gel method for creating thin layers of HAp. In order to achieve this, we propose to use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for non-destructive and non-invasive evaluation. Our system works in the IR spectrum range, which is helpful due to the wide range of nanocomposites being opaque in the VIS range. In order to use our method we need to measure two samples, one which is a reference HAp solution and second: a similar HAp solution with nanoparticles introduced inside. We use silver nanoparticles below 300 nm. The aim of this research is to analyze the concentration and dispersion of nanodopants in the bio-ceramic matrix. Furthermore, the quality of the HAp coating and deposition process repetition have been monitored. For this purpose the polarization sensitive OCT with additional spectroscopic analysis is being investigated. Despite the other methods, which are suitable for nanocomposite materials evaluation, the OCT with additional features seems to be one of the few which belong to the NDE/NDT group. Here we are presenting the OCT system for evaluation of the HAp with nano-particles, as well as HAp manufacturing process. A brief discussion on the usefulness of OCT for bio-ceramics materials examination is also being presented.

Photothermal optical coherence tomography of epidermal growth factor receptor in live cells using immunotargeted gold nanospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skala, Melissa C.; Crow, Matthew J.; Wax, Adam; Izatt, Joseph A.

2009-02-01

Molecular imaging is a powerful tool for investigating disease processes and potential therapies in both in vivo and in vitro systems. However, high resolution molecular imaging has been limited to relatively shallow penetration depths that can be accessed with microscopy. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optical analogue to ultrasound with relatively good penetration depth (1-2 mm) and resolution (~1-10 μm). We have developed and characterized photothermal OCT as a molecular contrast mechanism that allows for high resolution molecular imaging at deeper penetration depths than microscopy. Our photothermal system consists of an amplitude-modulated heating beam that spatially overlaps with the focused spot of the sample arm of a spectral-domain OCT microscope. Validation experiments in tissue-like phantoms containing gold nanospheres that absorb at 532 nm revealed a sensitivity of 14 parts per million nanospheres (weight/weight) in a tissue-like environment. The nanospheres were then conjugated to anti-EGFR, and molecular targeting was confirmed in cells that over-express EGFR (MDA-MB-468) and cells that express low levels of EGFR (MDA-MB-435). Molecular imaging in three-dimensional tissue constructs was confirmed with a significantly lower photothermal signal (p<0.0001) from the constructs composed of cells that express low levels of EGFR compared to the over-expressing cell constructs (300% signal increase). This technique could potentially augment confocal and multiphoton microscopy as a method for deep-tissue, depth-resolved molecular imaging with relatively high resolution and target sensitivity, without photobleaching or cytotoxicity.

Sensitivities of seismic velocities to temperature, pressure and composition in the lower mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trampert, Jeannot; Vacher, Pierre; Vlaar, Nico

2001-08-01

We calculated temperature, pressure and compositional sensitivities of seismic velocities in the lower mantle using latest mineral physics data. The compositional variable refers to the volume proportion of perovskite in a simplified perovskite-magnesiowüstite mantle assemblage. The novelty of our approach is the exploration of a reasonable range of input parameters which enter the lower mantle extrapolations. This leads to realistic error bars on the sensitivities. Temperature variations can be inferred throughout the lower mantle within a good degree of precision. Contrary to the uppermost mantle, modest compositional changes in the lower mantle can be detected by seismic tomography, with a larger uncertainty though. A likely trade-off between temperature and composition will be largely determined by uncertainties in tomography itself. Given current sources of uncertainties on recent data, anelastic contributions to the temperature sensitivities (calculated using Karato's approach) appear less significant than previously thought. Recent seismological determinations of the ratio of relative S to P velocity heterogeneity can be entirely explain by thermal effects, although isolated spots beneath Africa and the Central Pacific in the lowermost mantle may ask for a compositional origin.

Analysis of electrical tomography sensitive field based on multi-terminal network and electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Yongbo; Su, Xingguo; Xu, Meng; Wang, Huaxiang

2010-08-01

Electrical tomography (ET) aims at the study of the conductivity/permittivity distribution of the interested field non-intrusively via the boundary voltage/current. The sensor is usually regarded as an electric field, and finite element method (FEM) is commonly used to calculate the sensitivity matrix and to optimize the sensor architecture. However, only the lumped circuit parameters can be measured by the data acquisition electronics, it's very meaningful to treat the sensor as a multi terminal network. Two types of multi terminal network with common node and common loop topologies are introduced. Getting more independent measurements and making more uniform current distribution are the two main ways to minimize the inherent ill-posed effect. By exploring the relationships of network matrixes, a general formula is proposed for the first time to calculate the number of the independent measurements. Additionally, the sensitivity distribution is analyzed with FEM. As a result, quasi opposite mode, an optimal single source excitation mode, that has the advantages of more uniform sensitivity distribution and more independent measurements, is proposed.

A drift chamber tracking system for muon scattering tomography applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, J.; Quillin, S.; Stapleton, M.; Steer, C.; Snow, S.

2015-10-01

Muon scattering tomography (MST) allows the identification of shielded high atomic number (high-Z) materials by measuring the scattering angle of cosmic ray muons passing through an inspection region. Cosmic ray muons scatter to a greater degree due to multiple Coulomb scattering in high-Z materials than low-Z materials, which can be measured as the angular difference between the incoming and outgoing trajectories of each muon. Measurements of trajectory are achieved by placing position sensitive particle tracking detectors above and below the inspection volume. By localising scattering information, the point at which a series of muons scatter can be used to reconstruct an image, differentiating high, medium and low density objects. MST is particularly useful for differentiating between materials of varying density in volumes that are difficult to inspect visually or by other means. This paper will outline the experimental work undertaken to develop a prototype MST system based on drift chamber technology. The planar drift chambers used in this prototype measure the longitudinal interaction position of an ionising particle from the time taken for elections, liberated in the argon (92.5%), carbon dioxide (5%), methane (2.5%) gas mixture, to reach a central anode wire. Such a system could be used to enhance the detection of shielded radiological material hidden within regular shipping cargo.

Iodine X-ray fluorescence computed tomography system utilizing a cadmium telluride detector in conjunction with a cerium-target tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagiwara, Osahiko; Watanabe, Manabu; Sato, Eiichi; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Nagao, Jiro; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2011-06-01

An X-ray fluorescence computed tomography system (XRF-CT) is useful for determining the main atoms in objects. To detect iodine atoms without using a synchrotron, we developed an XRF-CT system utilizing a cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector and a cerium X-ray generator. CT is performed by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object. When cerium K-series characteristic X-rays are absorbed by iodine atoms in objects, iodine K fluorescence is produced from atoms and is detected by the CdTe detector. Next, event signals of X-ray photons are produced with the use of charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. Iodine Kα fluorescence is isolated using a multichannel analyzer, and the number of photons is counted using a counter card. In energy-dispersive XRF-CT, the tube voltage and tube current were 70 kV and 0.40 mA, respectively, and the X-ray intensity was 115.3 μGy/s at a distance of 1.0 m from the source. The demonstration of XRF-CT was carried out by the selection of photons in an energy range from 27.5 to 29.5 keV with a photon-energy resolution of 1.2 keV.

Investigation of Energy-Dispersive X-ray Computed Tomography System with CdTe Scan Detector and Comparing-Differentiator and Its Application to Gadolinium K-Edge Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiba, Hiraku; Sato, Yuichi; Sato, Eiichi; Maeda, Tomoko; Matsushita, Ryo; Yanbe, Yutaka; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Kusachi, Shinya; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2012-10-01

An energy-dispersive (ED) X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for carrying out monochromatic imaging by selecting optimal energy photons. CT is performed by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object. X-ray photons from the object are detected by the cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector, and event pulses of X-ray photons are produced using charge-sensitive and shaping amplifiers. The lower photon energy is determined by a comparator, and the maximum photon energy of 70 keV corresponds to the tube voltage. Logical pulses from the comparator are counted by a counter card through a differentiator to reduce pulse width and rise time. In the ED-CT system, tube voltage and current were 70 kV and 0.30 mA, respectively, and X-ray intensity was 18.2 µGy/s at 1.0 m from the source at a tube voltage of 70 kV. Demonstration of gadolinium K-edge CT for cancer diagnosis was carried out by selecting photons with energies ranging from 50.4 to 70 keV, and photon-count energy subtraction imaging from 30 to 50.3 keV was also performed.

An environmental transfer hub for multimodal atom probe tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perea, Daniel E.; Gerstl, Stephan S. A.; Chin, Jackson

Environmental control during transfer between instruments is required for specimens sensitive to air or thermal exposure to prevent morphological or chemical changes. Atom Probe Tomography is an expanding technique but commercial instruments remain limited to loading under ambient conditions. Here we describe a multifunctional environmental transfer hub allowing controlled cryogenic, atmospheric and vacuum transfer between an Atom Probe and other instruments containing separate chambers to allow downstream time-resolved in-situ studies.

Comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of 5 image sets of dual-energy computed tomography for detecting first-pass myocardial perfusion defects compared with positron emission tomography.

PubMed

Li, Wenhuan; Zhu, Xiaolian; Li, Jing; Peng, Cheng; Chen, Nan; Qi, Zhigang; Yang, Qi; Gao, Yan; Zhao, Yang; Sun, Kai; Li, Kuncheng

2014-12-01

The sensitivity and specificity of 5 different image sets of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for the detection of first-pass myocardial perfusion defects have not systematically been compared using positron emission tomography (PET) as a reference standard. Forty-nine consecutive patients, with known or strongly suspected of coronary artery disease, were prospectively enrolled in our study. Cardiac DECT was performed at rest state using a second-generation 128-slice dual-source CT. The DECT data were reconstructed to iodine maps, monoenergetic images, 100 kV images, nonlinearly blended images, and linearly blended images by different postprocessing techniques. The myocardial perfusion defects on DECT images were visually assessed by 5 observers, using standard 17-segment model. Diagnostic accuracy of 5 image sets was assessed using nitrogen-13 ammonia PET as the gold standard. Discrimination was quantified using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and AUCs were compared using the method of DeLong. The DECT and PET examinations were successfully completed in 30 patients and a total of 90 territories and 510 segments were analyzed. Cardiac PET revealed myocardial perfusion defects in 56 territories (62%) and 209 segments (41%). The AUC of iodine maps, monoenergetic images, 100 kV images, nonlinearly blended images, and linearly blended images were 0.986, 0.934, 0.913, 0.881, and 0.871, respectively, on a per-territory basis. These values were 0.922, 0.813, 0.779, 0.763, and 0.728, respectively, on a per-segment basis. DECT iodine maps shows high sensitivity and specificity, and is superior to other DECT image sets for the detection of myocardial perfusion defects in the first-pass myocardial perfusion.

High-resolution and high sensitivity mesoscopic fluorescence tomography based on de-scanning EMCCD: System design and thick tissue imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozturk, Mehmet Saadeddin

Optical microscopy has been one of the essential tools for biological studies for decades, however, its application areas was limited to superficial investigation due to strong scattering in live tissues. Even though advanced techniques such as confocal or multiphoton methods have been recently developed to penetrate beyond a few hundreds of microns deep in tissues, they still cannot perform in the mesoscopic regime (millimeter scale) without using destructive sample preparation protocols such as clearing techniques. They provide rich cellular information; however, they cannot be readily employed to investigate the biological processes at larger scales. Herein, we will present our effort to establish a novel imaging approach that can quantify molecular expression in intact tissues, well beyond the current microscopy depth limits. Mesoscopic Fluorescence Molecular Tomography (MFMT) is an emerging imaging modality that offers unique potential for the non-invasive molecular assessment of thick in-vitro and in-vivo live tissues. This novel imaging modality is based on an optical inverse problem that allows for retrieval of the quantitative spatial distribution of fluorescent tagged bio-markers at millimeter depth. MFMT is well-suited for in-vivo subsurface tissue imaging and thick bio-printed specimens due to its high sensitivity and fast acquisition times, as well as relatively large fields of view. Herein, we will first demonstrate the potential of this technique using our first generation MFMT system applied to multiplexed reporter gene imaging (in-vitro) and determination of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) agent bio-distribution in a mouse model (in-vivo). Second, we will present the design rationale, in silico benchmarking, and experimental validation of a second generation MFMT (2GMFMT) system. We will demonstrate the gain in resolution and sensitivity achieved due to the de-scanned dense detector configuration implemented. The potential of this novel platform will be showcased by applying it to the longitudinal assessment of Ink-Jet Bio-Printed tumor models. This preliminary investigation focuses on monitoring four patient-derived glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) spheroids within their bioreactor for up to 70 days and following their volume change prior to and after exposure to a cytotoxic drug. Overall, our studies indicate that 2GMFMT is a powerful technique for in-vitro and in-vivo thick tissue molecular imaging applications due to its high resolution, fast tomographic imaging capability, and high sensitivity.

Syringeless power injector versus dual-syringe power injector: economic evaluation of user performance, the impact on contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) workflow exams, and hospital costs.

PubMed

Colombo, Giorgio L; Andreis, Ivo A Bergamo; Di Matteo, Sergio; Bruno, Giacomo M; Mondellini, Claudio

2013-01-01

The utilization of diagnostic imaging has substantially increased over the past decade in Europe and North America and continues to grow worldwide. The purpose of this study was to develop an economic evaluation of a syringeless power injector (PI) versus a dual-syringe PI for contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in a hospital setting. Patients (n=2379) were enrolled at the Legnano Hospital between November 2012 and January 2013. They had been referred to the hospital for a CECT analysis and were randomized into two groups. The first group was examined with a 256-MDCT (MultiDetector Computed Tomography) scanner using a syringeless power injector, while the other group was examined with a 64-MDCT scanner using a dual-syringe. Data on the operators' time required in the patient analysis steps as well as on the quantity of consumable materials used were collected. The radiologic technologists' satisfaction with the use of the PIs was rated on a 10-point scale. A budget impact analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed under the base-case scenario. A total of 1,040 patients were examined using the syringeless system, and 1,339 with the dual-syringe system; the CECT examination quality was comparable for both PI systems. Equipment preparation time and releasing time per examination for syringeless PIs versus dual-syringe PIs were 100±30 versus 180±30 seconds and 90±30 and 140±20 seconds, respectively. On average, 10±3 mL of contrast media (CM) wastage per examination was observed with the dual-syringe PI and 0±1 mL with the syringeless PI. Technologists had higher satisfaction with the syringeless PI than with the dual-syringe system (8.8 versus 8.0). The syringeless PI allows a saving of about €6.18 per patient, both due to the lower cost of the devices and to the better performance of the syringeless system. The univariate sensitivity analysis carried out on the base-case results within the standard deviation range confirmed the saving generated by using the syringeless device, with saving values between €5.40 and €6.20 per patient. The syringeless PI was found to be more user-friendly and efficient, minimizing contrast wastage and providing similar contrast enhancement quality compared to the dual-syringe injector, with comparable CECT examination quality.

Fluorescence lifetime imaging with near-infrared dyes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, Wolfgang; Shcheslavskiy, Vladislav

2013-02-01

Near-infrared (NIR) dyes are used as fluorescence markers in small-animal imaging and in diffuse optical tomography of the human brain. In these applications it is important to know whether the dyes bind to proteins or other tissue constituents, and whether their fluorescence lifetimes depend on the targets they are bound to. Unfortunately, neither the lasers nor the detectors of commonly used confocal and multiphoton laser scanning microscopes allow for excitation and detection of NIR fluorescence. We therefore upgraded existing confocal TCSPC FLIM systems with NIR lasers and NIR sensitive detectors. In multiphoton systems we used the Ti:Sa laser as a one-photon excitation source in combination with an NIR-sensitive detector in the confocal beam path. We tested a number of NIR dyes in biological tissue. Some of them showed clear lifetime changes depending on the tissue structures they are bound to. We therefore believe that NIR FLIM can deliver supplementary information on the tissue constitution and on local biochemical parameters.

Postinjection L-phenylalanine increases basal ganglia contrast in PET scans of 6-18F-DOPA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doudet, D.J.; McLellan, C.A.; Aigner, T.G.

The sensitivity of 18F-DOPA positron emission tomography for imaging presynaptic dopamine systems is limited by the amount of specific-to-nonspecific accumulation of radioactivity in brain. In rhesus monkeys, we have been able to increase this ratio by taking advantage of the lag time between 18F-DOPA injection and the formation of its main metabolite, the amino acid 18F-fluoromethoxydopa, the entrance of which into brain is responsible for most of the brain's nonspecific radioactivity. By infusing an unlabeled amino acid, L-phenylalanine, starting 15 min after 18F-DOPA administration, we preferentially blocked the accumulation of 18F-fluoromethoxydopa by preventing its entrance into brain through competition atmore » the large neutral amino acid transport system of the blood-brain barrier. This method appears as reliable as the original and more sensitive, as demonstrated by the comparison of normal and MPTP-treated animals under both conditions.« less

Probing myocardium biomechanics using quantitative optical coherence elastography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shang; Lopez, Andrew L.; Morikawa, Yuka; Tao, Ge; Li, Jiasong; Larina, Irina V.; Martin, James F.; Larin, Kirill V.

2015-03-01

We present a quantitative optical coherence elastographic method for noncontact assessment of the myocardium elasticity. The method is based on shear wave imaging optical coherence tomography (SWI-OCT), where a focused air-puff system is used to induce localized tissue deformation through a low-pressure short-duration air stream and a phase-sensitive OCT system is utilized to monitor the propagation of the induced tissue displacement with nanoscale sensitivity. The 1-D scanning of M-mode OCT imaging and the application of optical phase retrieval and mapping techniques enable the reconstruction and visualization of 2-D depth-resolved shear wave propagation in tissue with ultra-high frame rate. The feasibility of this method in quantitative elasticity measurement is demonstrated on tissue-mimicking phantoms with the estimated Young's modulus compared with uniaxial compression tests. We also performed pilot experiments on ex vivo mouse cardiac muscle tissues with normal and genetically altered cardiomyocytes. Our results indicate this noncontact quantitative optical coherence elastographic method can be a useful tool for the cardiac muscle research and studies.

SENSITIVITY OF ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND, MULTIDETECTOR COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF PANCREAS DIVISUM: A TERTIARY CENTER EXPERIENCE

PubMed Central

Kushnir, Vladimir M.; Wani, Sachin B.; Fowler, Kathryn; Menias, Christine; Varma, Rakesh; Narra, Vamsi; Hovis, Christine; Murad, Faris; Mullady, Daniel; Jonnalagadda, Sreenivasa S.; Early, Dayna S.; Edmundowicz, Steven A.; Azar, Riad R.

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVES There are limited data comparing imaging modalities in the diagnosis of pancreas divisum. We aimed to: 1. Evaluate the sensitivity of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) for pancreas divisum. 2. Assess interobserver agreement (IOA) among expert radiologists for detecting pancreas divisum on MDCT and MRCP. METHODS For this retrospective cohort study, we identified 45 consecutive patients with pancreaticobiliary symptoms and pancreas divisum established by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) who underwent EUS and cross-sectional imaging. The control group was composed of patients without pancreas divisum who underwent ERP and cross-sectional imaging. RESULTS The sensitivity of EUS for pancreas divisum was 86.7%, significantly higher than sensitivity reported in the medical records for MDCT (15.5%) or MRCP (60%) [p<0.001 for each]. On review by expert radiologists the sensitivity of MDCT increased to 83.3% in cases where the pancreatic duct was visualized, with fair IOA (қ=0.34). Expert review of MRCPs did not identify any additional cases of pancreas divisum; IOA was moderate (қ=0.43). CONCLUSIONS EUS is a sensitive test for diagnosing pancreas divisum and is superior to MDCT and MRCP. Review of MDCT studies by expert radiologists substantially raises its sensitivity for pancreas divisum. PMID:23211370

Constraints on the dark matter and dark energy interactions from weak lensing bispectrum tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

An, Rui; Feng, Chang; Wang, Bin, E-mail: an_rui@sjtu.edu.cn, E-mail: chang.feng@uci.edu, E-mail: wang_b@sjtu.edu.cn

We estimate uncertainties of cosmological parameters for phenomenological interacting dark energy models using weak lensing convergence power spectrum and bispectrum. We focus on the bispectrum tomography and examine how well the weak lensing bispectrum with tomography can constrain the interactions between dark sectors, as well as other cosmological parameters. Employing the Fisher matrix analysis, we forecast parameter uncertainties derived from weak lensing bispectra with a two-bin tomography and place upper bounds on strength of the interactions between the dark sectors. The cosmic shear will be measured from upcoming weak lensing surveys with high sensitivity, thus it enables us to usemore » the higher order correlation functions of weak lensing to constrain the interaction between dark sectors and will potentially provide more stringent results with other observations combined.« less

Diagnostic accuracy of oblique chest radiograph for occult pneumothorax: comparison with ultrasonography.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Shokei; Sekine, Kazuhiko; Funabiki, Tomohiro; Orita, Tomohiko; Shimizu, Masayuki; Hayashida, Kei; Kazamaki, Taku; Suzuki, Tatsuya; Kishikawa, Masanobu; Yamazaki, Motoyasu; Kitano, Mitsuhide

2016-01-01

An occult pneumothorax is a pneumothorax that is not seen on a supine chest X-ray but is detected by computed tomography scanning. However, critical patients are difficult to transport to the computed tomography suite. We previously reported a method to detect occult pneumothorax using oblique chest radiography (OXR). Several authors have also reported that ultrasonography is an effective technique for detecting occult pneumothorax. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of OXR in the diagnosis of the occult pneumothorax and to compare OXR with ultrasonography. All consecutive blunt chest trauma patients with clinically suspected pneumothorax on arrival at the emergency department were prospectively included at our tertiary-care center. The patients underwent OXR and ultrasonography, and underwent computed tomography scans as the gold standard. Occult pneumothorax size on computed tomography was classified as minuscule, anterior, or anterolateral. One hundred and fifty-nine patients were enrolled. Of the 70 occult pneumothoraces found in the 318 thoraces, 19 were minuscule, 32 were anterior, and 19 were anterolateral. The sensitivity and specificity of OXR for detecting occult pneumothorax was 61.4 % and 99.2 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of lung ultrasonography was 62.9 % and 98.8 %, respectively. Among 27 occult pneumothoraces that could not be detected by OXR, 16 were minuscule and 21 could be conservatively managed without thoracostomy. OXR appears to be as good method as lung ultrasonography in the detection of large occult pneumothorax. In trauma patients who are difficult to transfer to computed tomography scan, OXR may be effective at detecting occult pneumothorax with a risk of progression.

RF Tomography for Tunnel Detection: Principles and Inversion Schemes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo Monte, L.; Erricolo, D.; Inan, U. S.; Wicks, M. C.

2008-12-01

We propose a novel way to detect underground tunnels based on classical seismic tomography, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), inverse scattering principles, and the deployment of distributed sensors, which we call "Distributed RF Tomography". Tunnel detection has been a critical problem that cannot be considered fully solved. Presently, tunnel detection is performed by methods that include seismic sensors, electrical impedance, microgravity, boreholes, and GPR. All of these methods have drawbacks that make them not applicable for use in unfriendly environments, such as battlefields. Specifically, they do not cover wide surface areas, they are generally shallow, they are limited to vertical prospecting, and require the user to be in situ, which may jeopardize one's safety. Additional application of the proposed distributed RF tomography include monitoring sensitive areas, (e.g. banks, power plants, military bases, prisons, national borders) and civil applications (e.g. environmental engineering, mine safety, search and rescue, speleology, archaeology and geophysics). The novelty of a Distributed RF tomography system consists of the following. 1) Sensors are scattered randomly above the ground, thus saving time and money compared to the use of boreholes. 2) The use of lower operating frequency (around HF), which allows for deeper penetration. 3) The use of CW diffraction tomography, which increases the resolution to sub-wavelength values, independently from the sensor displacement, and increases the SNR. 4) Use of linear inversion schemes that are suited for tunnel detection. 5) The use of modulation schemes and signal processing algorithms to mitigate interferences and noise. This presentation will cover: 1. Current physical limits of existing techniques for tunnel detection. 2. Concept of Distributed RF Tomography. 3. Inversion theories and strategies a. Proper forward model for voids buried into an homogeneous medium b. Extended matched filtering inversion c. Near field formulation : Dyadic representation d. Fourier approach: principles and techniques aimed at improving the reconstructed image. e. Theoretical Limits f. Super-Resolution : Singular Values Decomposition and MUSIC 4. Propagation Model and theoretical limitations. 5. Transmitting and Receiving design, with signal processing and modulation. 6. Numerical Simulations using FDTD tools.

On the possibility of producing true real-time retinal cross-sectional images using a graphics processing unit enhanced master-slave optical coherence tomography system.

PubMed

Bradu, Adrian; Kapinchev, Konstantin; Barnes, Frederick; Podoleanu, Adrian

2015-07-01

In a previous report, we demonstrated master-slave optical coherence tomography (MS-OCT), an OCT method that does not need resampling of data and can be used to deliver en face images from several depths simultaneously. In a separate report, we have also demonstrated MS-OCT's capability of producing cross-sectional images of a quality similar to those provided by the traditional Fourier domain (FD) OCT technique, but at a much slower rate. Here, we demonstrate that by taking advantage of the parallel processing capabilities offered by the MS-OCT method, cross-sectional OCT images of the human retina can be produced in real time. We analyze the conditions that ensure a true real-time B-scan imaging operation and demonstrate in vivo real-time images from human fovea and the optic nerve, with resolution and sensitivity comparable to those produced using the traditional FD-based method, however, without the need of data resampling.

Solar tomography adaptive optics.

PubMed

Ren, Deqing; Zhu, Yongtian; Zhang, Xi; Dou, Jiangpei; Zhao, Gang

2014-03-10

Conventional solar adaptive optics uses one deformable mirror (DM) and one guide star for wave-front sensing, which seriously limits high-resolution imaging over a large field of view (FOV). Recent progress toward multiconjugate adaptive optics indicates that atmosphere turbulence induced wave-front distortion at different altitudes can be reconstructed by using multiple guide stars. To maximize the performance over a large FOV, we propose a solar tomography adaptive optics (TAO) system that uses tomographic wave-front information and uses one DM. We show that by fully taking advantage of the knowledge of three-dimensional wave-front distribution, a classical solar adaptive optics with one DM can provide an extra performance gain for high-resolution imaging over a large FOV in the near infrared. The TAO will allow existing one-deformable-mirror solar adaptive optics to deliver better performance over a large FOV for high-resolution magnetic field investigation, where solar activities occur in a two-dimensional field up to 60'', and where the near infrared is superior to the visible in terms of magnetic field sensitivity.

Uranium Isotopic Ratio Measurements of U3O8 Reference Materials by Atom Probe Tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fahey, Albert J.; Perea, Daniel E.; Bartrand, Jonah AG

2016-01-01

We report results of measurements of isotopic ratios obtained with atom probe tomography on U3O8 reference materials certified for their isotopic abundances of uranium. The results show good agreement with the certified values. High backgrounds due to tails from adjacent peaks complicate the measurement of the integrated peak areas as well as the fact that only oxides of uranium appear in the spectrum, the most intense of which is doubly charged. In addition, lack of knowledge of other instrumental parameters, such as the dead time, may bias the results. Isotopic ratio measurements can be performed at the nanometer-scale with themore » expectation of sensible results. The abundance sensitivity and mass resolving power of the mass spectrometer are not sufficient to compete with magnetic-sector instruments but are not far from measurements made by ToF-SIMS of other isotopic systems. The agreement of the major isotope ratios is more than sufficient to distinguish most anthropogenic compositions from natural.« less

Experimental results for 2D magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MR-EIT) using magnetic flux density in one direction.

PubMed

Birgül, Ozlem; Eyüboğlu, B Murat; Ider, Y Ziya

2003-11-07

Magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MR-EIT) is an emerging imaging technique that reconstructs conductivity images using magnetic flux density measurements acquired employing MRI together with conventional EIT measurements. In this study, experimental MR-EIT images from phantoms with conducting and insulator objects are presented. The technique is implemented using the 0.15 T Middle East Technical University MRI system. The dc current method used in magnetic resonance current density imaging is adopted. A reconstruction algorithm based on the sensitivity matrix relation between conductivity and only one component of magnetic flux distribution is used. Therefore, the requirement for object rotation is eliminated. Once the relative conductivity distribution is found, it is scaled using the peripheral voltage measurements to obtain the absolute conductivity distribution. Images of several insulator and conductor objects in saline filled phantoms are reconstructed. The L2 norm of relative error in conductivity values is found to be 13%, 17% and 14% for three different conductivity distributions.

Optical Magnetic Induction Tomography of the Heart

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marmugi, Luca; Renzoni, Ferruccio

2016-04-01

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) affects a significant fraction of the ageing population, causing a high level of morbidity and mortality. Despite its significance, the causes of AF are still not uniquely identified. This, combined with the lack of precise diagnostic and guiding tools, makes the clinical treatment of AF sub-optimal. We identify magnetic induction tomography as the most promising technique for the investigation of the causes of fibrillation and for its clinical practice. We therefore propose a novel optical instrument based on optical atomic magnetometers, fulfilling the requirements for diagnostic mapping of the heart’s conductivity. The feasibility of the device is here discussed in view of the final application. Thanks to the potential of atomic magnetometers for miniaturisation and extreme sensitivity at room temperature, a new generation of compact and non-invasive diagnostic instrumentation, with both bedside and intra-operative operation capability, is envisioned. Possible scenarios both in clinical practice and biomedical research are then discussed. The flexibility of the system makes it promising also for application in other fields, such as neurology and oncology.

Lens-free all-fiber probe with an optimized output beam for optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Ding, Zhihua; Qiu, Jianrong; Shen, Yi; Chen, Zhiyan; Bao, Wen

2017-07-15

A high-efficiency lensless all-fiber probe for optical coherence tomography (OCT) is presented. The probe is composed of a segment of large-core multimode fiber (MMF), a segment of tapered MMF, and a length of single-mode fiber (SMF). A controllable output beam can be designed by a simple adjustment of its probe structure parameters (PSPs), instead of the selection of fibers with different optical parameters. A side-view probe with a diameter of 340 μm and a rigid length of 6.37 mm was fabricated, which provides an effective imaging range of ∼0.6  mm with a full width at half-maximum beam diameter of less than 30 μm. The insertion loss of the probe was measured to be 0.81 dB, ensuring a high sensitivity of 102.25 dB. Satisfactory images were obtained by the probe-based OCT system, demonstrating the feasibility of the probe for endoscopic OCT applications.

Diagnostic performance of a computer-assisted diagnosis system for bone scintigraphy of newly developed skeletal metastasis in prostate cancer patients: search for low-sensitivity subgroups.

PubMed

Koizumi, Mitsuru; Motegi, Kazuki; Koyama, Masamichi; Terauchi, Takashi; Yuasa, Takeshi; Yonese, Junji

2017-08-01

The computer-assisted diagnostic system for bone scintigraphy (BS) BONENAVI is used to evaluate skeletal metastasis. We investigated its diagnostic performance in prostate cancer patients with and without skeletal metastasis and searched for the problems. An artificial neural network (ANN) value was calculated in 226 prostate cancer patients (124 with skeletal metastasis and 101 without) using BS. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed and the sensitivity and specificity determined (cutoff ANN = 0.5). Patient's situation at the time of diagnosis of skeletal metastasis, computed tomography (CT) type, extent of disease (EOD), and BS uptake grade were analyzed. False-negative and false-positive results were recorded. BONENAVI showed 82% (102/124) of sensitivity and 83% (84/101) specificity for metastasis detection. There were no significant differences among CT types, although low EOD and faint BS uptake were associated with low ANN values and low sensitivity. Patients showed lower sensitivity during the follow-up period than staging work-up. False-negative lesions were often located in the pelvis or adjacent to it. They comprised not only solitary, faint BS lesions but also overlaying to urinary excretion. BONENAVI with BS has good sensitivity and specificity for detecting prostate cancer's osseous metastasis. Low EOD and faint BS uptake are associated with low sensitivity but not the CT type. Prostate cancer patients likely to have false-negative results during the follow-up period had a solitary lesion in the pelvis with faint BS uptake or lesions overlaying to urinary excretion.

Measurement of skin dose from cone-beam computed tomography imaging.

PubMed

Akyalcin, Sercan; English, Jeryl D; Abramovitch, Kenneth M; Rong, Xiujiang J

2013-10-09

To measure surface skin dose from various cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners using point-dosimeters. A head anthropomorphic phantom was used with nanoDOT optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters (Landauer Corp., Glenwood, IL) attached to various anatomic landmarks. The phantom was scanned using multiple exposure protocols for craniofacial evaluations in three different CBCT units and a conventional x-ray imaging system. The dosimeters were calibrated for each of the scan protocols on the different imaging systems. Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, submandibular and parotid gland levels were measured. The measured skin doses ranged from 0.09 to 4.62 mGy depending on dosimeter positions and imaging systems. The average surface doses to the lens locations were ~4.0 mGy, well below the threshold for cataractogenesis (500 mGy). The results changed accordingly with x-ray tube output (mAs and kV) and also were sensitive to scan field of view (SFOV). As compared to the conventional panoramic and cephalometric imaging system, doses from all three CBCT systems were at least an order of magnitude higher. Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, and salivary gland levels measured from the CBCT imaging systems were lower than the thresholds to induce deterministic effects. However, our findings do not justify the routine use of CBCT imaging in orthodontics considering the lifetime-attributable risk to the individual.

Measurement of skin dose from cone-beam computed tomography imaging

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Objective To measure surface skin dose from various cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners using point-dosimeters. Materials & methods A head anthropomorphic phantom was used with nanoDOT optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters (Landauer Corp., Glenwood, IL) attached to various anatomic landmarks. The phantom was scanned using multiple exposure protocols for craniofacial evaluations in three different CBCT units and a conventional x-ray imaging system. The dosimeters were calibrated for each of the scan protocols on the different imaging systems. Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, submandibular and parotid gland levels were measured. Results The measured skin doses ranged from 0.09 to 4.62 mGy depending on dosimeter positions and imaging systems. The average surface doses to the lens locations were ~4.0 mGy, well below the threshold for cataractogenesis (500 mGy). The results changed accordingly with x-ray tube output (mAs and kV) and also were sensitive to scan field of view (SFOV). As compared to the conventional panoramic and cephalometric imaging system, doses from all three CBCT systems were at least an order of magnitude higher. Conclusions Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, and salivary gland levels measured from the CBCT imaging systems were lower than the thresholds to induce deterministic effects. However, our findings do not justify the routine use of CBCT imaging in orthodontics considering the lifetime-attributable risk to the individual. PMID:24192155

HT2DINV: A 2D forward and inverse code for steady-state and transient hydraulic tomography problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soueid Ahmed, A.; Jardani, A.; Revil, A.; Dupont, J. P.

2015-12-01

Hydraulic tomography is a technique used to characterize the spatial heterogeneities of storativity and transmissivity fields. The responses of an aquifer to a source of hydraulic stimulations are used to recover the features of the estimated fields using inverse techniques. We developed a 2D free source Matlab package for performing hydraulic tomography analysis in steady state and transient regimes. The package uses the finite elements method to solve the ground water flow equation for simple or complex geometries accounting for the anisotropy of the material properties. The inverse problem is based on implementing the geostatistical quasi-linear approach of Kitanidis combined with the adjoint-state method to compute the required sensitivity matrices. For undetermined inverse problems, the adjoint-state method provides a faster and more accurate approach for the evaluation of sensitivity matrices compared with the finite differences method. Our methodology is organized in a way that permits the end-user to activate parallel computing in order to reduce the computational burden. Three case studies are investigated demonstrating the robustness and efficiency of our approach for inverting hydraulic parameters.

Lamb mode selection for accurate wall loss estimation via guided wave tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huthwaite, P.; Ribichini, R.; Lowe, M. J. S.; Cawley, P.

2014-02-01

Guided wave tomography offers a method to accurately quantify wall thickness losses in pipes and vessels caused by corrosion. This is achieved using ultrasonic waves transmitted over distances of approximately 1-2m, which are measured by an array of transducers and then used to reconstruct a map of wall thickness throughout the inspected region. To achieve accurate estimations of remnant wall thickness, it is vital that a suitable Lamb mode is chosen. This paper presents a detailed evaluation of the fundamental modes, S0 and A0, which are of primary interest in guided wave tomography thickness estimates since the higher order modes do not exist at all thicknesses, to compare their performance using both numerical and experimental data while considering a range of challenging phenomena. The sensitivity of A0 to thickness variations was shown to be superior to S0, however, the attenuation from A0 when a liquid loading was present was much higher than S0. A0 was less sensitive to the presence of coatings on the surface of than S0.

Performance evaluation of an improved optical computed tomography polymer gel dosimeter system for 3D dose verification of static and dynamic phantom deliveries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lopatiuk-Tirpak, O.; Langen, K. M.; Meeks, S. L.

2008-09-15

The performance of a next-generation optical computed tomography scanner (OCTOPUS-5X) is characterized in the context of three-dimensional gel dosimetry. Large-volume (2.2 L), muscle-equivalent, radiation-sensitive polymer gel dosimeters (BANG-3) were used. Improvements in scanner design leading to shorter acquisition times are discussed. The spatial resolution, detectable absorbance range, and reproducibility are assessed. An efficient method for calibrating gel dosimeters using the depth-dose relationship is applied, with photon- and electron-based deliveries yielding equivalent results. A procedure involving a preirradiation scan was used to reduce the edge artifacts in reconstructed images, thereby increasing the useful cross-sectional area of the dosimeter by nearly amore » factor of 2. Dose distributions derived from optical density measurements using the calibration coefficient show good agreement with the treatment planning system simulations and radiographic film measurements. The feasibility of use for motion (four-dimensional) dosimetry is demonstrated on an example comparing dose distributions from static and dynamic delivery of a single-field photon plan. The capability to visualize three-dimensional dose distributions is also illustrated.« less

Complex differential variance angiography with noise-bias correction for optical coherence tomography of the retina

PubMed Central

Braaf, Boy; Donner, Sabine; Nam, Ahhyun S.; Bouma, Brett E.; Vakoc, Benjamin J.

2018-01-01

Complex differential variance (CDV) provides phase-sensitive angiographic imaging for optical coherence tomography (OCT) with immunity to phase-instabilities of the imaging system and small-scale axial bulk motion. However, like all angiographic methods, measurement noise can result in erroneous indications of blood flow that confuse the interpretation of angiographic images. In this paper, a modified CDV algorithm that corrects for this noise-bias is presented. This is achieved by normalizing the CDV signal by analytically derived upper and lower limits. The noise-bias corrected CDV algorithm was implemented into an experimental 1 μm wavelength OCT system for retinal imaging that used an eye tracking scanner laser ophthalmoscope at 815 nm for compensation of lateral eye motions. The noise-bias correction improved the CDV imaging of the blood flow in tissue layers with a low signal-to-noise ratio and suppressed false indications of blood flow outside the tissue. In addition, the CDV signal normalization suppressed noise induced by galvanometer scanning errors and small-scale lateral motion. High quality cross-section and motion-corrected en face angiograms of the retina and choroid are presented. PMID:29552388

Complex differential variance angiography with noise-bias correction for optical coherence tomography of the retina.

PubMed

Braaf, Boy; Donner, Sabine; Nam, Ahhyun S; Bouma, Brett E; Vakoc, Benjamin J

2018-02-01

Complex differential variance (CDV) provides phase-sensitive angiographic imaging for optical coherence tomography (OCT) with immunity to phase-instabilities of the imaging system and small-scale axial bulk motion. However, like all angiographic methods, measurement noise can result in erroneous indications of blood flow that confuse the interpretation of angiographic images. In this paper, a modified CDV algorithm that corrects for this noise-bias is presented. This is achieved by normalizing the CDV signal by analytically derived upper and lower limits. The noise-bias corrected CDV algorithm was implemented into an experimental 1 μm wavelength OCT system for retinal imaging that used an eye tracking scanner laser ophthalmoscope at 815 nm for compensation of lateral eye motions. The noise-bias correction improved the CDV imaging of the blood flow in tissue layers with a low signal-to-noise ratio and suppressed false indications of blood flow outside the tissue. In addition, the CDV signal normalization suppressed noise induced by galvanometer scanning errors and small-scale lateral motion. High quality cross-section and motion-corrected en face angiograms of the retina and choroid are presented.

Ultrahigh speed endoscopic optical coherence tomography for gastroenterology.

PubMed

Tsai, Tsung-Han; Lee, Hsiang-Chieh; Ahsen, Osman O; Liang, Kaicheng; Giacomelli, Michael G; Potsaid, Benjamin M; Tao, Yuankai K; Jayaraman, Vijaysekhar; Figueiredo, Marisa; Huang, Qin; Cable, Alex E; Fujimoto, James; Mashimo, Hiroshi

2014-12-01

We describe an ultrahigh speed endoscopic swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for clinical gastroenterology using a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and micromotor imaging catheter. The system had a 600 kHz axial scan rate and 8 µm axial resolution in tissue. Imaging was performed with a 3.2 mm diameter imaging catheter at 400 frames per second with a 12 µm spot size. Three-dimensional OCT (3D-OCT) imaging was performed in patients with a cross section of pathologies undergoing upper and lower endoscopy. The use of distally actuated imaging catheters enabled OCT imaging with more flexibility, such as volumetric imaging in the small intestine and the assessment of hiatal hernia using retroflex imaging. The high rotational scanning stability of the micromotor enabled 3D volumetric imaging with micron scale volumetric accuracy for both en face OCT and cross-sectional imaging, as well as OCT angiography (OCTA) for 3D visualization of subsurface microvasculature. The ability to perform both structural and functional 3D OCT imaging in the GI tract with microscopic accuracy should enable a wide range of studies and enhance the sensitivity and specificity of OCT for detecting pathology.

Ultrahigh speed endoscopic optical coherence tomography for gastroenterology

PubMed Central

Tsai, Tsung-Han; Lee, Hsiang-Chieh; Ahsen, Osman O.; Liang, Kaicheng; Giacomelli, Michael G.; Potsaid, Benjamin M.; Tao, Yuankai K.; Jayaraman, Vijaysekhar; Figueiredo, Marisa; Huang, Qin; Cable, Alex E.; Fujimoto, James; Mashimo, Hiroshi

2014-01-01

We describe an ultrahigh speed endoscopic swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for clinical gastroenterology using a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and micromotor imaging catheter. The system had a 600 kHz axial scan rate and 8 µm axial resolution in tissue. Imaging was performed with a 3.2 mm diameter imaging catheter at 400 frames per second with a 12 µm spot size. Three-dimensional OCT (3D-OCT) imaging was performed in patients with a cross section of pathologies undergoing upper and lower endoscopy. The use of distally actuated imaging catheters enabled OCT imaging with more flexibility, such as volumetric imaging in the small intestine and the assessment of hiatal hernia using retroflex imaging. The high rotational scanning stability of the micromotor enabled 3D volumetric imaging with micron scale volumetric accuracy for both en face OCT and cross-sectional imaging, as well as OCT angiography (OCTA) for 3D visualization of subsurface microvasculature. The ability to perform both structural and functional 3D OCT imaging in the GI tract with microscopic accuracy should enable a wide range of studies and enhance the sensitivity and specificity of OCT for detecting pathology. PMID:25574446

Long-range and wide field of view optical coherence tomography for in vivo 3D imaging of large volume object based on akinetic programmable swept source.

PubMed

Song, Shaozhen; Xu, Jingjiang; Wang, Ruikang K

2016-11-01

Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging suffers from short ranging distance and narrow imaging field of view (FOV). There is growing interest in searching for solutions to these limitations in order to expand further in vivo OCT applications. This paper describes a solution where we utilize an akinetic swept source for OCT implementation to enable ~10 cm ranging distance, associated with the use of a wide-angle camera lens in the sample arm to provide a FOV of ~20 x 20 cm 2 . The akinetic swept source operates at 1300 nm central wavelength with a bandwidth of 100 nm. We propose an adaptive calibration procedure to the programmable akinetic light source so that the sensitivity of the OCT system over ~10 cm ranging distance is substantially improved for imaging of large volume samples. We demonstrate the proposed swept source OCT system for in vivo imaging of entire human hands and faces with an unprecedented FOV (up to 400 cm 2 ). The capability of large-volume OCT imaging with ultra-long ranging and ultra-wide FOV is expected to bring new opportunities for in vivo biomedical applications.

Long-range and wide field of view optical coherence tomography for in vivo 3D imaging of large volume object based on akinetic programmable swept source

PubMed Central

Song, Shaozhen; Xu, Jingjiang; Wang, Ruikang K.

2016-01-01

Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging suffers from short ranging distance and narrow imaging field of view (FOV). There is growing interest in searching for solutions to these limitations in order to expand further in vivo OCT applications. This paper describes a solution where we utilize an akinetic swept source for OCT implementation to enable ~10 cm ranging distance, associated with the use of a wide-angle camera lens in the sample arm to provide a FOV of ~20 x 20 cm2. The akinetic swept source operates at 1300 nm central wavelength with a bandwidth of 100 nm. We propose an adaptive calibration procedure to the programmable akinetic light source so that the sensitivity of the OCT system over ~10 cm ranging distance is substantially improved for imaging of large volume samples. We demonstrate the proposed swept source OCT system for in vivo imaging of entire human hands and faces with an unprecedented FOV (up to 400 cm2). The capability of large-volume OCT imaging with ultra-long ranging and ultra-wide FOV is expected to bring new opportunities for in vivo biomedical applications. PMID:27896012

Full-field fan-beam x-ray fluorescence computed tomography system design with linear-array detectors and pinhole collimation: a rapid Monte Carlo study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Siyuan; Li, Liang; Li, Ruizhe; Chen, Zhiqiang

2017-11-01

We present the design concept and initial simulations for a polychromatic full-field fan-beam x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) device with pinhole collimators and linear-array photon counting detectors. The phantom is irradiated by a fan-beam polychromatic x-ray source filtered by copper. Fluorescent photons are stimulated and then collected by two linear-array photon counting detectors with pinhole collimators. The Compton scatter correction and the attenuation correction are applied in the data processing, and the maximum-likelihood expectation maximization algorithm is applied for the image reconstruction of XFCT. The physical modeling of the XFCT imaging system was described, and a set of rapid Monte Carlo simulations was carried out to examine the feasibility and sensitivity of the XFCT system. Different concentrations of gadolinium (Gd) and gold (Au) solutions were used as contrast agents in simulations. Results show that 0.04% of Gd and 0.065% of Au can be well reconstructed with the full scan time set at 6 min. Compared with using the XFCT system with a pencil-beam source or a single-pixel detector, using a full-field fan-beam XFCT device with linear-array detectors results in significant scanning time reduction and may satisfy requirements of rapid imaging, such as in vivo imaging experiments.

Computed tomography vs. digital radiography assessment for detection of osteolysis in asymptomatic patients with uncemented cups: a proposal for a new classification system based on computer tomography.

PubMed

Sandgren, Buster; Crafoord, Joakim; Garellick, Göran; Carlsson, Lars; Weidenhielm, Lars; Olivecrona, Henrik

2013-10-01

Digital radiographic images in the anterior-posterior and lateral view have been gold standard for evaluation of peri-acetabular osteolysis for patients with an uncemented hip replacement. We compared digital radiographic images and computer tomography in detection of peri-acetabular osteolysis and devised a classification system based on computer tomography. Digital radiographs were compared with computer tomography on 206 hips, with a mean follow up 10 years after surgery. The patients had no clinical signs of osteolysis and none were planned for revision surgery. On digital radiographs, 192 cases had no osteolysis and only 14 cases had osteolysis. When using computer tomography there were 184 cases showing small or large osteolysis and only 22 patients had no osteolysis. A classification system for peri-acetabular osteolysis is proposed based on computer tomography that is easy to use on standard follow up evaluation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sensitivity of visual evoked potentials and spectral domain optical coherence tomography in early relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Behbehani, Raed; Ahmed, Samar; Al-Hashel, Jasem; Rousseff, Rossen T; Alroughani, Raed

2017-02-01

Visual evoked potentials and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography are common ancillary studies that assess the visual pathways from a functional and structural aspect, respectively. To compare prevalence of abnormalities of Visual evoked potentials (VEP) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). A cross-sectional study of 100 eyes with disease duration of less than 5 years since the diagnosis. Correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion-cell/inner plexiform layer with pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials amplitude and latency and contrast sensitivity was performed. The prevalence of abnormalities in pattern-reversal visual VEP was 56% while that of SOCT was 48% in all eyes. There was significant negative correlations between the average RNFL (r=-0.34, p=0.001) and GCIPL (r=-0.39, p<0.001) with VEP latency. In eyes with prior optic neuritis, a significant negative correlation was seen between average RNFL (r=-0.33, p=0.037) and GCIPL (r=-0.40, p=0.010) with VEP latency. We have found higher prevalence of VEP abnormalities than SCOCT in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. This suggests that VEP has a higher sensitivity for detecting lesions of the visual pathway in patients with early RRMS. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic Value of Software-Based Image Fusion of Computed Tomography and F18-FDG PET Scans in Patients with Malignant Lymphoma

PubMed Central

Henninger, B.; Putzer, D.; Kendler, D.; Uprimny, C.; Virgolini, I.; Gunsilius, E.; Bale, R.

2012-01-01

Aim. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), and software-based image fusion of both modalities in the imaging of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's disease (HD). Methods. 77 patients with NHL (n = 58) or HD (n = 19) underwent a FDG PET scan, a contrast-enhanced CT, and a subsequent digital image fusion during initial staging or followup. 109 examinations of each modality were evaluated and compared to each other. Conventional staging procedures, other imaging techniques, laboratory screening, and follow-up data constituted the reference standard for comparison with image fusion. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for CT and PET separately. Results. Sensitivity and specificity for detecting malignant lymphoma were 90% and 76% for CT and 94% and 91% for PET, respectively. A lymph node region-based analysis (comprising 14 defined anatomical regions) revealed a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 97% for CT and 96% and 99% for FDG PET, respectively. Only three of 109 image fusion findings needed further evaluation (false positive). Conclusion. Digital fusion of PET and CT improves the accuracy of staging, restaging, and therapy monitoring in patients with malignant lymphoma and may reduce the need for invasive diagnostic procedures. PMID:22654631

Ultrahigh-resolution high-speed retinal imaging using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cense, Barry; Nassif, Nader A.; Chen, Teresa C.; Pierce, Mark C.; Yun, Seok-Hyun; Hyle Park, B.; Bouma, Brett E.; Tearney, Guillermo J.; de Boer, Johannes F.

2004-05-01

We present the first ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) structural intensity images and movies of the human retina in vivo at 29.3 frames per second with 500 A-lines per frame. Data was acquired at a continuous rate of 29,300 spectra per second with a 98% duty cycle. Two consecutive spectra were coherently summed to improve sensitivity, resulting in an effective rate of 14,600 A-lines per second at an effective integration time of 68 μs. The turn-key source was a combination of two super luminescent diodes with a combined spectral width of more than 150 nm providing 4.5 mW of power. The spectrometer of the spectraldomain OCT (SD-OCT) setup was centered around 885 nm with a bandwidth of 145 nm. The effective bandwidth in the eye was limited to approximately 100 nm due to increased absorption of wavelengths above 920 nm in the vitreous. Comparing the performance of our ultrahighresolution SD-OCT system with a conventional high-resolution time domain OCT system, the A-line rate of the spectral-domain OCT system was 59 times higher at a 5.4 dB lower sensitivity. With use of a software based dispersion compensation scheme, coherence length broadening due to dispersion mismatch between sample and reference arms was minimized. The coherence length measured from a mirror in air was equal to 4.0 μm (n= 1). The coherence length determined from the specular reflection of the foveal umbo in vivo in a healthy human eye was equal to 3.5 μm (n = 1.38). With this new system, two layers at the location of the retinal pigmented epithelium seem to be present, as well as small features in the inner and outer plexiform layers, which are believed to be small blood vessels.

The impact of slice-reduced computed tomography on histogram-based densitometry assessment of lung fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis

PubMed Central

Maurer, Britta; Suliman, Yossra A.; Morsbach, Fabian; Distler, Oliver; Frauenfelder, Thomas

2018-01-01

Background To evaluate usability of slice-reduced sequential computed tomography (CT) compared to standard high-resolution CT (HRCT) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) for qualitative and quantitative assessment of interstitial lung disease (ILD) with respect to (I) detection of lung parenchymal abnormalities, (II) qualitative and semiquantitative visual assessment, (III) quantification of ILD by histograms and (IV) accuracy for the 20%-cut off discrimination. Methods From standard chest HRCT of 60 SSc patients sequential 9-slice-computed tomography (reduced HRCT) was retrospectively reconstructed. ILD was assessed by visual scoring and quantitative histogram parameters. Results from standard and reduced HRCT were compared using non-parametric tests and analysed by univariate linear regression analyses. Results With respect to the detection of parenchymal abnormalities, only the detection of intrapulmonary bronchiectasis was significantly lower in reduced HRCT compared to standard HRCT (P=0.039). No differences were found comparing visual scores for fibrosis severity and extension from standard and reduced HRCT (P=0.051–0.073). All scores correlated significantly (P<0.001) to histogram parameters derived from both, standard and reduced HRCT. Significant higher values of kurtosis and skewness for reduced HRCT were found (both P<0.001). In contrast to standard HRCT histogram parameters from reduced HRCT showed significant discrimination at cut-off 20% fibrosis (sensitivity 88% kurtosis and skewness; specificity 81% kurtosis and 86% skewness; cut-off kurtosis ≤26, cut-off skewness ≤4; both P<0.001). Conclusions Reduced HRCT is a robust method to assess lung fibrosis in SSc with minimal radiation dose with no difference in scoring assessment of lung fibrosis severity and extension in comparison to standard HRCT. In contrast to standard HRCT histogram parameters derived from the approach of reduced HRCT could discriminate at a threshold of 20% lung fibrosis with high sensitivity and specificity. Hence it might be used to detect early disease progression of lung fibrosis in context of monitoring and treatment of SSc patients. PMID:29850118

MEMS-Based Handheld Fourier Domain Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography for Intraoperative Microvascular Anastomosis Imaging

PubMed Central

Huang, Yong; Furtmüller, Georg J.; Tong, Dedi; Zhu, Shan; Lee, W. P. Andrew; Brandacher, Gerald; Kang, Jin U.

2014-01-01

Purpose To demonstrate the feasibility of a miniature handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) imager for real time intraoperative vascular patency evaluation in the setting of super-microsurgical vessel anastomosis. Methods A novel handheld imager Fourier domain Doppler optical coherence tomography based on a 1.3-µm central wavelength swept source for extravascular imaging was developed. The imager was minimized through the adoption of a 2.4-mm diameter microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) scanning mirror, additionally a 12.7-mm diameter lens system was designed and combined with the MEMS mirror to achieve a small form factor that optimize functionality as a handheld extravascular OCT imager. To evaluate in-vivo applicability, super-microsurgical vessel anastomosis was performed in a mouse femoral vessel cut and repair model employing conventional interrupted suture technique as well as a novel non-suture cuff technique. Vascular anastomosis patency after clinically successful repair was evaluated using the novel handheld OCT imager. Results With an adjustable lateral image field of view up to 1.5 mm by 1.5 mm, high-resolution simultaneous structural and flow imaging of the blood vessels were successfully acquired for BALB/C mouse after orthotopic hind limb transplantation using a non-suture cuff technique and BALB/C mouse after femoral artery anastomosis using a suture technique. We experimentally quantify the axial and lateral resolution of the OCT to be 12.6 µm in air and 17.5 µm respectively. The OCT has a sensitivity of 84 dB and sensitivity roll-off of 5.7 dB/mm over an imaging range of 5 mm. Imaging with a frame rate of 36 Hz for an image size of 1000(lateral)×512(axial) pixels using a 50,000 A-lines per second swept source was achieved. Quantitative vessel lumen patency, lumen narrowing and thrombosis analysis were performed based on acquired structure and Doppler images. Conclusions A miniature handheld OCT imager that can be used for intraoperative evaluation of microvascular anastomosis was successfully demonstrated. PMID:25474742

A new acoustic lens material for large area detectors in photoacoustic breast tomography☆

PubMed Central

Xia, Wenfeng; Piras, Daniele; van Hespen, Johan C.G.; Steenbergen, Wiendelt; Manohar, Srirang

2013-01-01

Objectives We introduce a new acoustic lens material for photoacoustic tomography (PAT) to improve lateral resolution while possessing excellent acoustic acoustic impedance matching with tissue to minimize lens induced image artifacts. Background A large surface area detector due to its high sensitivity is preferable to detect weak signals in photoacoustic mammography. The lateral resolution is then limited by the narrow acceptance angle of such detectors. Acoustic lenses made of acrylic plastic (PMMA) have been used to enlarge the acceptance angle of such detectors and improve lateral resolution. However, such PMMA lenses introduce image artifacts due to internal reflections of ultrasound within the lenses, the result of acoustic impedance mismatch with the coupling medium or tissue. Methods A new lens is proposed based on the 2-component resin Stycast 1090SI. We characterized the acoustic properties of the proposed lens material in comparison with commonly used PMMA, inspecting the speed of sound, acoustic attenuation and density. We fabricated acoustic lenses based on the new material and PMMA, and studied the effect of the acoustic lenses on detector performance comparing finite element (FEM) simulations and measurements of directional sensitivity, pulse-echo response and frequency response. We further investigated the effect of using the acoustic lenses on the image quality of a photoacoustic breast tomography system using k-Wave simulations and experiments. Results Our acoustic characterization shows that Stycast 1090SI has tissue-like acoustic impedance, high speed of sound and low acoustic attenuation. These acoustic properties ensure an excellent acoustic lens material to minimize the acoustic insertion loss. Both acoustic lenses show significant enlargement of detector acceptance angle and lateral resolution improvement from modeling and experiments. However, the image artifacts induced by the presence of an acoustic lens are reduced using the proposed lens compared to PMMA lens, due to the minimization of internal reflections. Conclusions The proposed Stycast 1090SI acoustic lens improves the lateral resolution of photoacoustic tomography systems while not suffering from internal reflection-induced image artifacts compared a lens made of PMMA. PMID:25302146

Enhanced spectral domain optical coherence tomography for pathological and functional studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Zhijia

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel technique that enables noninvasive or minimally invasive, cross-sectional imaging of biological tissue at sub-10mum spatial resolution and up to 2-3mm imaging depth. Numerous technological advances have emerged in recent years that have shown great potential to develop OCT into a powerful imaging and diagnostic tools. In particular, the implementation of Fourier-domain OCT (FDOCT) is a major step forward that leads to greatly improved imaging rate and image fidelity of OCT. This dissertation summarizes the work that focuses on enhancing the performances and functionalities of spectral radar based FDOCT (SDOCT) for pathological and functional applications. More specifically, chapters 1-4 emphasize on the development of SDOCT and its utility in pathological studies, including cancer diagnosis. The principle of SDOCT is first briefly outlined, followed by the design of our bench-top SDOCT systems with emphasis on spectral linear interpolation, calibration and system dispersion compensation. For ultrahigh-resolution SDOCT, time-lapse image registration and frame averaging is introduced to effectively reduce speckle noise and uncover subcellular details, showing great promise for enhancing the diagnosis of carcinoma in situ. To overcome the image depth limitation of OCT, a dual-modal imaging method combing SDOCT with high-frequency ultrasound is proposed and examined in animal cancer models to enhance the sensitivity and staging capabilities for bladder cancer diagnosis. Chapters 5-7 summarize the work on developing Doppler SDOCT for functional studies. Digital-frequency-ramping OCT (DFR-OCT) is developed in the study, which has demonstrated the ability to significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio and thus sensitivity for retrieving subsurface blood flow imaging. New DFR algorithms and imaging processing methods are discussed to further enhance cortical CBF imaging. Applications of DFR-OCT for brain functional studies are presented and laser speckle imaging is combined to enable quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) imaging at high spatiotemporal resolutions. An angiography-enhanced Doppler optical coherence tomography (aDFR-OCT) was also demonstrated to enable quantitative imaging of capillary changes for brain functional studies. Lastly, future work on technological development and potential biomedical applications is briefly outlined.

Acquisition, Processing, and Analysis of Continuous Multi-Offset GPR Data for Problems in Hydrogeophysics: Is it Worth the Cost? (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradford, J. H.

2009-12-01

Commercial development of multi-channel ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems has made acquisition of continuous multi-offset (CMO) data more cost effective than ever. However, additional operator training, equipment costs, field and analysis time, and computation requirements necessarily remain substantially higher than conventional fixed offset GPR surveys. The choice to conduct a CMO survey is a target driven optimization problem where in many cases the added value outweighs the additional cost. Drawing examples from surface water, groundwater, snow, and glacier hydrology, I demonstrate a range of information that can be derived from CMO data with particular emphasis on estimating material properties of relevance to hydrological problems. Careful data acquisition is key to accurate property measurements. CMO geometries can be constructed with a single-channel system although with a significant loss of time and personnel efficiency relative to modern multi-channel systems. Using procedures such as common-midpoint stacking and pre-stack velocity filtering, it is possible to substantially improve the signal-to-noise ratio in GPR reflection images. However, the primary advantage of CMO data is dense sampling of a wide aperture of travelpaths through the subsurface. These data provide the basis for applying tomographic imaging techniques. Reflection velocity tomography in the pre-stack migration domain provides a robust approach to constructing accurate and detailed electromagnetic velocity models. These models in turn are used in conjunction with petrophysical models to estimate hydrologic properties such as porosity. Additionally, we can utilize the velocity models in conjunction with analysis of the frequency dependent attenuation to evaluate real and complex dielectric permittivity. The real and complex components of dielectric permittivity may have differing sensitivity to different components of the hydrologic system. Understanding this behavior may lead to improved understanding of relevant lithologic properties such as bulk clay content or fluid chemical composition during biodegradation of hydrocarbon contaminants. In addition to velocity tomography, CMO data enable reflection attenuation difference tomography. While time-lapse attenuation difference tomography using crosswell GPR transmission data is a well established technique for imaging conductive tracers in groundwater systems, it is not common for reflection data. Numerical examples based on a realistic aquifer model show that surface data can provide resolution of conductive tracer zones that is comparable to cross well data, thereby minimizing the need for invasive and expensive boreholes.

18F-Labeling of Sensitive Biomolecules for Positron Emission Tomography

PubMed Central

Krishnan, Hema S.; Ma, Longle; Vasdev, Neil; Liang, Steven H.

2017-01-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging study of fluorine-18 labeled biomolecules is an emerging and rapidly growing area for preclinical and clinical research. The present review focuses on recent advances in radiochemical methods for incorporating fluorine-18 into biomolecules via ‘direct’ or ‘indirect’ bioconjugation. Recently developed prosthetic groups and pre-targeting strategies, as well as representative examples in 18F-labeling of biomolecules in PET imaging research studies are highlighted. PMID:28704575

18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography in infective endocarditis.

PubMed

Salomäki, Soile Pauliina; Saraste, Antti; Kemppainen, Jukka; Bax, Jeroen J; Knuuti, Juhani; Nuutila, Pirjo; Seppänen, Marko; Roivainen, Anne; Airaksinen, Juhani; Pirilä, Laura; Oksi, Jarmo; Hohenthal, Ulla

2017-02-01

The diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE), especially the diagnosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is challenging since echocardiographic findings are often scarce in the early phase of the disease. We studied the use of 2-[ 18 F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ( 18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in IE. Sixteen patients with suspected PVE and 7 patients with NVE underwent visual evaluation of 18 F-FDG-PET/CT. 18 F-FDG uptake was measured also semiquantitatively as maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max ) and target-to-background ratio (TBR). The modified Duke criteria were used as a reference. There was strong, focal 18 F-FDG uptake in the area of the affected valve in all 6 cases of definite PVE, in 3 of 5 possible PVE cases, and in 2 of 5 rejected cases. In all patients with definite PVE, SUV max of the affected valve was higher than 4 and TBR higher than 1.8. In contrast to PVE, only 1 of 7 patients with NVE had uptake of 18 F-FDG by PET/CT in the valve area. Embolic infectious foci were detected in 58% of the patients with definite IE. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT appears to be a sensitive method for the detection of paravalvular infection associated with PVE. Instead, the sensitivity of PET/CT is limited in NVE.

Grating-based tomography applications in biomedical engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulz, Georg; Thalmann, Peter; Khimchenko, Anna; Müller, Bert

2017-10-01

For the investigation of soft tissues or tissues consisting of soft and hard tissues on the microscopic level, hard X-ray phase tomography has become one of the most suitable imaging techniques. Besides other phase contrast methods grating interferometry has the advantage of higher sensitivity than inline methods and the quantitative results. One disadvantage of the conventional double-grating setup (XDGI) compared to inline methods is the limitation of the spatial resolution. This limitation can be overcome by removing the analyser grating resulting in a single-grating setup (XSGI). In order to verify the performance of XSGI concerning contrast and spatial resolution, a quantitative comparison of XSGI and XDGI tomograms of a human nerve was performed. Both techniques provide sufficient contrast to allow for the distinction of tissue types. The spatial resolution of the two-fold binned XSGI data set is improved by a factor of two in comparison to XDGI which underlies its performance in tomography of soft tissues. Another application for grating-based X-ray phase tomography is the simultaneous visualization of soft and hard tissues of a plaque-containing coronary artery. The simultaneous visualization of both tissues is important for the segmentation of the lumen. The segmented data can be used for flow simulations in order to obtain information about the three-dimensional wall shear stress distribution needed for the optimization of mechano-sensitive nanocontainers used for drug delivery.

Radiolabeling of Nanoparticles and Polymers for PET Imaging

PubMed Central

Stockhofe, Katharina; Postema, Johannes M.; Schieferstein, Hanno; Ross, Tobias L.

2014-01-01

Nanomedicine has become an emerging field in imaging and therapy of malignancies. Nanodimensional drug delivery systems have already been used in the clinic, as carriers for sensitive chemotherapeutics or highly toxic substances. In addition, those nanodimensional structures are further able to carry and deliver radionuclides. In the development process, non-invasive imaging by means of positron emission tomography (PET) represents an ideal tool for investigations of pharmacological profiles and to find the optimal nanodimensional architecture of the aimed-at drug delivery system. Furthermore, in a personalized therapy approach, molecular imaging modalities are essential for patient screening/selection and monitoring. Hence, labeling methods for potential drug delivery systems are an indispensable need to provide the radiolabeled analog. In this review, we describe and discuss various approaches and methods for the labeling of potential drug delivery systems using positron emitters. PMID:24699244

The cosmic ray muon tomography facility based on large scale MRPC detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xuewu; Zeng, Ming; Zeng, Zhi; Wang, Yi; Zhao, Ziran; Yue, Xiaoguang; Luo, Zhifei; Yi, Hengguan; Yu, Baihui; Cheng, Jianping

2015-06-01

Cosmic ray muon tomography is a novel technology to detect high-Z material. A prototype of TUMUTY with 73.6 cm×73.6 cm large scale position sensitive MRPC detectors has been developed and is introduced in this paper. Three test kits have been tested and image is reconstructed using MAP algorithm. The reconstruction results show that the prototype is working well and the objects with complex structure and small size (20 mm) can be imaged on it, while the high-Z material is distinguishable from the low-Z one. This prototype provides a good platform for our further studies of the physical characteristics and the performances of cosmic ray muon tomography.

Compton imaging tomography technique for NDE of large nonuniform structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grubsky, Victor; Romanov, Volodymyr; Patton, Ned; Jannson, Tomasz

2011-09-01

In this paper we describe a new nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique called Compton Imaging Tomography (CIT) for reconstructing the complete three-dimensional internal structure of an object, based on the registration of multiple two-dimensional Compton-scattered x-ray images of the object. CIT provides high resolution and sensitivity with virtually any material, including lightweight structures and organics, which normally pose problems in conventional x-ray computed tomography because of low contrast. The CIT technique requires only one-sided access to the object, has no limitation on the object's size, and can be applied to high-resolution real-time in situ NDE of large aircraft/spacecraft structures and components. Theoretical and experimental results will be presented.

Bilateral symmetry aspects in computer-aided Alzheimer's disease diagnosis by single-photon emission-computed tomography imaging.

PubMed

Illán, Ignacio Alvarez; Górriz, Juan Manuel; Ramírez, Javier; Lang, Elmar W; Salas-Gonzalez, Diego; Puntonet, Carlos G

2012-11-01

This paper explores the importance of the latent symmetry of the brain in computer-aided systems for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Symmetry and asymmetry are studied from two points of view: (i) the development of an effective classifier within the scope of machine learning techniques, and (ii) the assessment of its relevance to the AD diagnosis in the early stages of the disease. The proposed methodology is based on eigenimage decomposition of single-photon emission-computed tomography images, using an eigenspace extension to accommodate odd and even eigenvectors separately. This feature extraction technique allows for support-vector-machine classification and image analysis. Identification of AD patterns is improved when the latent symmetry of the brain is considered, with an estimated 92.78% accuracy (92.86% sensitivity, 92.68% specificity) using a linear kernel and a leave-one-out cross validation strategy. Also, asymmetries may be used to define a test for AD that is very specific (90.24% specificity) but not especially sensitive. Two main conclusions are derived from the analysis of the eigenimage spectrum. Firstly, the recognition of AD patterns is improved when considering only the symmetric part of the spectrum. Secondly, asymmetries in the hypo-metabolic patterns, when present, are more pronounced in subjects with AD. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preclinical positron emission tomography scanner based on a monolithic annulus of scintillator: initial design study

PubMed Central

Stolin, Alexander V.; Martone, Peter F.; Jaliparthi, Gangadhar; Raylman, Raymond R.

2017-01-01

Abstract. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanners designed for imaging of small animals have transformed translational research by reducing the necessity to invasively monitor physiology and disease progression. Virtually all of these scanners are based on the use of pixelated detector modules arranged in rings. This design, while generally successful, has some limitations. Specifically, use of discrete detector modules to construct PET scanners reduces detection sensitivity and can introduce artifacts in reconstructed images, requiring the use of correction methods. To address these challenges, and facilitate measurement of photon depth-of-interaction in the detector, we investigated a small animal PET scanner (called AnnPET) based on a monolithic annulus of scintillator. The scanner was created by placing 12 flat facets around the outer surface of the scintillator to accommodate placement of silicon photomultiplier arrays. Its performance characteristics were explored using Monte Carlo simulations and sections of the NEMA NU4-2008 protocol. Results from this study revealed that AnnPET’s reconstructed spatial resolution is predicted to be ∼1  mm full width at half maximum in the radial, tangential, and axial directions. Peak detection sensitivity is predicted to be 10.1%. Images of simulated phantoms (mini-hot rod and mouse whole body) yielded promising results, indicating the potential of this system for enhancing PET imaging of small animals. PMID:28097210

Evaluation of osteoarthritis progression using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nassif, Nader A.; Pierce, Mark C.; Park, B. Hyle; Cense, Barry; de Boer, Johannes F.

2004-07-01

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent medical condition that presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to physicians today because of the inability to assess the integrity of the articular cartilage early in the disease. Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is a high resolution, non-contact imaging modality that provides cross-sectional images with additional information regarding the integrity of the collagen matrix. Using PS-OCT to image provides information regarding thickness of the articular cartilage and gives an index of biochemical changes based on alterations in optical properties (i.e. birefringence) of the tissue. We demonstrate initial experiments performed on specimens collected following total knee replacement surgery. Articular cartilage was imaged using a 1310 nm PS-OCT system where both intensity and phase images were acquired. PS-OCT images were compared with histology, and the changes in tissue optical properties were characterized. Analysis of the intensity images demonstrates differences between healthy and diseased cartilage surface and thickness. Phase maps of the tissue demonstrated distinct differences between healthy and diseased tissue. PS-OCT was able to image a gradual loss of birefringence as the tissue became more diseased. In this way, determining the rate of change of the phase provides a quantitative measure of pathology. Thus, imaging and evaluation of osteoarthritis using PS-OCT can be a useful means of quantitative assessment of the disease.

Optical coherence tomography allows for the reliable identification of laryngeal epithelial dysplasia and for precise biopsy: a clinicopathological study of 61 patients undergoing microlaryngoscopy.

PubMed

Just, Tino; Lankenau, Eva; Prall, Friedrich; Hüttmann, Gereon; Pau, Hans Wilhelm; Sommer, Konrad

2010-10-01

A newly developed microscope-based spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) device and an endoscope-based time-domain OCT (TD-OCT) were used to assess the inter-rater reliability, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of benign and dysplastic laryngeal epithelial lesions. Prospective study. OCT during microlaryngoscopy was done on 35 patients with an endoscope-based TD-OCT, and on 26 patients by an SD-OCT system integrated into an operating microscope. Biopsies were taken from microscopically suspicious lesions allowing comparative study of OCT images and histology. Thickness of the epithelium was seen to be the main criterion for degree of dysplasia. The inter-rater reliability for two observers was found to be kappa = 0.74 (P <.001) for OCT. OCT provided test outcomes for differentiation between benign laryngeal lesions and dysplasia/CIS with sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 89%, PPV of 85%, NPV of 91%, and predictive accuracy of 88%. However, because of the limited penetration depth of the laser light primarily in hyperkeratotic lesions (thickness above 1.5 mm), the basal cell layer was no longer visible, precluding reliable assessment of such lesions. OCT allows for a fairly accurate assessment of benign and dysplastic laryngeal epithelial lesion and greatly facilitates the taking of precise biopsies. Laryngoscope, 2010.

The effects of different restorative materials on the detection of approximal caries in cone-beam computed tomography scans with and without metal artifact reduction mode.

PubMed

Cebe, Fatma; Aktan, Ali Murat; Ozsevik, Abdul Semih; Ciftci, Mehmet Ertugrul; Surmelioglu, Hatice Derya

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of artifacts produced by different restorative materials on the detection of approximal caries in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans with and without the application of an artifact-reduction (AR) option. Ninety-eight noncavitated premolar and molar teeth were placed with approximal contacts consisting of 2 sound or carious teeth and 1 mesial-occlusal-distal restored tooth with resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC), amalgam, composite, ceramic-based composite (CBC), or computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) zirconia materials in between. The teeth were scanned with a CBCT system with and without the AR option. Images were evaluated by 2 observers. The teeth were histologically evaluated, and sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated according to the appropriate threshold. Specificity and sensitivity values for contact surfaces ranged from 0-48.39 and 82.93-98.40, respectively. The AR option affected (P < .05) approximal caries detection of the amalgam, composite, CAD-CAM, and CBC groups in contact surfaces and composite and RMGIC groups in noncontact surfaces. Artifacts produced by different restorative materials could affect approximal caries detection in CBCT scans. Use of the AR option with CBCT scans increases the accuracy of approximal caries detection. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Performance comparison between 8 and 14 bit-depth imaging in polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zenghai; Kasaragoda, Deepa K.; Matcher, Stephen J.

2011-03-01

We compare true 8 and 14 bit-depth imaging of SS-OCT and polarization-sensitive SS-OCT (PS-SS-OCT) at 1.3μm wavelength by using two hardware-synchronized high-speed data acquisition (DAQ) boards. The two DAQ boards read exactly the same imaging data for comparison. The measured system sensitivity at 8-bit depth is comparable to that for 14-bit acquisition when using the more sensitive of the available full analog input voltage ranges of the ADC. Ex-vivo structural and birefringence images of an equine tendon sample indicate no significant differences between images acquired by the two DAQ boards suggesting that 8-bit DAQ boards can be employed to increase imaging speeds and reduce storage in clinical SS-OCT/PS-SS-OCT systems. We also compare the resulting image quality when the image data sampled with the 14-bit DAQ from human finger skin is artificially bit-reduced during post-processing. However, in agreement with the results reported previously, we also observe that in our system that real-world 8-bit image shows more artifacts than the image acquired by numerically truncating to 8-bits from the raw 14-bit image data, especially in low intensity image area. This is due to the higher noise floor and reduced dynamic range of the 8-bit DAQ. One possible disadvantage is a reduced imaging dynamic range which can manifest itself as an increase in image artefacts due to strong Fresnel reflection.

Array Detector Modules for Spent Fuel Verification

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bolotnikov, Aleksey

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) proposes to evaluate the arrays of position-sensitive virtual Frisch-grid (VFG) detectors for passive gamma-ray emission tomography (ET) to verify the spent fuel in storage casks before storing them in geo-repositories. Our primary objective is to conduct a preliminary analysis of the arrays capabilities and to perform field measurements to validate the effectiveness of the proposed array modules. The outcome of this proposal will consist of baseline designs for the future ET system which can ultimately be used together with neutrons detectors. This will demonstrate the usage of this technology in spent fuel storage casks.

Advanced Optical Diagnostics for Ice Crystal Cloud Measurements in the NASA Glenn Propulsion Systems Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bencic, Timothy J.; Fagan, Amy; Van Zante, Judith F.; Kirkegaard, Jonathan P.; Rohler, David P.; Maniyedath, Arjun; Izen, Steven H.

2013-01-01

A light extinction tomography technique has been developed to monitor ice water clouds upstream of a direct connected engine in the Propulsion Systems Laboratory (PSL) at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). The system consists of 60 laser diodes with sheet generating optics and 120 detectors mounted around a 36-inch diameter ring. The sources are pulsed sequentially while the detectors acquire line-of-sight extinction data for each laser pulse. Using computed tomography algorithms, the extinction data are analyzed to produce a plot of the relative water content in the measurement plane. To target the low-spatial-frequency nature of ice water clouds, unique tomography algorithms were developed using filtered back-projection methods and direct inversion methods that use Gaussian basis functions. With the availability of a priori knowledge of the mean droplet size and the total water content at some point in the measurement plane, the tomography system can provide near real-time in-situ quantitative full-field total water content data at a measurement plane approximately 5 feet upstream of the engine inlet. Results from ice crystal clouds in the PSL are presented. In addition to the optical tomography technique, laser sheet imaging has also been applied in the PSL to provide planar ice cloud uniformity and relative water content data during facility calibration before the tomography system was available and also as validation data for the tomography system. A comparison between the laser sheet system and light extinction tomography resulting data are also presented. Very good agreement of imaged intensity and water content is demonstrated for both techniques. Also, comparative studies between the two techniques show excellent agreement in calculation of bulk total water content averaged over the center of the pipe.

Artificial neural network techniques to improve the ability of optical coherence tomography to detect optic neuritis.

PubMed

Garcia-Martin, Elena; Herrero, Raquel; Bambo, Maria P; Ara, Jose R; Martin, Jesus; Polo, Vicente; Larrosa, Jose M; Garcia-Feijoo, Julian; Pablo, Luis E

2015-01-01

To analyze the ability of Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect multiple sclerosis (MS) and to distinguish MS eyes with antecedent optic neuritis (ON). To analyze the capability of artificial neural network (ANN) techniques to improve the diagnostic precision. MS patients and controls were enrolled (n = 217). OCT was used to determine the 768 retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated to test the ability of OCT to discriminate between MS and healthy eyes, and between MS with and without antecedent ON using ANN. Using ANN technique multilayer perceptrons, OCT could detect MS with a sensitivity of 89.3%, a specificity of 87.6%, and a diagnostic precision of 88.5%. Compared with the OCT-provided parameters, the ANN had a better sensitivity-specificity balance. ANN technique improves the capability of Spectralis OCT to detect MS disease and to distinguish MS eyes with or without antecedent ON.

Pulse-encoded ultrasound imaging of the vitreous with an annular array.

PubMed

Silverman, Ronald H; Ketterling, Jeffrey A; Mamou, Jonathan; Lloyd, Harriet O; Filoux, Erwan; Coleman, D Jackson

2012-01-01

The vitreous body is nearly transparent both optically and ultrasonically. Conventional 10- to 12-MHz diagnostic ultrasound can detect vitreous inhomogeneities at high gain settings, but has limited resolution and sensitivity, especially outside the fixed focal zone near the retina. To improve visualization of faint intravitreal fluid/gel interfaces, the authors fabricated a spherically curved 20-MHz five-element annular array ultrasound transducer, implemented a synthetic-focusing algorithm to extend the depth-of-field, and used a pulse-encoding strategy to increase sensitivity. The authors evaluated a human subject with a recent posterior vitreous detachment and compared the annular array with conventional 10-MHz ultrasound and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. With synthetic focusing and chirp pulse-encoding, the array allowed visualization of the formed and fluid components of the vitreous with improved sensitivity and resolution compared with the conventional B-scan. Although optical coherence tomography allowed assessment of the posterior vitreoretinal interface, the ultrasound array allowed evaluation of the entire vitreous body. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

Recent Developments in PET Instrumentation

PubMed Central

Peng, Hao; Levin, Craig S.

2013-01-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) is used in the clinic and in vivo small animal research to study molecular processes associated with diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders, and to guide the discovery and development of new treatments. This paper reviews current challenges of advancing PET technology and some of newly developed PET detectors and systems. The paper focuses on four aspects of PET instrumentation: high photon detection sensitivity; improved spatial resolution; depth-of-interaction (DOI) resolution and time-of-flight (TOF). Improved system geometry, novel non-scintillator based detectors, and tapered scintillation crystal arrays are able to enhance the photon detection sensitivity of a PET system. Several challenges for achieving high resolution with standard scintillator-based PET detectors are discussed. Novel detectors with 3-D positioning capability have great potential to be deployed in PET for achieving spatial resolution better than 1 mm, such as cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) and position-sensitive avalanche photodiodes (PSAPDs). DOI capability enables a PET system to mitigate parallax error and achieve uniform spatial resolution across the field-of-view (FOV). Six common DOI designs, as well as advantages and limitations of each design, are discussed. The availability of fast scintillation crystals such as LaBr3, and the silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) greatly advances TOF-PET development. Recent instrumentation and initial results of clinical trials are briefly presented. If successful, these technology advances, together with new probe molecules, will substantially enhance the molecular sensitivity of PET and thus increase its role in preclinical and clinical research as well as evaluating and managing disease in the clinic. PMID:20497121

Advanced Computed-Tomography Inspection System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, Lowell D.; Gupta, Nand K.; Smith, Charles R.; Bernardi, Richard T.; Moore, John F.; Hediger, Lisa

1993-01-01

Advanced Computed Tomography Inspection System (ACTIS) is computed-tomography x-ray apparatus revealing internal structures of objects in wide range of sizes and materials. Three x-ray sources and adjustable scan geometry gives system unprecedented versatility. Gantry contains translation and rotation mechanisms scanning x-ray beam through object inspected. Distance between source and detector towers varied to suit object. System used in such diverse applications as development of new materials, refinement of manufacturing processes, and inspection of components.

In vivo tumor characterization using both MR and optical contrast agents with a hybrid MRI-DOT system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yuting; Ghijsen, Michael; Thayer, David; Nalcioglu, Orhan; Gulsen, Gultekin

2011-03-01

Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) has been proven to be the most sensitive modality in detecting breast lesions. Currently available MR contrast agent, Gd-DTPA, is a low molecular weight extracellular agent and can diffuse freely from the vascular space into interstitial space. Due to this reason, DCE-MRI has low sensitivity in differentiating benign and malignant tumors. Meanwhile, diffuse optical tomography (DOT) can be used to provide enhancement kinetics of an FDA approved optical contrast agent, ICG, which behaves like a large molecular weight optical agent due to its binding to albumin. The enhancement kinetics of ICG may have a potential to distinguish between the malignant and benign tumors and hence improve the specificity. Our group has developed a high speed hybrid MRI-DOT system. The DOT is a fully automated, MR-compatible, multi-frequency and multi-spectral imaging system. Fischer-344 rats bearing subcutaneous R3230 tumor are injected simultaneously with Gd-DTPA (0.1nmol/kg) and IC-Green (2.5mg/kg). The enhancement kinetics of both contrast agents are recorded simultaneously with this hybrid MRI-DOT system and evaluated for different tumors.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blume-Kohout, Robin J.; Gamble, John King; Nielsen, Erik

Quantum tomography is used to characterize quantum operations implemented in quantum information processing (QIP) hardware. Traditionally, state tomography has been used to characterize the quantum state prepared in an initialization procedure, while quantum process tomography is used to characterize dynamical operations on a QIP system. As such, tomography is critical to the development of QIP hardware (since it is necessary both for debugging and validating as-built devices, and its results are used to influence the next generation of devices). But tomography suffers from several critical drawbacks. In this report, we present new research that resolves several of these flaws. Wemore » describe a new form of tomography called gate set tomography (GST), which unifies state and process tomography, avoids prior methods critical reliance on precalibrated operations that are not generally available, and can achieve unprecedented accuracies. We report on theory and experimental development of adaptive tomography protocols that achieve far higher fidelity in state reconstruction than non-adaptive methods. Finally, we present a new theoretical and experimental analysis of process tomography on multispin systems, and demonstrate how to more effectively detect and characterize quantum noise using carefully tailored ensembles of input states.« less

Endoscopic optical coherence tomography with a focus-adjustable probe.

PubMed

Liao, Wenchao; Chen, Tianyuan; Wang, Chengming; Zhang, Wenxin; Peng, Zhangkai; Zhang, Xiao; Ai, Shengnan; Fu, Deyong; Zhou, Tieying; Xue, Ping

2017-10-15

We present a focus-adjustable endoscopic probe for optical coherence tomography (OCT), which is able to acquire images with different focal planes and overcome depth-of-focus limitations by image fusing. The use of a two-way shape-memory-alloy spring enables the probe to adjust working distance over 1.5 mm, providing a large scanning range with high resolution and no sensitivity loss. Equipped with a homemade hollow-core ultrasonic motor, the probe is capable of performing an unobstructed 360 deg field-of-view distal scanning. Both the axial resolution and the best lateral resolution are ∼4  μm, with a sensitivity of 100.3 dB. Spectral-domain OCT imaging of phantom and biological tissues with the probe is also demonstrated.

High-speed spectral domain optical coherence tomography using non-uniform fast Fourier transform

PubMed Central

Chan, Kenny K. H.; Tang, Shuo

2010-01-01

The useful imaging range in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is often limited by the depth dependent sensitivity fall-off. Processing SD-OCT data with the non-uniform fast Fourier transform (NFFT) can improve the sensitivity fall-off at maximum depth by greater than 5dB concurrently with a 30 fold decrease in processing time compared to the fast Fourier transform with cubic spline interpolation method. NFFT can also improve local signal to noise ratio (SNR) and reduce image artifacts introduced in post-processing. Combined with parallel processing, NFFT is shown to have the ability to process up to 90k A-lines per second. High-speed SD-OCT imaging is demonstrated at camera-limited 100 frames per second on an ex-vivo squid eye. PMID:21258551

Nanosensitive optical coherence tomography for the study of changes in static and dynamic structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alexandrov, S; Subhash, H; Leahy, M

2014-07-31

We briefly discuss the principle of image formation in Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). The theory of a new approach to improve dramatically the sensitivity of conventional OCT is described. The approach is based on spectral encoding of spatial frequency. Information about the spatial structure is directly translated from the Fourier domain to the image domain as different wavelengths, without compromising the accuracy. Axial spatial period profiles of the structure are reconstructed for any volume of interest within the 3D OCT image with nanoscale sensitivity. An example of application of the nanoscale OCT to probe the internal structure ofmore » medico-biological objects, the anterior chamber of an ex vivo rat eye, is demonstrated. (laser biophotonics)« less

Neutron and X-ray Tomography (NeXT) system for simultaneous, dual modality tomography.

PubMed

LaManna, J M; Hussey, D S; Baltic, E; Jacobson, D L

2017-11-01

Dual mode tomography using neutrons and X-rays offers the potential of improved estimation of the composition of a sample from the complementary interaction of the two probes with the sample. We have developed a simultaneous neutron and 90 keV X-ray tomography system that is well suited to the study of porous media systems such as fuel cells, concrete, unconventional reservoir geologies, limestones, and other geological media. We present the characteristic performance of both the neutron and X-ray modalities. We illustrate the use of the simultaneous acquisition through improved phase identification in a concrete core.

Neutron and X-ray Tomography (NeXT) system for simultaneous, dual modality tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaManna, J. M.; Hussey, D. S.; Baltic, E.; Jacobson, D. L.

2017-11-01

Dual mode tomography using neutrons and X-rays offers the potential of improved estimation of the composition of a sample from the complementary interaction of the two probes with the sample. We have developed a simultaneous neutron and 90 keV X-ray tomography system that is well suited to the study of porous media systems such as fuel cells, concrete, unconventional reservoir geologies, limestones, and other geological media. We present the characteristic performance of both the neutron and X-ray modalities. We illustrate the use of the simultaneous acquisition through improved phase identification in a concrete core.

Axial Tomography from Digitized Real Time Radiography

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Zolnay, A. S.; McDonald, W. M.; Doupont, P. A.; McKinney, R. L.; Lee, M. M.

1985-01-18

Axial tomography from digitized real time radiographs provides a useful tool for industrial radiography and tomography. The components of this system are: x-ray source, image intensifier, video camera, video line extractor and digitizer, data storage and reconstruction computers. With this system it is possible to view a two dimensional x-ray image in real time at each angle of rotation and select the tomography plane of interest by choosing which video line to digitize. The digitization of a video line requires less than a second making data acquisition relatively short. Further improvements on this system are planned and initial results are reported.

Pathophysiologic study of chronic infarcts with I-123 isopropyl iodo-amphetamine (IMP): the importance of periinfarct area

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raynaud, C.; Rancurel, G.; Samson, Y.

1987-01-01

Seventeen chronic cerebral infarcts were investigated by a highly sensitive, dedicated brain single photon emission computerized tomography system using /sup 123/I-isopropyl iodoamphetamine (IMP) and /sup 133/Xe. IMP uptake was measured 10 minutes, 2 hours, and 5 hours after injection, and regional cerebral blood flow was measured with 133Xe. In 4 cases a positron emission tomography system was used to measure the rCBF and the regional metabolic rate of oxygen with C15O2 and 15O2. The results obtained allowed us to identify 2 abnormal zones. One, the central area, was characterized by a severe decrease in IMP uptake and rCBF averaging 34%more » and 46% respectively and by a hypodense image on the x-ray computerized tomography scan. The second, the periinfarct or ''peripheral area'' was characterized by a moderate decrease in IMP uptake and regional cerebral blood flow averaging 13 and 19% respectively; this area extended around the central area and had a normal density on computerized tomography scan. The IMP hypofixation of the peripheral area observed at the 10th minute tended to disappear at the 5th hour. The volume of this area was often found to be quite large, covering more than 30% of a hemisphere whereas the central area did not exceed 25%. Volume appeared to be correlated with the neurological status of the patient. The nature of the peripheral area is not established with certainty. It may be caused by deafferentation of areas not directly affected by the ischemic insult and/or selective ischemic neuronal loss. The results stress the important role played by the peripheral area, which may be useful in establishing the prognosis and evaluating the efficacy of therapy in individual stroke cases.« less

Ultrasonic guided wave tomography of pipes: A development of new techniques for the nondestructive evaluation of cylindrical geometries and guided wave multi-mode analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonard, Kevin Raymond

This dissertation concentrates on the development of two new tomographic techniques that enable wide-area inspection of pipe-like structures. By envisioning a pipe as a plate wrapped around upon itself, the previous Lamb Wave Tomography (LWT) techniques are adapted to cylindrical structures. Helical Ultrasound Tomography (HUT) uses Lamb-like guided wave modes transmitted and received by two circumferential arrays in a single crosshole geometry. Meridional Ultrasound Tomography (MUT) creates the same crosshole geometry with a linear array of transducers along the axis of the cylinder. However, even though these new scanning geometries are similar to plates, additional complexities arise because they are cylindrical structures. First, because it is a single crosshole geometry, the wave vector coverage is poorer than in the full LWT system. Second, since waves can travel in both directions around the circumference of the pipe, modes can also constructively and destructively interfere with each other. These complexities necessitate improved signal processing algorithms to produce accurate and unambiguous tomographic reconstructions. Consequently, this work also describes a new algorithm for improving the extraction of multi-mode arrivals from guided wave signals. Previous work has relied solely on the first arriving mode for the time-of-flight measurements. In order to improve the LWT, HUT and MUT systems reconstructions, improved signal processing methods are needed to extract information about the arrival times of the later arriving modes. Because each mode has different through-thickness displacement values, they are sensitive to different types of flaws, and the information gained from the multi-mode analysis improves understanding of the structural integrity of the inspected material. Both tomographic frequency compounding and mode sorting algorithms are introduced. It is also shown that each of these methods improve the reconstructed images both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Simultaneous PET and Multispectral 3-Dimensional Fluorescence Optical Tomography Imaging System

PubMed Central

Li, Changqing; Yang, Yongfeng; Mitchell, Gregory S.; Cherry, Simon R.

2015-01-01

Integrated PET and 3-dimensional (3D) fluorescence optical tomography (FOT) imaging has unique and attractive features for in vivo molecular imaging applications. We have designed, built, and evaluated a simultaneous PET and 3D FOT system. The design of the FOT system is compatible with many existing small-animal PET scanners. Methods The 3D FOT system comprises a novel conical mirror that is used to view the whole-body surface of a mouse with an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device camera when a collimated laser beam is projected on the mouse to stimulate fluorescence. The diffusion equation was used to model the propagation of optical photons inside the mouse body, and 3D fluorescence images were reconstructed iteratively from the fluorescence intensity measurements measured from the surface of the mouse. Insertion of the conical mirror into the gantry of a small-animal PET scanner allowed simultaneous PET and 3D FOT imaging. Results The mutual interactions between PET and 3D FOT were evaluated experimentally. PET has negligible effects on 3D FOT performance. The inserted conical mirror introduces a reduction in the sensitivity and noise-equivalent count rate of the PET system and increases the scatter fraction. PET–FOT phantom experiments were performed. An in vivo experiment using both PET and FOT was also performed. Conclusion Phantom and in vivo experiments demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneous PET and 3D FOT imaging. The first in vivo simultaneous PET–FOT results are reported. PMID:21810591

Efficient sweep buffering in swept source optical coherence tomography using a fast optical switch

PubMed Central

Dhalla, Al-Hafeez; Shia, Kevin; Izatt, Joseph A.

2012-01-01

We describe a novel buffering technique for increasing the A-scan rate of swept source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) systems employing low duty cycle swept source lasers. This technique differs from previously reported buffering techniques in that it employs a fast optical switch, capable of switching in 60 ns, instead of a fused fiber coupler at the end of the buffering stage, and is therefore appreciably more power efficient. The use of the switch also eliminates patient exposure to light that is not used for imaging that occurs at the end of the laser sweep, thereby increasing the system sensitivity. We also describe how careful management of polarization can remove undesirable artifacts due to polarization mode dispersion. In addition, we demonstrate how numerical compensation techniques can be used to modify the signal from a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) clock obtained from the original sweep to recalibrate the buffered sweep, thereby reducing the complexity of systems employing lasers with integrated MZI clocks. Combining these methods, we constructed an SSOCT system employing an Axsun technologies laser with a sweep rate of 100kHz and 6dB imaging range of 5.5mm. The sweep rate was doubled with sweep buffering to 200 kHz, and the imaging depth was extended to 9 mm using coherence revival. We demonstrated the feasibility of this system by acquiring images of the anterior segments and retinas of healthy human volunteers. PMID:23243559

Imaging birefringent crystals using micro optical coherence tomography (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Gargi; Singh, Kanwarpal; Gardecki, Joseph A.; Tearney, Guillermo J.

2017-02-01

Background: Uric acid crystals have recently been identified as a possible therapeutic target for coronary artery disease. Being subcellular in size, it is difficult to identify these crystals in situ. Micro optical coherence tomography (Micro-OCT) allows one to image subcellular structures with 1-micron resolution. Even though Micro-OCT should be capable of resolving urate crystals, it's difficult to differentiate these structures from other scattering particles within tissue. In this work we developed a novel polarization sensitive micro OCT (ps-Micro-OCT) system for identification of uric acid crystals. Methods: A spectrometer based ps-Micro-OCT system was developed using a broadband light source. The broadband input light was divided into reference and sample signals using a beam splitter. The reference signal was further divided into two polarized signals with different polarization states. Reflected reference and sample signals were combined and sent to a spectrometer that recorded the interference signal. Results: To test the performance of system, a mirror was used as sample and a quarter wave-plate was placed in the sample path. The measured quarter wave-plate angle values matched closely to actual angle values. Next we prepared uric acid crystals in our lab and imaged them using this system.We were able to image and identify these crystals based on polarization measurements. Conclusion: In this work we imaged and identified uric acid crystals using a newly developed ps-Micro-OCT system. The proposed technique will enable imaging uric acid crystals in coronary artery.

Efficient sweep buffering in swept source optical coherence tomography using a fast optical switch.

PubMed

Dhalla, Al-Hafeez; Shia, Kevin; Izatt, Joseph A

2012-12-01

We describe a novel buffering technique for increasing the A-scan rate of swept source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) systems employing low duty cycle swept source lasers. This technique differs from previously reported buffering techniques in that it employs a fast optical switch, capable of switching in 60 ns, instead of a fused fiber coupler at the end of the buffering stage, and is therefore appreciably more power efficient. The use of the switch also eliminates patient exposure to light that is not used for imaging that occurs at the end of the laser sweep, thereby increasing the system sensitivity. We also describe how careful management of polarization can remove undesirable artifacts due to polarization mode dispersion. In addition, we demonstrate how numerical compensation techniques can be used to modify the signal from a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) clock obtained from the original sweep to recalibrate the buffered sweep, thereby reducing the complexity of systems employing lasers with integrated MZI clocks. Combining these methods, we constructed an SSOCT system employing an Axsun technologies laser with a sweep rate of 100kHz and 6dB imaging range of 5.5mm. The sweep rate was doubled with sweep buffering to 200 kHz, and the imaging depth was extended to 9 mm using coherence revival. We demonstrated the feasibility of this system by acquiring images of the anterior segments and retinas of healthy human volunteers.

Combined spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and hyperspectral imaging applied for tissue analysis: Preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dontu, S.; Miclos, S.; Savastru, D.; Tautan, M.

2017-09-01

In recent years many optoelectronic techniques have been developed for improvement and the development of devices for tissue analysis. Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) is a new medical interferometric imaging modality that provides depth resolved tissue structure information with resolution in the μm range. However, SD-OCT has its own limitations and cannot offer the biochemical information of the tissue. These data can be obtained with hyperspectral imaging, a non-invasive, sensitive and real time technique. In the present study we have combined Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) with Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for tissue analysis. The Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) are two methods that have demonstrated significant potential in this context. Preliminary results using different tissue have highlighted the capabilities of this technique of combinations.

Atom Probe Tomography Studies on the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Grain Boundaries

PubMed Central

Cojocaru-Mirédin, Oana; Schwarz, Torsten; Choi, Pyuck-Pa; Herbig, Michael; Wuerz, Roland; Raabe, Dierk

2013-01-01

Compared with the existent techniques, atom probe tomography is a unique technique able to chemically characterize the internal interfaces at the nanoscale and in three dimensions. Indeed, APT possesses high sensitivity (in the order of ppm) and high spatial resolution (sub nm). Considerable efforts were done here to prepare an APT tip which contains the desired grain boundary with a known structure. Indeed, site-specific sample preparation using combined focused-ion-beam, electron backscatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy is presented in this work. This method allows selected grain boundaries with a known structure and location in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-films to be studied by atom probe tomography. Finally, we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of using the atom probe tomography technique to study the grain boundaries in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-film solar cells. PMID:23629452

Tomography with energy dispersive diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stock, S. R.; Okasinski, J. S.; Woods, R.; Baldwin, J.; Madden, T.; Quaranta, O.; Rumaiz, A.; Kuczewski, T.; Mead, J.; Krings, T.; Siddons, P.; Miceli, A.; Almer, J. D.

2017-09-01

X-ray diffraction can be used as the signal for tomographic reconstruction and provides a cross-sectional map of the crystallographic phases and related quantities. Diffraction tomography has been developed over the last decade using monochromatic x-radiation and an area detector. This paper reports tomographic reconstruction with polychromatic radiation and an energy sensitive detector array. The energy dispersive diffraction (EDD) geometry, the instrumentation and the reconstruction process are described and related to the expected resolution. Results of EDD tomography are presented for two samples containing hydroxyapatite (hAp). The first is a 3D-printed sample with an elliptical crosssection and contains synthetic hAp. The second is a human second metacarpal bone from the Roman-era cemetery at Ancaster, UK and contains bio-hAp which may have been altered by diagenesis. Reconstructions with different diffraction peaks are compared. Prospects for future EDD tomography are also discussed.

Preoperative N Staging of Gastric Cancer by Stomach Protocol Computed Tomography

PubMed Central

Kim, Se Hoon; Kim, Jeong Jae; Lee, Jeong Sub; Kim, Seung Hyoung; Kim, Bong Soo; Maeng, Young Hee; Hyun, Chang Lim; Kim, Min Jeong

2013-01-01

Purpose Clinical stage of gastric cancer is currently assessed by computed tomography. Accurate clinical staging is important for the tailoring of therapy. This study evaluated the accuracy of clinical N staging using stomach protocol computed tomography. Materials and Methods Between March 2004 and November 2012, 171 patients with gastric cancer underwent preoperative stomach protocol computed tomography (Jeju National University Hospital; Jeju, Korea). Their demographic and clinical characteristics were reviewed retrospectively. Two radiologists evaluated cN staging using axial and coronal computed tomography images, and cN stage was matched with pathologic results. The diagnostic accuracy of stomach protocol computed tomography for clinical N staging and clinical characteristics associated with diagnostic accuracy were evaluated. Results The overall accuracy of stomach protocol computed tomography for cN staging was 63.2%. Computed tomography images of slice thickness 3.0 mm had a sensitivity of 60.0%; a specificity of 89.6%; an accuracy of 78.4%; and a positive predictive value of 78.0% in detecting lymph node metastases. Underestimation of cN stage was associated with larger tumor size (P<0.001), undifferentiated type (P=0.003), diffuse type (P=0.020), more advanced pathologic stage (P<0.001), and larger numbers of harvested and metastatic lymph nodes (P<0.001 each). Tumor differentiation was an independent factor affecting underestimation by computed tomography (P=0.045). Conclusions Computed tomography with a size criterion of 8 mm is highly specific but relatively insensitive in detecting nodal metastases. Physicians should keep in mind that computed tomography may not be an appropriate tool to detect nodal metastases for choosing appropriate treatment. PMID:24156034

Improved diagnostic differentiation of renal cystic lesions with phase-contrast computed tomography (PCCT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noel, Peter B.; Willner, Marian; Fingerle, Alexander; Herzen, Julia; Münzel, Daniela; Hahn, Dieter; Rummeny, Ernst J.; Pfeiffer, Franz

2012-03-01

The diagnostic quality of phase-contrast computed tomography (PCCT) is one the unexplored areas in medical imaging; at the same time, it seems to offer the opportunity as a fast and highly sensitive diagnostic tool. Conventional computed tomography (CT) has had an enormous impact on medicine, while it is limited in soft-tissue contrast. One example that portrays this challenge is the differentiation between benign and malignant renal cysts. In this work we report on a feasibility study to determine the usefulness of PCCT in differentiation of renal cysts. A renal phantom was imaged with a grating-based PCCT system consisting of a standard rotating anode x-ray tube (40 kV, 70 mA) and a Pilatus II photoncounting detector (pixel size: 172 μm). The phantom is composed of a renal equivalent soft-tissue and cystic lesions grouped in non-enhancing cyst and hemorrhage series and an iodine enhancing series. The acquired projection images (absorption and phase-contrast) are reconstructed with a standard filtered backprojection algorithm. For evaluation both reconstructions are compared in respect to contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and subjective image quality. We found that with PCCT a significantly improved differentiation between hemorrhage renal cysts from contrast enhancing malignant cysts is possible. If comparing PCCT and CT with respect to CNR and SNR, PCCT shows significant improvements. In conclusion, PCCT has the potential to improve the diagnostics and characterization of renal cysts without using any contrast agents. These results in combination with a non-synchrotron setup indicate a future paradigm shift in diagnostic computed tomography.

A small animal time-resolved optical tomography platform using wide-field excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venugopal, Vivek

Small animal imaging plays a critical role in present day biomedical research by filling an important gap in the translation of research from the bench to the bedside. Optical techniques constitute an emerging imaging modality which have tremendous potential in preclinical applications. Optical imaging methods are capable of non-invasive assessment of the functional and molecular characteristics of biological tissue. The three-dimensional optical imaging technique, referred to as diffuse optical tomography, provides an approach for the whole-body imaging of small animal models and can provide volumetric maps of tissue functional parameters (e.g. blood volume, oxygen saturation etc.) and/or provide 3D localization and quantification of fluorescence-based molecular markers in vivo. However, the complex mathematical reconstruction problem associated with optical tomography and the cumbersome instrumental designs limits its adoption as a high-throughput quantitative whole-body imaging modality in current biomedical research. The development of new optical imaging paradigms is thus necessary for a wide-acceptance of this new technology. In this thesis, the design, development, characterization and optimization of a small animal optical tomography system is discussed. Specifically, the platform combines a highly sensitive time-resolved imaging paradigm with multi-spectral excitation capability and CCD-based detection to provide a system capable of generating spatially, spectrally and temporally dense measurement datasets. The acquisition of such data sets however can take long and translate to often unrealistic acquisition times when using the classical point source based excitation scheme. The novel approach in the design of this platform is the adoption of a wide-field excitation scheme which employs extended excitation sources and in the process allows an estimated ten-fold reduction in the acquisition time. The work described herein details the design of the imaging platform employing DLP-based excitation and time-gated intensified CCD detection and the optimal system operation parameters are determined. The feasibility this imaging approach and accuracy of the system in reconstructing functional parameters and fluorescence markers based on lifetime contrast is established through phantom studies. As a part of the system characterization, the effect of noise in time-resolved optical tomography is investigated and propagation of system noise in optical reconstructions is established. Furthermore, data processing and measurement calibration techniques aimed at reducing the effect of noise in reconstructions are defined. The optimization of excitation pattern selection is established through a novel measurement-guided iterative pattern correction scheme. This technique referred to as Adaptive Full-Field Optical Tomography was shown to improve reconstruction performances in murine models by reducing the dynamic range in photon flux measurements on the surface. Lastly, the application of the unique attributes of this platform to a biologically relevant imaging application, referred to as Forster Resonance Energy Transfer is described. The tomographic imaging of FRET interaction in vivo on a whole-body scale is achieved using the wide-field imaging approach based on lifetime contrast. This technique represents the first demonstration of tomographic FRET imaging in small animals and has significant potential in the development of optical imaging techniques in varied applications ranging from drug discovery to in vivo study of protein-protein interaction.

18 F-Labeling of Sensitive Biomolecules for Positron Emission Tomography.

PubMed

Krishnan, Hema S; Ma, Longle; Vasdev, Neil; Liang, Steven H

2017-11-07

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging study of fluorine-18 labeled biomolecules is an emerging and rapidly growing area for preclinical and clinical research. The present review focuses on recent advances in radiochemical methods for incorporating fluorine-18 into biomolecules via "direct" or "indirect" bioconjugation. Recently developed prosthetic groups and pre-targeting strategies, as well as representative examples in 18 F-labeling of biomolecules in PET imaging research studies are highlighted. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Un-collimated single-photon imaging system for high-sensitivity small animal and plant imaging.

PubMed

Walker, Katherine L; Judenhofer, Martin S; Cherry, Simon R; Mitchell, Gregory S

2015-01-07

In preclinical single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system development the primary objective has been to improve spatial resolution by using novel parallel-hole or multi-pinhole collimator geometries. However, such high-resolution systems have relatively poor sensitivity (typically 0.01-0.1%). In contrast, a system that does not use collimators can achieve very high-sensitivity. Here we present a high-sensitivity un-collimated detector single-photon imaging (UCD-SPI) system for the imaging of both small animals and plants. This scanner consists of two thin, closely spaced, pixelated scintillator detectors that use NaI(Tl), CsI(Na), or BGO. The performance of the system has been characterized by measuring sensitivity, spatial resolution, linearity, detection limits, and uniformity. With (99m)Tc (140 keV) at the center of the field of view (20 mm scintillator separation), the sensitivity was measured to be 31.8% using the NaI(Tl) detectors and 40.2% with CsI(Na). The best spatial resolution (FWHM when the image formed as the geometric mean of the two detector heads, 20 mm scintillator separation) was 19.0 mm for NaI(Tl) and 11.9 mm for CsI(Na) at 140 keV, and 19.5 mm for BGO at 1116 keV, which is somewhat degraded compared to the cm-scale resolution obtained with only one detector head and a close source. The quantitative accuracy of the system's linearity is better than 2% with detection down to activity levels of 100 nCi. Two in vivo animal studies (a renal scan using (99m)Tc MAG-3 and a thyroid scan with (123)I) and one plant study (a (99m)TcO4(-) xylem transport study) highlight the unique capabilities of this UCD-SPI system. From the renal scan, we observe approximately a one thousand-fold increase in sensitivity compared to the Siemens Inveon SPECT/CT scanner. UCD-SPI is useful for many imaging tasks that do not require excellent spatial resolution, such as high-throughput screening applications, simple radiotracer uptake studies in tumor xenografts, dynamic studies where very good temporal resolution is critical, or in planta imaging of radioisotopes at low concentrations.

Comparison of the Performance Evaluation of the MicroPET R4 Scanner According to NEMA Standards NU 4-2008 and NU 2-2001

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popota, Fotini D.; Aguiar, Pablo; Herance, J. Raúl; Pareto, Deborah; Rojas, Santiago; Ros, Domènec; Pavia, Javier; Gispert, Juan Domingo

2012-10-01

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the performance of the microPET R4 system for rodents according to the NU 4-2008 standards of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) for small-animal positron emission tomography (PET) systems and to compare it against its previous evaluation according the adapted clinical NEMA NU 2-2001. The performance parameters evaluated here were spatial resolution, sensitivity, scatter fraction, counting rates for rat- and mouse-sized phantoms, and image quality. Spatial resolution and sensitivity were measured with a 22Na point source, while scatter fraction and count rate performance were determined using a mouse and rat phantoms with an 18F line source. The image quality of the system was assessed using the NEMA image quality phantom. Assessment of attenuation correction was performed using γ-ray transmission and computed tomography (CT)-based attenuation correction methods. At the center of the field of view, a spatial resolution of 2.12 mm at full width at half maximum (FWHM) (radial), 2.66 mm FWHM (tangential), and 2.23 mm FWHM (axial) was measured. The absolute sensitivity was found to be 1.9% at the center of the scanner. Scatter fraction for mouse-sized phantoms was 8.5 %, and the peak count rate was 311 kcps at 153.5 MBq. The rat scatter fraction was 22%, and the peak count rate was 117 kcps at 123.24 MBq. Image uniformity showed better results with 2-D filtered back projection (FBP), while an overestimation of the recovery coefficients was observed when using 2-D and 3-D OSEM MAP reconstruction algorithm. All measurements were made for an energy window of 350-650 keV and a coincidence window of 6 ns. Histogramming and reconstruction parameters were used according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The microPET R4 scanner was fully characterized according to the NEMA NU 4-2008 standards. Our results diverge considerably from those previously reported with an adapted version of the NEMA NU 2-2001 clinical standards. These discrepancies can be attributed to the modifications in NEMA methodology, thereby highlighting the relevance of specific small-animal standards for the performance evaluation of PET systems.

Accurately Diagnosing Uric Acid Stones from Conventional Computerized Tomography Imaging: Development and Preliminary Assessment of a Pixel Mapping Software.

PubMed

Ganesan, Vishnu; De, Shubha; Shkumat, Nicholas; Marchini, Giovanni; Monga, Manoj

2018-02-01

Preoperative determination of uric acid stones from computerized tomography imaging would be of tremendous clinical use. We sought to design a software algorithm that could apply data from noncontrast computerized tomography to predict the presence of uric acid stones. Patients with pure uric acid and calcium oxalate stones were identified from our stone registry. Only stones greater than 4 mm which were clearly traceable from initial computerized tomography to final composition were included in analysis. A semiautomated computer algorithm was used to process image data. Average and maximum HU, eccentricity (deviation from a circle) and kurtosis (peakedness vs flatness) were automatically generated. These parameters were examined in several mathematical models to predict the presence of uric acid stones. A total of 100 patients, of whom 52 had calcium oxalate and 48 had uric acid stones, were included in the final analysis. Uric acid stones were significantly larger (12.2 vs 9.0 mm, p = 0.03) but calcium oxalate stones had higher mean attenuation (457 vs 315 HU, p = 0.001) and maximum attenuation (918 vs 553 HU, p <0.001). Kurtosis was significantly higher in each axis for calcium oxalate stones (each p <0.001). A composite algorithm using attenuation distribution pattern, average attenuation and stone size had overall 89% sensitivity, 91% specificity, 91% positive predictive value and 89% negative predictive value to predict uric acid stones. A combination of stone size, attenuation intensity and attenuation pattern from conventional computerized tomography can distinguish uric acid stones from calcium oxalate stones with high sensitivity and specificity. Copyright © 2018 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diffuse correlation tomography in the transport regime: A theoretical study of the sensitivity to Brownian motion.

PubMed

Tricoli, Ugo; Macdonald, Callum M; Durduran, Turgut; Da Silva, Anabela; Markel, Vadim A

2018-02-01

Diffuse correlation tomography (DCT) uses the electric-field temporal autocorrelation function to measure the mean-square displacement of light-scattering particles in a turbid medium over a given exposure time. The movement of blood particles is here estimated through a Brownian-motion-like model in contrast to ordered motion as in blood flow. The sensitivity kernel relating the measurable field correlation function to the mean-square displacement of the particles can be derived by applying a perturbative analysis to the correlation transport equation (CTE). We derive an analytical expression for the CTE sensitivity kernel in terms of the Green's function of the radiative transport equation, which describes the propagation of the intensity. We then evaluate the kernel numerically. The simulations demonstrate that, in the transport regime, the sensitivity kernel provides sharper spatial information about the medium as compared with the correlation diffusion approximation. Also, the use of the CTE allows one to explore some additional degrees of freedom in the data such as the collimation direction of sources and detectors. Our results can be used to improve the spatial resolution of DCT, in particular, with applications to blood flow imaging in regions where the Brownian motion is dominant.

Diffuse correlation tomography in the transport regime: A theoretical study of the sensitivity to Brownian motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tricoli, Ugo; Macdonald, Callum M.; Durduran, Turgut; Da Silva, Anabela; Markel, Vadim A.

2018-02-01

Diffuse correlation tomography (DCT) uses the electric-field temporal autocorrelation function to measure the mean-square displacement of light-scattering particles in a turbid medium over a given exposure time. The movement of blood particles is here estimated through a Brownian-motion-like model in contrast to ordered motion as in blood flow. The sensitivity kernel relating the measurable field correlation function to the mean-square displacement of the particles can be derived by applying a perturbative analysis to the correlation transport equation (CTE). We derive an analytical expression for the CTE sensitivity kernel in terms of the Green's function of the radiative transport equation, which describes the propagation of the intensity. We then evaluate the kernel numerically. The simulations demonstrate that, in the transport regime, the sensitivity kernel provides sharper spatial information about the medium as compared with the correlation diffusion approximation. Also, the use of the CTE allows one to explore some additional degrees of freedom in the data such as the collimation direction of sources and detectors. Our results can be used to improve the spatial resolution of DCT, in particular, with applications to blood flow imaging in regions where the Brownian motion is dominant.

Emerging enhanced imaging technologies of the esophagus: spectroscopy, confocal laser endomicroscopy, and optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Robles, Lourdes Y; Singh, Satish; Fisichella, Piero Marco

2015-05-15

Despite advances in diagnoses and therapy, esophageal adenocarcinoma remains a highly lethal neoplasm. Hence, a great interest has been placed in detecting early lesions and in the detection of Barrett esophagus (BE). Advanced imaging technologies of the esophagus have then been developed with the aim of improving biopsy sensitivity and detection of preplastic and neoplastic cells. The purpose of this article was to review emerging imaging technologies for esophageal pathology, spectroscopy, confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). We conducted a PubMed search using the search string "esophagus or esophageal or oesophageal or oesophagus" and "Barrett or esophageal neoplasm" and "spectroscopy or optical spectroscopy" and "confocal laser endomicroscopy" and "confocal microscopy" and "optical coherence tomography." The first and senior author separately reviewed all articles. Our search identified: 19 in vivo studies with spectroscopy that accounted for 1021 patients and 4 ex vivo studies; 14 clinical CLE in vivo studies that accounted for 941 patients and 1 ex vivo study with 13 patients; and 17 clinical OCT in vivo studies that accounted for 773 patients and 2 ex vivo studies. Human studies using spectroscopy had a very high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of BE. CLE showed a high interobserver agreement in diagnosing esophageal pathology and an accuracy of predicting neoplasia. We also found several clinical studies that reported excellent diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the detection of BE using OCT. Advanced imaging technology for the detection of esophageal lesions is a promising field that aims to improve the detection of early esophageal lesions. Although advancing imaging techniques improve diagnostic sensitivities and specificities, their integration into diagnostic protocols has yet to be perfected. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Combining measurements from three anatomical areas for glaucoma diagnosis using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Loewen, Nils A; Zhang, Xinbo; Tan, Ou; Francis, Brian A; Greenfield, David S; Schuman, Joel S; Varma, Rohit; Huang, David

2015-09-01

To improve the diagnostic power for glaucoma by combining measurements of peripapillary nerve fibre layer (NFL), macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) and disc variables obtained with Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) into the glaucoma structural diagnostic index (GSDI). In this observational, cross-sectional study of subjects from the Advanced Imaging of Glaucoma Study, GCC and NFL of healthy and perimetrical glaucoma subjects from four major academic referral centres of the Advanced Imaging of Glaucoma Study were mapped with the RTVue FD-OCT. Global loss volume and focal loss volume parameters were defined using NFL and GCC normative reference maps. Optimal weights for NFL, GCC and disc variables were combined using multivariate logistic regression to build the GSDI. Glaucoma severity was classified using the Enhanced Glaucoma Staging System (GSS2). Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). We analysed 118 normal eyes of 60 subjects, 236 matched eyes of 166 subjects with perimetrical glaucoma, and 105 eyes from a healthy reference group of 61 subjects. The GSDI included composite overall thickness and focal loss volume with weighted NFL and GCC components, as well as the vertical cup-to-disc ratio. The AUC of 0.922 from leave-one-out cross validation was better than the best component variable alone (p=0.047). The partial AUC in the high specificity region was also better (p=0.01), with a sensitivity of 69% at 99% specificity, and a sensitivity of 80.3% at 95% specificity. For GSS2 stages 3-5 the sensitivity was 98% at 99% specificity, and 100% at 95% specificity. Combining structural measurements of GCC, NFL and disc variables from FD-OCT created a GSDI that improved the accuracy for glaucoma diagnosis. NCT01314326. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Utility of hand-held devices in diagnosis and triage of cardiovascular emergencies. Observations during implementation of a PACS-based system in an acute aortic syndrome (AAS) network.

PubMed

Matar, Ralph; Renapurkar, Rahul; Obuchowski, Nancy; Menon, Venu; Piraino, David; Schoenhagen, Paul

2015-01-01

Prompt diagnosis and early referral to specialized centers is critical for patients presenting with cardiovascular emergencies, including acute aortic syndromes (AAS). Prior data has suggested that mobile access to imaging studies with hand-held devices can accelerate diagnosis and management. We conducted a study to determine the diagnostic accuracy of a hand-held device compared to conventional dedicated work-stations for diagnosing a spectrum of cardiovascular emergencies, predominantly acute aortic pathology. This study included 104 cases who underwent computed tomography (CT)-scan during "on-call'' hours between January, 2013 and August, 2014 for suspected AAS. Assessment was performed on a hand-held device independently by two readers using an iPhone5 connected via secure connection to web-based PACS servers. The subsequent interpretation from a dedicated workstation coupled with the diagnosis at the time of discharge was used as the reference standard for determining the presence or absence of an acute abnormality. Sensitivity and Specificity were calculated on a per patient basis. Readers' sensitivity and specificity using the hand-held device to diagnose acute chest pathology were calculated. Hand-held device evaluation was determined to have a sensitivity of 85.2% and a specificity of 98.6% by reader A and a sensitivity of 96.3% and specificity of 100% by reader B. Of 103 cases interpreted by both readers, the readers agreed about the diagnosis in 98 cases (95.1%). This study demonstrates that hand-held devices can be a potential useful tool to assist in diagnosis and triage of patients presenting with cardiovascular emergencies. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of screen size and resolution. Copyright © 2015 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optimized Detector Angular Configuration Increases the Sensitivity of X-ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography (XFCT).

PubMed

Ahmad, Moiz; Bazalova-Carter, Magdalena; Fahrig, Rebecca; Xing, Lei

2015-05-01

In this work, we demonstrated that an optimized detector angular configuration based on the anisotropic energy distribution of background scattered X-rays improves X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) detection sensitivity. We built an XFCT imaging system composed of a bench-top fluoroscopy X-ray source, a CdTe X-ray detector, and a phantom motion stage. We imaged a 6.4-cm-diameter phantom containing different concentrations of gold solution and investigated the effect of detector angular configuration on XFCT image quality. Based on our previous theoretical study, three detector angles were considered. The X-ray fluorescence detector was first placed at 145 (°) (approximating back-scatter) to minimize scatter X-rays. XFCT image quality was compared to images acquired with the detector at 60 (°) (forward-scatter) and 90 (°) (side-scatter). The datasets for the three different detector positions were also combined to approximate an isotropically arranged detector. The sensitivity was optimized with detector in the 145 (°) back-scatter configuration counting the 78-keV gold Kβ1 X-rays. The improvement arose from the reduced energy of scattered X-ray at the 145 (°) position and the large energy separation from gold K β1 X-rays. The lowest detected concentration in this configuration was 2.5 mgAu/mL (or 0.25% Au with SNR = 4.3). This concentration could not be detected with the 60 (°) , 90 (°) , or isotropic configurations (SNRs = 1.3, 0, 2.3, respectively). XFCT imaging dose of 14 mGy was in the range of typical clinical X-ray CT imaging doses. To our knowledge, the sensitivity achieved in this experiment is the highest in any XFCT experiment using an ordinary bench-top X-ray source in a phantom larger than a mouse ( > 3 cm).

Role of Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) in the detection of pulmonary nodules on 64 row multi detector computed tomography.

PubMed

Prakashini, K; Babu, Satish; Rajgopal, K V; Kokila, K Raja

2016-01-01

To determine the overall performance of an existing CAD algorithm with thin-section computed tomography (CT) in the detection of pulmonary nodules and to evaluate detection sensitivity at a varying range of nodule density, size, and location. A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 20 patients with 322 suspected nodules who underwent diagnostic chest imaging using 64-row multi-detector CT. The examinations were evaluated on reconstructed images of 1.4 mm thickness and 0.7 mm interval. Detection of pulmonary nodules, initially by a radiologist of 2 years experience (RAD) and later by CAD lung nodule software was assessed. Then, CAD nodule candidates were accepted or rejected accordingly. Detected nodules were classified based on their size, density, and location. The performance of the RAD and CAD system was compared with the gold standard that is true nodules confirmed by consensus of senior RAD and CAD together. The overall sensitivity and false-positive (FP) rate of CAD software was calculated. Of the 322 suspected nodules, 221 were classified as true nodules on the consensus of senior RAD and CAD together. Of the true nodules, the RAD detected 206 (93.2%) and 202 (91.4%) by the CAD. CAD and RAD together picked up more number of nodules than either CAD or RAD alone. Overall sensitivity for nodule detection with the CAD program was 91.4%, and FP detection per patient was 5.5%. The CAD showed comparatively higher sensitivity for nodules of size 4-10 mm (93.4%) and nodules in hilar (100%) and central (96.5%) location when compared to RAD's performance. CAD performance was high in detecting pulmonary nodules including the small size and low-density nodules. CAD even with relatively high FP rate, assists and improves RAD's performance as a second reader, especially for nodules located in the central and hilar region and for small nodules by saving RADs time.

Adaptive optics optical coherence tomography for measuring phase and reflectance dynamics of photoreceptors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kocaoglu, Omer P.; Jonnal, Ravi S.; Lee, Sangyeol; Wang, Qiang; Liu, Zhuolin; Miller, Donald T.

2012-03-01

Optical coherence tomography with adaptive optics (AO-OCT) is a noninvasive method for imaging the living retina at the microscopic level. We used AO-OCT technology to follow changes in cone photoreceptor outer segment (OS) length and reflectance. To substantially increase sensitivity of the length measurements, a novel phase retrieval technique was demonstrated, capable of detecting changes on a nanometer scale. We acquired volume videos of 0.65°x0.65° retinal patches at 1.5° temporal to the fovea over 75 and 105 minutes in two subjects. Volumes were dewarped and registered, after which the cone intensity, OS length, and referenced phase difference were tracked over time. The reflections from inner segment/OS junction (IS/OS) and posterior tips of OS (PT) showed significant intensity variations over time. In contrast, the OS length as measured from the intensity images did not change, indicative of a highly stable OS length at least down to the level of the system's axial resolution (3μm). Smaller axial changes, however, were detected with our phase retrieval technique. Specifically, the PT-IS/OS phase difference for the same cones showed significant variation, suggesting real sub-wavelength changes in OS length of 125+/-46 nm/hr for the 22 cones followed. We believe these length changes are due to the normal renewal process of the cone OS that elongate the OS at a rate of about 100 nm/hr. The phase difference measurements were strongly correlated among Alines within the same cone (0.65 radians standard deviation) corresponding to a length sensitivity of 31 nm, or ~100 times smaller than the axial resolution of our system.

Fiber-based polarization-sensitive OCT of the human retina with correction of system polarization distortions

PubMed Central

Braaf, Boy; Vermeer, Koenraad A.; de Groot, Mattijs; Vienola, Kari V.; de Boer, Johannes F.

2014-01-01

In polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) the use of single-mode fibers causes unpredictable polarization distortions which can result in increased noise levels and erroneous changes in calculated polarization parameters. In the current paper this problem is addressed by a new Jones matrix analysis method that measures and corrects system polarization distortions as a function of wavenumber by spectral analysis of the sample surface polarization state and deeper located birefringent tissue structures. This method was implemented on a passive-component depth-multiplexed swept-source PS-OCT system at 1040 nm which was theoretically modeled using Jones matrix calculus. High-resolution B-scan images are presented of the double-pass phase retardation, diattenuation, and relative optic axis orientation to show the benefits of the new analysis method for in vivo imaging of the human retina. The correction of system polarization distortions yielded reduced phase retardation noise, and better estimates of the diattenuation and the relative optic axis orientation in weakly birefringent tissues. The clinical potential of the system is shown by en face visualization of the phase retardation and optic axis orientation of the retinal nerve fiber layer in a healthy volunteer and a glaucoma patient with nerve fiber loss. PMID:25136498

Simultaneous fast scanning XRF, dark field, phase-, and absorption contrast tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medjoubi, Kadda; Bonissent, Alain; Leclercq, Nicolas; Langlois, Florent; Mercère, Pascal; Somogyi, Andrea

2013-09-01

Scanning hard X-ray nanoprobe imaging provides a unique tool for probing specimens with high sensitivity and large penetration depth. Moreover, the combination of complementary techniques such as X-ray fluorescence, absorption, phase contrast and dark field imaging gives complete quantitative information on the sample structure, composition and chemistry. The multi-technique "FLYSCAN" data acquisition scheme developed at Synchrotron SOLEIL permits to perform fast continuous scanning imaging and as such makes scanning tomography techniques feasible in a time-frame well-adapted to typical user experiments. Here we present the recent results of simultaneous fast scanning multi-technique tomography performed at Soleil. This fast scanning scheme will be implemented at the Nanoscopium beamline for large field of view 2D and 3D multimodal imaging.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Walker, Katherine L.; Judenhofer, Martin S.; Cherry, Simon R.

In preclinical single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system development the primary objective has been to improve spatial resolution by using novel parallel-hole or multi-pinhole collimator geometries. Furthermore, such high-resolution systems have relatively poor sensitivity (typically 0.01% to 0.1%). In contrast, a system that does not use collimators can achieve very high-sensitivity. Here we present a high-sensitivity un-collimated detector single-photon imaging (UCD-SPI) system for the imaging of both small animals and plants. This scanner consists of two thin, closely spaced, pixelated scintillator detectors that use NaI(Tl), CsI(Na), or BGO. The performance of the system has been characterized by measuring sensitivity, spatialmore » resolution, linearity, detection limits, and uniformity. With 99mTc (140 keV) at the center of the field of view (20 mm scintillator separation), the sensitivity was measured to be 31.8% using the NaI(Tl) detectors and 40.2% with CsI(Na). The best spatial resolution (FWHM when the image formed as the geometric mean of the two detector heads, 20 mm scintillator separation) was 19.0 mm for NaI(Tl) and 11.9 mm for CsI(Na) at 140 keV, and 19.5 mm for BGO at 1116 keV, which is somewhat degraded compared to the cm-scale resolution obtained with only one detector head and a close source. The quantitative accuracy of the system’s linearity is better than 2% with detection down to activity levels of 100 nCi. Two in vivo animal studies (a renal scan using 99mTc MAG-3 and a thyroid scan with 123I) and one plant study (a 99mTcO 4- xylem transport study) highlight the unique capabilities of this UCD-SPI system. From the renal scan, we observe approximately a one thousand-fold increase in sensitivity compared to the Siemens Inveon SPECT/CT scanner. In conclusion, UCD-SPI is useful for many imaging tasks that do not require excellent spatial resolution, such as high-throughput screening applications, simple radiotracer uptake studies in tumor xenografts, dynamic studies where very good temporal resolution is critical, or in planta imaging of radioisotopes at low concentrations.« less

Development, Evaluation and Implementation of Chief Complaint Groupings to Activate Data Collection: A Multi-Center Study of Clinical Decision Support for Children with Head Trauma.

PubMed

Deakyne, S J; Bajaj, L; Hoffman, J; Alessandrini, E; Ballard, D W; Norris, R; Tzimenatos, L; Swietlik, M; Tham, E; Grundmeier, R W; Kuppermann, N; Dayan, P S

2015-01-01

Overuse of cranial computed tomography scans in children with blunt head trauma unnecessarily exposes them to radiation. The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) blunt head trauma prediction rules identify children who do not require a computed tomography scan. Electronic health record (EHR) based clinical decision support (CDS) may effectively implement these rules but must only be provided for appropriate patients in order to minimize excessive alerts. To develop, implement and evaluate site-specific groupings of chief complaints (CC) that accurately identify children with head trauma, in order to activate data collection in an EHR. As part of a 13 site clinical trial comparing cranial computed tomography use before and after implementation of CDS, four PECARN sites centrally developed and locally implemented CC groupings to trigger a clinical trial alert (CTA) to facilitate the completion of an emergency department head trauma data collection template. We tested and chose CC groupings to attain high sensitivity while maintaining at least moderate specificity. Due to variability in CCs available, identical groupings across sites were not possible. We noted substantial variability in the sensitivity and specificity of seemingly similar CC groupings between sites. The implemented CC groupings had sensitivities greater than 90% with specificities between 75-89%. During the trial, formal testing and provider feedback led to tailoring of the CC groupings at some sites. CC groupings can be successfully developed and implemented across multiple sites to accurately identify patients who should have a CTA triggered to facilitate EHR data collection. However, CC groupings will necessarily vary in order to attain high sensitivity and moderate-to-high specificity. In future trials, the balance between sensitivity and specificity should be considered based on the nature of the clinical condition, including prevalence and morbidity, in addition to the goals of the intervention being considered.

Physical effects of mechanical design parameters on photon sensitivity and spatial resolution performance of a breast-dedicated PET system.

PubMed

Spanoudaki, V C; Lau, F W Y; Vandenbroucke, A; Levin, C S

2010-11-01

This study aims to address design considerations of a high resolution, high sensitivity positron emission tomography scanner dedicated to breast imaging. The methodology uses a detailed Monte Carlo model of the system structures to obtain a quantitative evaluation of several performance parameters. Special focus was given to the effect of dense mechanical structures designed to provide mechanical robustness and thermal regulation to the minuscule and temperature sensitive detectors. For the energies of interest around the photopeak (450-700 keV energy window), the simulation results predict a 6.5% reduction in the single photon detection efficiency and a 12.5% reduction in the coincidence photon detection efficiency in the case that the mechanical structures are interspersed between the detectors. However for lower energies, a substantial increase in the number of detected events (approximately 14% and 7% for singles at a 100-200 keV energy window and coincidences at a lower energy threshold of 100 keV, respectively) was observed with the presence of these structures due to backscatter. The number of photon events that involve multiple interactions in various crystal elements is also affected by the presence of the structures. For photon events involving multiple interactions among various crystal elements, the coincidence photon sensitivity is reduced by as much as 20% for a point source at the center of the field of view. There is no observable effect on the intrinsic and the reconstructed spatial resolution and spatial resolution uniformity. Mechanical structures can have a considerable effect on system sensitivity, especially for systems processing multi-interaction photon events. This effect, however, does not impact the spatial resolution. Various mechanical structure designs are currently under evaluation in order to achieve optimum trade-off between temperature stability, accurate detector positioning, and minimum influence on system performance.

Physical effects of mechanical design parameters on photon sensitivity and spatial resolution performance of a breast-dedicated PET system

PubMed Central

Spanoudaki, V. C.; Lau, F. W. Y.; Vandenbroucke, A.; Levin, C. S.

2010-01-01

Purpose: This study aims to address design considerations of a high resolution, high sensitivity positron emission tomography scanner dedicated to breast imaging. Methods: The methodology uses a detailed Monte Carlo model of the system structures to obtain a quantitative evaluation of several performance parameters. Special focus was given to the effect of dense mechanical structures designed to provide mechanical robustness and thermal regulation to the minuscule and temperature sensitive detectors. Results: For the energies of interest around the photopeak (450–700 keV energy window), the simulation results predict a 6.5% reduction in the single photon detection efficiency and a 12.5% reduction in the coincidence photon detection efficiency in the case that the mechanical structures are interspersed between the detectors. However for lower energies, a substantial increase in the number of detected events (approximately 14% and 7% for singles at a 100–200 keV energy window and coincidences at a lower energy threshold of 100 keV, respectively) was observed with the presence of these structures due to backscatter. The number of photon events that involve multiple interactions in various crystal elements is also affected by the presence of the structures. For photon events involving multiple interactions among various crystal elements, the coincidence photon sensitivity is reduced by as much as 20% for a point source at the center of the field of view. There is no observable effect on the intrinsic and the reconstructed spatial resolution and spatial resolution uniformity. Conclusions: Mechanical structures can have a considerable effect on system sensitivity, especially for systems processing multi-interaction photon events. This effect, however, does not impact the spatial resolution. Various mechanical structure designs are currently under evaluation in order to achieve optimum trade-off between temperature stability, accurate detector positioning, and minimum influence on system performance. PMID:21158296

Low-dose x-ray tomography through a deep convolutional neural network

DOE PAGES

Yang, Xiaogang; De Andrade, Vincent; Scullin, William; ...

2018-02-07

Synchrotron-based X-ray tomography offers the potential of rapid large-scale reconstructions of the interiors of materials and biological tissue at fine resolution. However, for radiation sensitive samples, there remain fundamental trade-offs between damaging samples during longer acquisition times and reducing signals with shorter acquisition times. We present a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) method that increases the acquired X-ray tomographic signal by at least a factor of 10 during low-dose fast acquisition by improving the quality of recorded projections. Short exposure time projections enhanced with CNN show similar signal to noise ratios as compared with long exposure time projections and muchmore » lower noise and more structural information than low-dose fats acquisition without CNN. We optimized this approach using simulated samples and further validated on experimental nano-computed tomography data of radiation sensitive mouse brains acquired with a transmission X-ray microscopy. We demonstrate that automated algorithms can reliably trace brain structures in datasets collected with low dose-CNN. As a result, this method can be applied to other tomographic or scanning based X-ray imaging techniques and has great potential for studying faster dynamics in specimens.« less

Study of continuous-wave domain fluorescence diffuse optical tomography for quality control on agricultural produce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadhira, Vebi; Kurniadi, Deddy; Juliastuti, E.; Sutiswan, Adeline

2014-03-01

The importance of monitoring the quality of vegetables and fruits is prosperity by giving a competitive advantage for producer and providing a more healthy food for consumer. Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) is offering the possibility to detect the internal defects of the agricultural produce quality. Fluorescence diffuse optical tomography (FDOT) is the development of DOT, offering the possibilities to improve spatial resolution and to contrast image. The purpose of this research is to compare FDOT and DOT in forward analysis with continuous wave approach. The scattering and absorbing parameters of potatoes are used to represent the real condition. The object was illuminated by the NIR source from some positions on the boundary of object. A set of NIR detector are placed on the peripheral position of the object to measure the intensity of propagated or emitted light. In the simulation, we varied a condition of object then we analyzed the sensitivity of forward problem. The result of this study shows that FDOT has a better sensitivity than DOT and a better potential to monitor internal defects of agricultural produce because of the contrast value between optical and fluorescence properties of agricultural produce normal tissue and defects.

Low-dose x-ray tomography through a deep convolutional neural network

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Xiaogang; De Andrade, Vincent; Scullin, William

Synchrotron-based X-ray tomography offers the potential of rapid large-scale reconstructions of the interiors of materials and biological tissue at fine resolution. However, for radiation sensitive samples, there remain fundamental trade-offs between damaging samples during longer acquisition times and reducing signals with shorter acquisition times. We present a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) method that increases the acquired X-ray tomographic signal by at least a factor of 10 during low-dose fast acquisition by improving the quality of recorded projections. Short exposure time projections enhanced with CNN show similar signal to noise ratios as compared with long exposure time projections and muchmore » lower noise and more structural information than low-dose fats acquisition without CNN. We optimized this approach using simulated samples and further validated on experimental nano-computed tomography data of radiation sensitive mouse brains acquired with a transmission X-ray microscopy. We demonstrate that automated algorithms can reliably trace brain structures in datasets collected with low dose-CNN. As a result, this method can be applied to other tomographic or scanning based X-ray imaging techniques and has great potential for studying faster dynamics in specimens.« less

Combined two-photon microscopy and optical coherence tomography using individually optimized sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Bosu; Lee, Byunghak; Jang, Min Seong; Nam, Hyoseok; Kim, Hae Koo; Yoon, Sang June; Doh, Junsang; Lee, Sang-Joon; Yang, Bo-Gie; Jang, Myoung Ho; Kim, Ki Hean

2011-03-01

Two-photon microscopy (TPM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are 3D tissue imaging techniques based on different contrast mechanisms. We developed a combined system of TPM and OCT to provide information of both imaging modalities for in-vivo tissue study. TPM and OCT were implemented by using separate light sources, a Ti-Sapphire laser and a wavelength-swept source centered at 1300 nm respectively, and scanners. Light from the two sources was combined for the simultaneous imaging of tissue samples. TPM provided molecular, cellular information of tissues in the region of a few hundred microns on one side at a sub-cellular resolution, and ran at approximately 40 frames per second. OCT provided structural information in the tissue region larger than TPM images at a sub-tenth micron resolution by using 0.1 numerical aperture. OCT had the field of view of 800 um × 800 um based on a 20x objective, the sensitivity of 97dB, and the imaging speed of 0.8 volumes per second. This combined system was tested with simple microsphere specimens, and then was applied to image the explanted intestine of a mouse model and the plant leaves. Morphology and micro-structures of the intestine villi and immune cells within the villi were shown in the intestine image, and chloroplasts and various microstructures of the maize leaves were visualized in 3D by the combined system.

Ultra-compact swept-source optical coherence tomography handheld probe with motorized focus adjustment (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaRocca, Francesco; Nankivil, Derek; Keller, Brenton; Farsiu, Sina; Izatt, Joseph A.

2017-02-01

Handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems facilitate imaging of young children, bedridden subjects, and those with less stable fixation. Smaller and lighter OCT probes allow for more efficient imaging and reduced operator fatigue, which is critical for prolonged use in either the operating room or neonatal intensive care unit. In addition to size and weight, the imaging speed, image quality, field of view, resolution, and focus correction capability are critical parameters that determine the clinical utility of a handheld probe. Here, we describe an ultra-compact swept source (SS) OCT handheld probe weighing only 211 g (half the weight of the next lightest handheld SSOCT probe in the literature) with 20.1 µm lateral resolution, 7 µm axial resolution, 102 dB peak sensitivity, a 27° x 23° field of view, and motorized focus adjustment for refraction correction between -10 to +16 D. A 2D microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) scanner, a converging beam-at-scanner telescope configuration, and an optical design employing 6 different custom optics were used to minimize device size and weight while achieving diffraction limited performance throughout the system's field of view. Custom graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated software was used to provide real-time display of OCT B-scans and volumes. Retinal images were acquired from adult volunteers to demonstrate imaging performance.

Resistive plate chambers in positron emission tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crespo, Paulo; Blanco, Alberto; Couceiro, Miguel; Ferreira, Nuno C.; Lopes, Luís; Martins, Paulo; Ferreira Marques, Rui; Fonte, Paulo

2013-07-01

Resistive plate chambers (RPC) were originally deployed for high energy physics. Realizing how their properties match the needs of nuclear medicine, a LIP team proposed applying RPCs to both preclinical and clinical positron emission tomography (RPC-PET). We show a large-area RPC-PET simulated scanner covering an axial length of 2.4m —slightly superior to the height of the human body— allowing for whole-body, single-bed RPC-PET acquisitions. Simulations following NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association, USA) protocols yield a system sensitivity at least one order of magnitude larger than present-day, commercial PET systems. Reconstruction of whole-body simulated data is feasible by using a dedicated, direct time-of-flight-based algorithm implemented onto an ordered subsets estimation maximization parallelized strategy. Whole-body RPC-PET patient images following the injection of only 2mCi of 18-fluorodesoxyglucose (FDG) are expected to be ready 7 minutes after the 6 minutes necessary for data acquisition. This compares to the 10-20mCi FDG presently injected for a PET scan, and to the uncomfortable 20-30minutes necessary for its data acquisition. In the preclinical field, two fully instrumented detector heads have been assembled aiming at a four-head-based, small-animal RPC-PET system. Images of a disk-shaped and a needle-like 22Na source show unprecedented sub-millimeter spatial resolution.

Inpainting approaches to fill in detector gaps in phase contrast computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brun, F.; Delogu, P.; Longo, R.; Dreossi, D.; Rigon, L.

2018-01-01

Photon counting semiconductor detectors in radiation imaging present attractive properties, such as high efficiency, low noise, and energy sensitivity. The very complex electronics limits the sensitive area of current devices to a few square cm. This disadvantage is often compensated by tiling a larger matrix with an adequate number of detector units but this usually results in non-negligible insensitive gaps between two adjacent modules. When considering the case of Computed Tomography (CT), these gaps lead to degraded reconstructed images with severe streak and ring artifacts. This work presents two digital image processing solutions to fill in these gaps when considering the specific case of synchrotron radiation x-ray parallel beam phase contrast CT. While not discussed with experimental data, other CT modalities, such as spectral, cone beam and other geometries might benefit from the presented approaches.

Multislice computed tomography with colon water distension (MSCT-c) in the study of intestinal and ureteral endometriosis.

PubMed

Iosca, Simona; Lumia, Domenico; Bracchi, Elena; Duka, Ejona; De Bon, Monica; Lekaj, Manjola; Uccella, Stefano; Ghezzi, Fabio; Fugazzola, Carlo

2013-01-01

This study evaluates retrospectively the accuracy and reproducibility of multislice computed tomography with colon water distension (MSCT-c) in diagnosing bowel (BE) and ureteral (UE) endometriosis. Sixty-four patients underwent MSCT-c and videolaparoscopic surgery. Two radiologists reviewed MSCT-c examinations: sensitivity and specificity were calculated, considering histological exam as reference standard. In the BE cases, the degree of bowel wall infiltration was also assessed. Sensitivity and specificity for both readers were 100% and 97.6% for BE and 72.2% and 100% for UE; the interobserver agreement was excellent. The degree of bowel wall involvement was correctly defined in 90.9% of cases. MSCT-c is an accurate and reproducible technique but-considering the age of the patients-delivers a nonnegligible radiation dose. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Imaging deep skeletal muscle structure using a high-sensitivity ultrathin side-viewing optical coherence tomography needle probe

PubMed Central

Yang, Xiaojie; Lorenser, Dirk; McLaughlin, Robert A.; Kirk, Rodney W.; Edmond, Matthew; Simpson, M. Cather; Grounds, Miranda D.; Sampson, David D.

2013-01-01

We have developed an extremely miniaturized optical coherence tomography (OCT) needle probe (outer diameter 310 µm) with high sensitivity (108 dB) to enable minimally invasive imaging of cellular structure deep within skeletal muscle. Three-dimensional volumetric images were acquired from ex vivo mouse tissue, examining both healthy and pathological dystrophic muscle. Individual myofibers were visualized as striations in the images. Degradation of cellular structure in necrotic regions was seen as a loss of these striations. Tendon and connective tissue were also visualized. The observed structures were validated against co-registered hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) histology sections. These images of internal cellular structure of skeletal muscle acquired with an OCT needle probe demonstrate the potential of this technique to visualize structure at the microscopic level deep in biological tissue in situ. PMID:24466482

Variable angle-of-incidence polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography: its use to study the 3D collagen structure of equine articular cartilage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ugryumova, Nadya; Gangnus, Sergei V.; Matcher, Stephen J.

2006-02-01

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography has been used to spatially map the birefringence of equine articular cartilage. The polar orientation of the collagen fibers relative to the plane of the joint surface must be taken into account if a quantitative measurement of true birefringence is required. Using a series of images taken at different angles of illumination, we determine the fiber polar angle and true birefringence at one site on a sample of equine cartilage, on the assumption that the fibers lie within the plane of imaging. We propose a more general method based on the extended Jones matrix formalism to determine both the polar and azimuthal orientation of the collagen fibers as well as the true birefringence as functions of depth.

Characterization of Window Functions for Regularization of Electrical Capacitance Tomography Image Reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Peng; Peng, Lihui; Xiao, Deyun

2007-06-01

This paper presents a regularization method by using different window functions as regularization for electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) image reconstruction. Image reconstruction for ECT is a typical ill-posed inverse problem. Because of the small singular values of the sensitivity matrix, the solution is sensitive to the measurement noise. The proposed method uses the spectral filtering properties of different window functions to make the solution stable by suppressing the noise in measurements. The window functions, such as the Hanning window, the cosine window and so on, are modified for ECT image reconstruction. Simulations with respect to five typical permittivity distributions are carried out. The reconstructions are better and some of the contours are clearer than the results from the Tikhonov regularization. Numerical results show that the feasibility of the image reconstruction algorithm using different window functions as regularization.

In vivo molecular photoacoustic tomography of melanomas targeted by bioconjugated gold nanocages.

PubMed

Kim, Chulhong; Cho, Eun Chul; Chen, Jingyi; Song, Kwang Hyun; Au, Leslie; Favazza, Christopher; Zhang, Qiang; Cobley, Claire M; Gao, Feng; Xia, Younan; Wang, Lihong V

2010-08-24

Early diagnosis, accurate staging, and image-guided resection of melanomas remain crucial clinical objectives for improving patient survival and treatment outcomes. Conventional techniques cannot meet this demand because of the low sensitivity, low specificity, poor spatial resolution, shallow penetration, and/or ionizing radiation. Here we overcome such limitations by combining high-resolution photoacoustic tomography (PAT) with extraordinarily optical absorbing gold nanocages (AuNCs). When bioconjugated with [Nle(4),D-Phe(7)]-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, the AuNCs can serve as a novel contrast agent for in vivo molecular PAT of melanomas with both exquisite sensitivity and high specificity. The bioconjugated AuNCs enhanced contrast approximately 300% more than the control, PEGylated AuNCs. The in vivo PAT quantification of the amount of AuNCs accumulated in melanomas was further validated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Un-collimated single-photon imaging system for high-sensitivity small animal and plant imaging

DOE PAGES

Walker, Katherine L.; Judenhofer, Martin S.; Cherry, Simon R.; ...

2014-12-12

In preclinical single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system development the primary objective has been to improve spatial resolution by using novel parallel-hole or multi-pinhole collimator geometries. Furthermore, such high-resolution systems have relatively poor sensitivity (typically 0.01% to 0.1%). In contrast, a system that does not use collimators can achieve very high-sensitivity. Here we present a high-sensitivity un-collimated detector single-photon imaging (UCD-SPI) system for the imaging of both small animals and plants. This scanner consists of two thin, closely spaced, pixelated scintillator detectors that use NaI(Tl), CsI(Na), or BGO. The performance of the system has been characterized by measuring sensitivity, spatialmore » resolution, linearity, detection limits, and uniformity. With 99mTc (140 keV) at the center of the field of view (20 mm scintillator separation), the sensitivity was measured to be 31.8% using the NaI(Tl) detectors and 40.2% with CsI(Na). The best spatial resolution (FWHM when the image formed as the geometric mean of the two detector heads, 20 mm scintillator separation) was 19.0 mm for NaI(Tl) and 11.9 mm for CsI(Na) at 140 keV, and 19.5 mm for BGO at 1116 keV, which is somewhat degraded compared to the cm-scale resolution obtained with only one detector head and a close source. The quantitative accuracy of the system’s linearity is better than 2% with detection down to activity levels of 100 nCi. Two in vivo animal studies (a renal scan using 99mTc MAG-3 and a thyroid scan with 123I) and one plant study (a 99mTcO 4- xylem transport study) highlight the unique capabilities of this UCD-SPI system. From the renal scan, we observe approximately a one thousand-fold increase in sensitivity compared to the Siemens Inveon SPECT/CT scanner. In conclusion, UCD-SPI is useful for many imaging tasks that do not require excellent spatial resolution, such as high-throughput screening applications, simple radiotracer uptake studies in tumor xenografts, dynamic studies where very good temporal resolution is critical, or in planta imaging of radioisotopes at low concentrations.« less

Un-collimated single-photon imaging system for high-sensitivity small animal and plant imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, Katherine L.; Judenhofer, Martin S.; Cherry, Simon R.; Mitchell, Gregory S.

2015-01-01

In preclinical single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system development the primary objective has been to improve spatial resolution by using novel parallel-hole or multi-pinhole collimator geometries. However, such high-resolution systems have relatively poor sensitivity (typically 0.01-0.1%). In contrast, a system that does not use collimators can achieve very high-sensitivity. Here we present a high-sensitivity un-collimated detector single-photon imaging (UCD-SPI) system for the imaging of both small animals and plants. This scanner consists of two thin, closely spaced, pixelated scintillator detectors that use NaI(Tl), CsI(Na), or BGO. The performance of the system has been characterized by measuring sensitivity, spatial resolution, linearity, detection limits, and uniformity. With 99mTc (140 keV) at the center of the field of view (20 mm scintillator separation), the sensitivity was measured to be 31.8% using the NaI(Tl) detectors and 40.2% with CsI(Na). The best spatial resolution (FWHM when the image formed as the geometric mean of the two detector heads, 20 mm scintillator separation) was 19.0 mm for NaI(Tl) and 11.9 mm for CsI(Na) at 140 keV, and 19.5 mm for BGO at 1116 keV, which is somewhat degraded compared to the cm-scale resolution obtained with only one detector head and a close source. The quantitative accuracy of the system’s linearity is better than 2% with detection down to activity levels of 100 nCi. Two in vivo animal studies (a renal scan using 99mTc MAG-3 and a thyroid scan with 123I) and one plant study (a 99mTcO4- xylem transport study) highlight the unique capabilities of this UCD-SPI system. From the renal scan, we observe approximately a one thousand-fold increase in sensitivity compared to the Siemens Inveon SPECT/CT scanner. UCD-SPI is useful for many imaging tasks that do not require excellent spatial resolution, such as high-throughput screening applications, simple radiotracer uptake studies in tumor xenografts, dynamic studies where very good temporal resolution is critical, or in planta imaging of radioisotopes at low concentrations.

Cancer Imaging: Gene Transcription-Based Imaging and Therapeutic Systems

PubMed Central

Bhang, Hyo-eun C.; Pomper, Martin G.

2012-01-01

Molecular-genetic imaging of cancer is in its infancy. Over the past decade gene reporter systems have been optimized in preclinical models and some have found their way into the clinic. The search is on to find the best combination of gene delivery vehicle and reporter imaging system that can be translated safely and quickly. The goal is to have a combination that can detect a wide variety of cancers with high sensitivity and specificity in a way that rivals the current clinical standard, positron emission tomography with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose. To do so will require systemic delivery of reporter genes for the detection of micrometastases, and a nontoxic vector, whether viral or based on nanotechnology, to gain widespread acceptance by the oncology community. Merger of molecular-genetic imaging with gene therapy, a strategy that has been employed in the past, will likely be necessary for such imaging to reach widespread clinical use. PMID:22349219

Performance evaluation of a LYSO-based PET scanner for monitoring of dose delivery in hadrontherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fabbiani, E.; Belcari, N.; Camarlinghi, N.; Del Guerra, A.; Ferretti, S.; Kraan, A.; Panetta, D.; Sportelli, G.; Rosso, V.

2015-12-01

The DoPET scanner is a compact positron emission tomography (PET) device. It has been developed for monitoring the range of charged particles during therapy with hadron beams. Previous works have focused on the development and upgrade of the device and on data analysis. In this paper, a full performance characterization of the DoPET system in terms of the energy resolution, spatial resolution, sensitivity, uniformity, and noise equivalent count rate is reported. All measurements refer to an adapted version of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU 4 - 2008 protocol, which was written originally for small animal PET systems. Since DoPET is a dual head planar system, it requires a modified characterisation procedure with respect to those described for ring geometries as in the NEMA NU 4 - 2008 protocol. The presented procedure may be of interest for any other PET system with a similar geometry as DoPET.

Photoacoustic tomography of the human finger: towards the assessment of inflammatory joint diseases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Es, P.; Biswas, S. K.; Bernelot Moens, H. J.; Steenbergen, W.; Manohar, S.

2015-03-01

Inflammatory arthritis is often manifested in finger joints. The growth of new or withdrawal of old blood vessels can be a sensitive marker for these diseases. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging has great potential in this respect since it allows the sensitive and highly resolved visualization of blood. We systematically investigated PA imaging of finger vasculature in healthy volunteers using a newly developed PA tomographic system. We present the PA results which show excellent detail of the vasculature. Vessels with diameters ranging between 100 μm and 1.5 mm are visible along with details of the skin, including the epidermis and the subpapillary plexus. The focus of all the studies is at the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, and in the context of ultimately visualizing the inflamed synovial membrane in patients. This work is important in laying the foundation for detailed research into PA imaging of the phalangeal vasculature in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

F-18 fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the femoral head: Comparison with magnetic resonance imaging

PubMed Central

Gayana, Shankaramurthy; Bhattacharya, Anish; Sen, Ramesh Kumar; Singh, Paramjeet; Prakash, Mahesh; Mittal, Bhagwant Rai

2016-01-01

Objective: Femoral head avascular necrosis (FHAVN) is one of the increasingly common causes of musculoskeletal disability and poses a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Although radiography, scintigraphy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been widely used in the diagnosis of FHAVN, positron emission tomography (PET) has recently been evaluated to assess vascularity of the femoral head. In this study, the authors compared F-18 fluoride PET/CT with MRI in the initial diagnosis of FHAVN. Patients and Methods: We prospectively studied 51 consecutive patients with a high clinical suspicion of FHAVN. All patients underwent MRI and F-18 fluoride PET/CT, the time interval between the two scans being 4–10 (mean 8) days. Two nuclear medicine physicians blinded to the MRI report read the PET/CT scans. Clinical assessment was also done. Final diagnoses were made by surgical pathology or clinical and radiologic follow-up. Results: A final diagnosis of avascular necrosis (AVN) was made in 40 patients. MRI was 96.5% sensitive, 100% specific, and 98.03% accurate while PET/CT was 100% sensitive, specific, and accurate in diagnosing FHAVN. The agreement between the two imaging modalities for the diagnosis of AVN was 96.07%. Conclusion: F-18 fluoride PET/CT showed good agreement with MRI in the initial diagnosis of FHAVN and can be better than MRI in detecting early disease. PMID:26917886

Depth-resolved imaging of colon tumor using optical coherence tomography and fluorescence laminar optical tomography (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Qinggong; Frank, Aaron; Wang, Jianting; Chen, Chao-wei; Jin, Lily; Lin, Jon; Chan, Joanne M.; Chen, Yu

2016-03-01

Early detection of neoplastic changes remains a critical challenge in clinical cancer diagnosis and treatment. Many cancers arise from epithelial layers such as those of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Current standard endoscopic technology is unable to detect those subsurface lesions. Since cancer development is associated with both morphological and molecular alterations, imaging technologies that can quantitative image tissue's morphological and molecular biomarkers and assess the depth extent of a lesion in real time, without the need for tissue excision, would be a major advance in GI cancer diagnostics and therapy. In this research, we investigated the feasibility of multi-modal optical imaging including high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) and depth-resolved high-sensitivity fluorescence laminar optical tomography (FLOT) for structural and molecular imaging. APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) mice model were imaged using OCT and FLOT and the correlated histopathological diagnosis was obtained. Quantitative structural (the scattering coefficient) and molecular imaging parameters (fluorescence intensity) from OCT and FLOT images were developed for multi-parametric analysis. This multi-modal imaging method has demonstrated the feasibility for more accurate diagnosis with 87.4% (87.3%) for sensitivity (specificity) which gives the most optimal diagnosis (the largest area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve). This project results in a new non-invasive multi-modal imaging platform for improved GI cancer detection, which is expected to have a major impact on detection, diagnosis, and characterization of GI cancers, as well as a wide range of epithelial cancers.

Error analysis of speed of sound reconstruction in ultrasound limited angle transmission tomography.

PubMed

Jintamethasawat, Rungroj; Lee, Won-Mean; Carson, Paul L; Hooi, Fong Ming; Fowlkes, J Brian; Goodsitt, Mitchell M; Sampson, Richard; Wenisch, Thomas F; Wei, Siyuan; Zhou, Jian; Chakrabarti, Chaitali; Kripfgans, Oliver D

2018-04-07

We have investigated limited angle transmission tomography to estimate speed of sound (SOS) distributions for breast cancer detection. That requires both accurate delineations of major tissues, in this case by segmentation of prior B-mode images, and calibration of the relative positions of the opposed transducers. Experimental sensitivity evaluation of the reconstructions with respect to segmentation and calibration errors is difficult with our current system. Therefore, parametric studies of SOS errors in our bent-ray reconstructions were simulated. They included mis-segmentation of an object of interest or a nearby object, and miscalibration of relative transducer positions in 3D. Close correspondence of reconstruction accuracy was verified in the simplest case, a cylindrical object in homogeneous background with induced segmentation and calibration inaccuracies. Simulated mis-segmentation in object size and lateral location produced maximum SOS errors of 6.3% within 10 mm diameter change and 9.1% within 5 mm shift, respectively. Modest errors in assumed transducer separation produced the maximum SOS error from miscalibrations (57.3% within 5 mm shift), still, correction of this type of error can easily be achieved in the clinic. This study should aid in designing adequate transducer mounts and calibration procedures, and in specification of B-mode image quality and segmentation algorithms for limited angle transmission tomography relying on ray tracing algorithms. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Method of optical coherence tomography with parallel depth-resolved signal reception and fibre-optic phase modulators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morozov, A N; Turchin, I V

2013-12-31

The method of optical coherence tomography with the scheme of parallel reception of the interference signal (P-OCT) is developed on the basis of spatial paralleling of the reference wave by means of a phase diffraction grating producing the appropriate time delay in the Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The absence of mechanical variation of the optical path difference in the interferometer essentially reduces the time required for 2D imaging of the object internal structure, as compared to the classical OCT that uses the time-domain method of the image construction, the sensitivity and the dynamic range being comparable in both approaches. For the resultingmore » field of the interfering object and reference waves an analytical expression is derived that allows the calculation of the autocorrelation function in the plane of photodetectors. For the first time a method of linear phase modulation by 2π is proposed for P-OCT systems, which allows the use of compact high-frequency (a few hundred kHz) piezoelectric cell-based modulators. For the demonstration of the P-OCT method an experimental setup was created, using which the images of the inner structure of biological objects at the depth up to 1 mm with the axial spatial resolution of 12 μm were obtained. (optical coherence tomography)« less

Correlation between preoperative tomographic staging and definitive histopathologic results in gastric cancer at the Hospital Central Militar.

PubMed

López-Ramírez, M A; Lever-Rosas, C D; Motta-Ramírez, G A; Rebollo-Hurtado, V; Guzmán-Bárcenas, J; Fonseca-Morales, J V; Carreño-Lomeli, M A

In relation to the number of new cases diagnosed, gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, and the second cause of cancer death. The development of multidetector tomography has improved the preoperative staging of gastric cancer. To correlate preoperative tomographic studies with the definitive pathologic results according to the TNM staging system. A retrospective, cross-sectional study within the time frame of January 2009 to December 2013 was conducted that included the case records of 67 patients. They all had upper endoscopy and preoperative multidetector tomography examinations, underwent surgical resection, and had the corresponding histopathology study. Statistical analysis was carried out with the SPSS version 15.0 software and the sensitivity and specificity calculations were made using the Excel 2011 program for Mac. The majority of the patients included in the case series had clinical stage iii and iv disease. When compared with the histopathologic result, the overall accuracy of multidetector CT was 83% (T0 96%, T1 94%, T2 93%, T3 67%, and T4 67%) for tumor size (T) and was 70% (N0 72%, N1 73%, N2 70%, and N3 66%) for lymph node involvement (N). Overall sensitivity was 48% (T0 100%, T1 0%, T2 33%, T3 44%, and T4 65%) for T and was 41% (N0 58%, N1 56%, N2 15%, and N3 35%) for N. A strong association between the multidetector CT results and the pathology results was demonstrated through the Spearman's correlation, especially in T4 and N3. Multidetector computed tomography showed greater congruency in detecting stages T4, N0, and N3 in gastric cancer, when compared with the definitive histopathologic results. Copyright © 2017 Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

A suite of phantom-based test methods for assessing image quality of photoacoustic tomography systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogt, William C.; Jia, Congxian; Wear, Keith A.; Garra, Brian S.; Pfefer, T. Joshua

2017-03-01

As Photoacoustic Tomography (PAT) matures and undergoes clinical translation, objective performance test methods are needed to facilitate device development, regulatory clearance and clinical quality assurance. For mature medical imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound, tissue-mimicking phantoms are frequently incorporated into consensus standards for performance testing. A well-validated set of phantom-based test methods is needed for evaluating performance characteristics of PAT systems. To this end, we have constructed phantoms using a custom tissue-mimicking material based on PVC plastisol with tunable, biologically-relevant optical and acoustic properties. Each phantom is designed to enable quantitative assessment of one or more image quality characteristics including 3D spatial resolution, spatial measurement accuracy, ultrasound/PAT co-registration, uniformity, penetration depth, geometric distortion, sensitivity, and linearity. Phantoms contained targets including high-intensity point source targets and dye-filled tubes. This suite of phantoms was used to measure the dependence of performance of a custom PAT system (equipped with four interchangeable linear array transducers of varying design) on design parameters (e.g., center frequency, bandwidth, element geometry). Phantoms also allowed comparison of image artifacts, including surface-generated clutter and bandlimited sensing artifacts. Results showed that transducer design parameters create strong variations in performance including a trade-off between resolution and penetration depth, which could be quantified with our method. This study demonstrates the utility of phantom-based image quality testing in device performance assessment, which may guide development of consensus standards for PAT systems.

Non-destructive geometric and refractive index characterization of single and multi-element lenses using optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Haddad, Mohamed T.; Tao, Yuankai K.

2018-02-01

Design of optical imaging systems requires careful balancing of lens aberrations to optimize the point-spread function (PSF) and minimize field distortions. Aberrations and distortions are a result of both lens geometry and glass material. While most lens manufacturers provide optical models to facilitate system-level simulation, these models are often not reflective of true system performance because of manufacturing tolerances. Optical design can be further confounded when achromatic or proprietary lenses are employed. Achromats are ubiquitous in systems that utilize broadband sources due to their superior performance in balancing chromatic aberrations. Similarly, proprietary lenses may be custom-designed for optimal performance, but lens models are generally not available. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides non-contact, depth-resolved imaging with high axial resolution and sensitivity. OCT has been previously used to measure the refractive index of unknown materials. In a homogenous sample, the group refractive index is obtained as the ratio between the measured optical and geometric thicknesses of the sample. In heterogenous samples, a method called focus-tracking (FT) quantifies the effect of focal shift introduced by the sample. This enables simultaneous measurement of the thickness and refractive index of intermediate sample layers. Here, we extend the mathematical framework of FT to spherical surfaces, and describe a method based on OCT and FT for full characterization of lens geometry and refractive index. Finally, we validate our characterization method on commercially available singlet and doublet lenses.

Comparison between esophagography and chest computed tomography for evaluation of leaks after esophagectomy and gastric pull-through.

PubMed

Lantos, Joshua E; Levine, Marc S; Rubesin, Stephen E; Lau, Charles T; Torigian, Drew A

2013-03-01

To assess the diagnostic performance of esophagography and chest computed tomography (CT) for detecting leaks after esophagectomy and gastric pull-through. Our database revealed 29 patients who had undergone esophagography and chest CT after esophagectomy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for postoperative leaks were determined for esophagography and CT, separately and combined, on the basis of a retrospective image review. Patients were also stratified for esophagograms with water-soluble contrast alone versus water-soluble contrast and high-density barium and for CT with and without oral contrast. Our findings were retrospectively compared with those reported at initial image interpretation. Clinically relevant leaks were present in 14 (48%) of 29 patients after esophagectomy. Esophagography had a sensitivity of 79%, specificity of 73%, PPV of 73%, and NPV of 79% for detecting leaks, whereas CT had a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 33%, PPV of 55%, and NPV of 71% and esophagography and CT combined had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 27%, PPV of 56%, and NPV of 100%. The sensitivity of esophagography increased with high-density barium, whereas the sensitivity of CT was the same with and without oral contrast agent. Finally, esophagography and CT were seen to have a higher sensitivity and lower specificity on retrospective review compared with the results reported at initial image interpretation. Esophagography had a slightly lower sensitivity and substantially higher specificity compared with CT for detecting leaks after esophagectomy, whereas esophagography and CT combined had a sensitivity of 100% for detecting leaks. Therefore, postoperative leaks can be excluded with confidence after esophagectomy when both tests are negative.

Efficient tomography of a quantum many-body system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanyon, B. P.; Maier, C.; Holzäpfel, M.; Baumgratz, T.; Hempel, C.; Jurcevic, P.; Dhand, I.; Buyskikh, A. S.; Daley, A. J.; Cramer, M.; Plenio, M. B.; Blatt, R.; Roos, C. F.

2017-12-01

Quantum state tomography is the standard technique for estimating the quantum state of small systems. But its application to larger systems soon becomes impractical as the required resources scale exponentially with the size. Therefore, considerable effort is dedicated to the development of new characterization tools for quantum many-body states. Here we demonstrate matrix product state tomography, which is theoretically proven to allow for the efficient and accurate estimation of a broad class of quantum states. We use this technique to reconstruct the dynamical state of a trapped-ion quantum simulator comprising up to 14 entangled and individually controlled spins: a size far beyond the practical limits of quantum state tomography. Our results reveal the dynamical growth of entanglement and describe its complexity as correlations spread out during a quench: a necessary condition for future demonstrations of better-than-classical performance. Matrix product state tomography should therefore find widespread use in the study of large quantum many-body systems and the benchmarking and verification of quantum simulators and computers.

Computer-aided diagnosis of liver tumors on computed tomography images.

PubMed

Chang, Chin-Chen; Chen, Hong-Hao; Chang, Yeun-Chung; Yang, Ming-Yang; Lo, Chung-Ming; Ko, Wei-Chun; Lee, Yee-Fan; Liu, Kao-Lang; Chang, Ruey-Feng

2017-07-01

Liver cancer is the tenth most common cancer in the USA, and its incidence has been increasing for several decades. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease are very important. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most common and robust imaging techniques for the detection of liver cancer. CT scanners can provide multiple-phase sequential scans of the whole liver. In this study, we proposed a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system to diagnose liver cancer using the features of tumors obtained from multiphase CT images. A total of 71 histologically-proven liver tumors including 49 benign and 22 malignant lesions were evaluated with the proposed CAD system to evaluate its performance. Tumors were identified by the user and then segmented using a region growing algorithm. After tumor segmentation, three kinds of features were obtained for each tumor, including texture, shape, and kinetic curve. The texture was quantified using 3 dimensional (3-D) texture data of the tumor based on the grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). Compactness, margin, and an elliptic model were used to describe the 3-D shape of the tumor. The kinetic curve was established from each phase of tumor and represented as variations in density between each phase. Backward elimination was used to select the best combination of features, and binary logistic regression analysis was used to classify the tumors with leave-one-out cross validation. The accuracy and sensitivity for the texture were 71.82% and 68.18%, respectively, which were better than for the shape and kinetic curve under closed specificity. Combining all of the features achieved the highest accuracy (58/71, 81.69%), sensitivity (18/22, 81.82%), and specificity (40/49, 81.63%). The Az value of combining all features was 0.8713. Combining texture, shape, and kinetic curve features may be able to differentiate benign from malignant tumors in the liver using our proposed CAD system. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Time-Resolved and Spectroscopic Three-Dimensional Optical Breast Tomography

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

polarization sensitive imaging 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON R. R...project; • Development of a near-infrared center of intensity time gated imaging approach; and • Polarization sensitive imaging. We provide an...spectroscopic imaging arrangement, and a multi-source illumination and multi- detector signal acquisition arrangement. 5 5.1.1. Time-resolved transillumination

Diagnostic Accuracy of Optical Coherence Tomography and Scanning Laser Tomography for Identifying Glaucoma in Myopic Eyes.

PubMed

Malik, Rizwan; Belliveau, Anne C; Sharpe, Glen P; Shuba, Lesya M; Chauhan, Balwantray C; Nicolela, Marcelo T

2016-06-01

Ruling out glaucoma in myopic eyes often poses a diagnostic challenge because of atypical optic disc morphology and visual field defects that can mimic glaucoma. We determined whether neuroretinal rim assessment based on Bruch's membrane opening (BMO), rather than conventional optic disc margin (DM)-based assessment or retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, yielded higher diagnostic accuracy in myopic patients with glaucoma. Case-control, cross-sectional study. Myopic patients with glaucoma (n = 56) and myopic normal controls (n = 74). Myopic subjects with refraction error greater than -2 diopters (D) (spherical equivalent) and typical myopic optic disc morphology, with and without glaucoma, were recruited from a glaucoma clinic and a local optometry practice. The final classification of myopic glaucoma or myopic control was based on consensus assessment by 3 clinicians of visual fields and optic disc photographs. Participants underwent imaging with confocal scanning laser tomography for measurement of DM rim area (DM-RA) and with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) for quantification of a BMO-based neuroretinal rim parameter, minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), and RNFL thickness. Sensitivity of DM-RA, BMO-MRW, and RNFL thickness at a fixed specificity of 90% and partial area under the curves (pAUCs) for global and sectoral parameters for specificities ≥90%. Sensitivities at 90% specificity were 30% for DM-RA and 71% for both BMO-MRW and RNFL thickness. The pAUC was higher for the BMO-MRW compared with DM-RA (P < 0.001), but similar to RNFL thickness (P > 0.5). Sectoral values of BMO-MRW tended to have a higher, but nonsignificant, pAUC across all sectors compared with RNFL thickness. Bruch's membrane opening MRW is more sensitive than DM-RA and similar to RNFL thickness for the identification of glaucoma in myopic eyes and offers a valuable diagnostic tool for patients with glaucoma with myopic optic discs. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reducing disk storage of full-3D seismic waveform tomography (F3DT) through lossy online compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindstrom, Peter; Chen, Po; Lee, En-Jui

2016-08-01

Full-3D seismic waveform tomography (F3DT) is the latest seismic tomography technique that can assimilate broadband, multi-component seismic waveform observations into high-resolution 3D subsurface seismic structure models. The main drawback in the current F3DT implementation, in particular the scattering-integral implementation (F3DT-SI), is the high disk storage cost and the associated I/O overhead of archiving the 4D space-time wavefields of the receiver- or source-side strain tensors. The strain tensor fields are needed for computing the data sensitivity kernels, which are used for constructing the Jacobian matrix in the Gauss-Newton optimization algorithm. In this study, we have successfully integrated a lossy compression algorithm into our F3DT-SI workflow to significantly reduce the disk space for storing the strain tensor fields. The compressor supports a user-specified tolerance for bounding the error, and can be integrated into our finite-difference wave-propagation simulation code used for computing the strain fields. The decompressor can be integrated into the kernel calculation code that reads the strain fields from the disk and compute the data sensitivity kernels. During the wave-propagation simulations, we compress the strain fields before writing them to the disk. To compute the data sensitivity kernels, we read the compressed strain fields from the disk and decompress them before using them in kernel calculations. Experiments using a realistic dataset in our California statewide F3DT project have shown that we can reduce the strain-field disk storage by at least an order of magnitude with acceptable loss, and also improve the overall I/O performance of the entire F3DT-SI workflow significantly. The integration of the lossy online compressor may potentially open up the possibilities of the wide adoption of F3DT-SI in routine seismic tomography practices in the near future.

Does positron emission tomography/computed tomography aid the diagnosis of prosthetic valve infective endocarditis?

PubMed

Balmforth, Damian; Chacko, Jacob; Uppal, Rakesh

2016-10-01

A best evidence topic was constructed according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) aids the diagnosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE)? A total of 107 publications were found using the reported search, of which 6 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. The reported outcome of all studies was a final diagnosis of confirmed endocarditis on follow-up. All the six studies were non-randomized, single-centre, observational studies and thus represented level 3 evidence. The diagnostic capability of PET/CT for PVE was compared with that of the modified Duke Criteria and echocardiography, and reported in terms of sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values. All studies demonstrated an increased sensitivity for the diagnosis of PVE when PET/CT was combined with the modified Duke Criteria on admission. A higher SUVmax on PET was found to be significantly associated with a confirmed diagnosis of endocarditis and an additional diagnostic benefit of PET/CT angiography over conventional PET/non-enhanced CT is reported due to improved anatomical resolution. However, PET/CT was found to be unreliable in the early postoperative period due to its inability to distinguish between infection and residual postoperative inflammatory changes. PET/CT was also found to be poor at diagnosing cases of native valve endocarditis. We conclude that PET/CT aids in the diagnosis of PVE when combined with the modified Duke Criteria on admission by increasing the diagnostic sensitivity. The diagnostic ability of PET/CT can be potentiated by the use of PET/CTA; however, its use may be unreliable in the early postoperative period or in native valve endocarditis. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Reducing Disk Storage of Full-3D Seismic Waveform Tomography (F3DT) Through Lossy Online Compression

DOE PAGES

Lindstrom, Peter; Chen, Po; Lee, En-Jui

2016-05-05

Full-3D seismic waveform tomography (F3DT) is the latest seismic tomography technique that can assimilate broadband, multi-component seismic waveform observations into high-resolution 3D subsurface seismic structure models. The main drawback in the current F3DT implementation, in particular the scattering-integral implementation (F3DT-SI), is the high disk storage cost and the associated I/O overhead of archiving the 4D space-time wavefields of the receiver- or source-side strain tensors. The strain tensor fields are needed for computing the data sensitivity kernels, which are used for constructing the Jacobian matrix in the Gauss-Newton optimization algorithm. In this study, we have successfully integrated a lossy compression algorithmmore » into our F3DT SI workflow to significantly reduce the disk space for storing the strain tensor fields. The compressor supports a user-specified tolerance for bounding the error, and can be integrated into our finite-difference wave-propagation simulation code used for computing the strain fields. The decompressor can be integrated into the kernel calculation code that reads the strain fields from the disk and compute the data sensitivity kernels. During the wave-propagation simulations, we compress the strain fields before writing them to the disk. To compute the data sensitivity kernels, we read the compressed strain fields from the disk and decompress them before using them in kernel calculations. Experiments using a realistic dataset in our California statewide F3DT project have shown that we can reduce the strain-field disk storage by at least an order of magnitude with acceptable loss, and also improve the overall I/O performance of the entire F3DT-SI workflow significantly. The integration of the lossy online compressor may potentially open up the possibilities of the wide adoption of F3DT-SI in routine seismic tomography practices in the near future.« less

Coregistered photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging and classification of ovarian cancer: ex vivo and in vivo studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salehi, Hassan S.; Li, Hai; Merkulov, Alex; Kumavor, Patrick D.; Vavadi, Hamed; Sanders, Melinda; Kueck, Angela; Brewer, Molly A.; Zhu, Quing

2016-04-01

Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages due to the lack of efficacious screening techniques. Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) has a potential to image tumor angiogenesis and detect early neovascular changes of the ovary. We have developed a coregistered PAT and ultrasound (US) prototype system for real-time assessment of ovarian masses. Features extracted from PAT and US angular beams, envelopes, and images were input to a logistic classifier and a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to diagnose ovaries as benign or malignant. A total of 25 excised ovaries of 15 patients were studied and the logistic and SVM classifiers achieved sensitivities of 70.4 and 87.7%, and specificities of 95.6 and 97.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the ovaries of two patients were noninvasively imaged using the PAT/US system before surgical excision. By using five significant features and the logistic classifier, 12 out of 14 images (86% sensitivity) from a malignant ovarian mass and all 17 images (100% specificity) from a benign mass were accurately classified; the SVM correctly classified 10 out of 14 malignant images (71% sensitivity) and all 17 benign images (100% specificity). These initial results demonstrate the clinical potential of the PAT/US technique for ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Volumetric in vivo imaging of microvascular perfusion within the intact cochlea in mice using ultra-high sensitive optical microangiography.

PubMed

Subhash, Hrebesh M; Davila, Viviana; Sun, Hai; Nguyen-Huynh, Anh T; Shi, Xiaorui; Nuttall, Alfred L; Wang, Ruikang K

2011-02-01

Studying the inner ear microvascular dynamics is extremely important to understand the cochlear function and to further advance the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of many otologic disorders. However, there is currently no effective imaging tool available that is able to access the blood flow within the intact cochlea. In this paper, we report the use of an ultrahigh sensitive optical micro-angiography (UHS-OMAG) imaging system to image 3-D microvascular perfusion within the intact cochlea in living mice. The UHS-OMAG image system used in this study is based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography, which uses a broadband light source centered at 1300 nm with an imaging rate of 47[Formula: see text] 000 A-scans/s, capable of acquiring high-resolution B scans at 300 frames/s. The technique is sensitive enough to image very slow blood flow velocities, such as those found in capillary networks. The 3-D imaging acquisition time for a whole cochlea is  ∼ 4.1 s. We demonstrate that volumetric reconstruction of microvascular flow obtained by UHS-OMAG provides a comprehensive perfusion map of several regions of the cochlea, including the otic capsule, the stria vascularis of the apical and middle turns and the radiating arterioles that emanate from the modiolus.

In-vivo Fourier domain optical coherence tomography as a new tool for investigation of vasodynamics in the mouse model.

PubMed

Meissner, Sven; Müller, Gregor; Walther, Julia; Morawietz, Henning; Koch, Edmund

2009-01-01

In-vivo imaging of the vascular system can provide novel insight into the dynamics of vasoconstriction and vasodilation. Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) is an optical, noncontact imaging technique based on interferometry of short-coherent near-infrared light with axial resolution of less than 10 microm. In this study, we apply FD-OCT as an in-vivo imaging technique to investigate blood vessels in their anatomical context using temporally resolved image stacks. Our chosen model system is the murine saphenous artery and vein, due to their small inner vessel diameters, sensitive response to vasoactive stimuli, and advantageous anatomical position. The vascular function of male wild-type mice (C57BL/6) is determined at the ages of 6 and 20 weeks. Vasoconstriction is analyzed in response to dermal application of potassium (K(+)), and vasodilation in response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Vasodynamics are quantified from time series (75 sec, 4 frames per sec, 330 x 512 pixels per frame) of cross sectional images that are analyzed by semiautomated image processing software. The morphology of the saphenous artery and vein is determined by 3-D image stacks of 512 x 512 x 512 pixels. Using the FD-OCT technique, we are able to demonstrate age-dependent differences in vascular function and vasodynamics.

Tidal tomography constrains Earth's deep-mantle buoyancy.

PubMed

Lau, Harriet C P; Mitrovica, Jerry X; Davis, James L; Tromp, Jeroen; Yang, Hsin-Ying; Al-Attar, David

2017-11-15

Earth's body tide-also known as the solid Earth tide, the displacement of the solid Earth's surface caused by gravitational forces from the Moon and the Sun-is sensitive to the density of the two Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs) beneath Africa and the Pacific. These massive regions extend approximately 1,000 kilometres upward from the base of the mantle and their buoyancy remains actively debated within the geophysical community. Here we use tidal tomography to constrain Earth's deep-mantle buoyancy derived from Global Positioning System (GPS)-based measurements of semi-diurnal body tide deformation. Using a probabilistic approach, we show that across the bottom two-thirds of the two LLSVPs the mean density is about 0.5 per cent higher than the average mantle density across this depth range (that is, its mean buoyancy is minus 0.5 per cent), although this anomaly may be concentrated towards the very base of the mantle. We conclude that the buoyancy of these structures is dominated by the enrichment of high-density chemical components, probably related to subducted oceanic plates or primordial material associated with Earth's formation. Because the dynamics of the mantle is driven by density variations, our result has important dynamical implications for the stability of the LLSVPs and the long-term evolution of the Earth system.

Noncontact diffuse correlation tomography of human breast tumor

PubMed Central

He, Lian; Lin, Yu; Huang, Chong; Irwin, Daniel; Szabunio, Margaret M.; Yu, Guoqiang

2015-01-01

Abstract. Our first step to adapt our recently developed noncontact diffuse correlation tomography (ncDCT) system for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of blood flow distribution in human breast tumors is reported. A commercial 3-D camera was used to obtain breast surface geometry, which was then converted to a solid volume mesh. An ncDCT probe scanned over a region of interest on the mesh surface and the measured boundary data were combined with a finite element framework for 3-D image reconstruction of blood flow distribution. This technique was tested in computer simulations and in vivo human breasts with low-grade carcinoma. Results from computer simulations suggest that relatively high accuracy can be achieved when the entire tumor is within the sensitive region of diffuse light. Image reconstruction with a priori knowledge of the tumor volume and location can significantly improve the accuracy in recovery of tumor blood flow contrasts. In vivo imaging results from two breast carcinomas show higher average blood flow contrasts (5.9- and 10.9-fold) in the tumor regions compared to the surrounding tissues, which are comparable with previous findings using diffuse correlation spectroscopy. The ncDCT system has the potential to image blood flow distributions in soft and vulnerable tissues without distorting tissue hemodynamics. PMID:26259706

Numerical study on simultaneous emission and transmission tomography in the MRI framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gjesteby, Lars; Cong, Wenxiang; Wang, Ge

2017-09-01

Multi-modality imaging methods are instrumental for advanced diagnosis and therapy. Specifically, a hybrid system that combines computed tomography (CT), nuclear imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be a Holy Grail of medical imaging, delivering complementary structural/morphological, functional, and molecular information for precision medicine. A novel imaging method was recently demonstrated that takes advantage of radiotracer polarization to combine MRI principles with nuclear imaging. This approach allows the concentration of a polarized Υ-ray emitting radioisotope to be imaged with MRI resolution potentially outperforming the standard nuclear imaging mode at a sensitivity significantly higher than that of MRI. In our work, we propose to acquire MRI-modulated nuclear data for simultaneous image reconstruction of both emission and transmission parameters, suggesting the potential for simultaneous CT-SPECT-MRI. The synchronized diverse datasets allow excellent spatiotemporal registration and unique insight into physiological and pathological features. Here we describe the methodology involving the system design with emphasis on the formulation for tomographic images, even when significant radiotracer signals are limited to a region of interest (ROI). Initial numerical results demonstrate the feasibility of our approach for reconstructing concentration and attenuation images through a head phantom with various radio-labeled ROIs. Additional considerations regarding the radioisotope characteristics are also discussed.

Value of Microperimetry in Detecting Early Retinal Toxicity of Hydroxychloroquine in Children with Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PubMed

Youssef, Maha M; El-Fayoumi, Dina; Sidky, Mohamed Karim; Hegazy, Ahmed I; Marzouk, Huda; Eltanamly, Rasha M

2017-01-01

To evaluate retinal sensitivity in children who are on hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for systemic lupus erythematosus using microperimetry and compare the results with those of the Humphrey visual field (HVF) 10-2 and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). A case-control cross-sectional study including 19 patients (less than 18 years old) on HCQ for at least 5 years. Controls were 21 normal children. Participants underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, then were investigated using HVF 10-2, SD-OCT, and microperimetry. Ocular examination revealed no abnormalities. The overall mean microperimetry sensitivity of the patients (15.75 dB) was not significantly different from that of the controls (16.35 dB). The HVF 10-2 showed a significant difference in the mean deviation of the patients. Conclusions and Message: Microperimetry was not more revealing than HVF 10-2 and SD-OCT. Larger studies are required to compare the diagnostic accuracy of screening modalities of retinal toxicity in children on HCQ. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Quantification of optical absorption coefficient from acoustic spectra in the optical diffusive regime using photoacoustic microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Zijian; Favazza, Christopher; Wang, Lihong V.

2012-02-01

Photoacoustic (PA) tomography (PAT) can image optical absorption contrast with ultrasonic spatial resolution in the optical diffusive regime. Multi-wavelength PAT can noninvasively monitor hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO2) with high sensitivity and fine spatial resolution. However, accurate quantification in PAT requires knowledge of the optical fluence distribution, acoustic wave attenuation, and detection system bandwidth. We propose a method to circumvent this requirement using acoustic spectra of PA signals acquired at two optical wavelengths. With the acoustic spectral method, the absorption coefficients of an oxygenated bovine blood phantom at 560 and 575 nm were quantified with errors of ><5%.

Computer-aided detection of acute pulmonary embolism with 64-slice multi-detector row computed tomography: impact of the scanning conditions and overall image quality in the detection of peripheral clots.

PubMed

Dewailly, Marion; Rémy-Jardin, Martine; Duhamel, Alain; Faivre, Jean-Baptiste; Pontana, François; Deken, Valérie; Bakai, Anne-Marie; Remy, Jacques

2010-01-01

To evaluate the performance of a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for diagnosing peripheral acute pulmonary embolism (PE) with a 64-slice multi-detector row computed tomography (CT). Two radiologists investigated the accuracy of a software aimed at detecting peripheral clots (PECAD prototype, version 7; Siemens Medical Systems, Forchheim, Germany) by applying this tool for the analysis of the pulmonary arterial bed of 74 CT angiograms obtained with 64-slice dual-source CT (Definition; Siemens Medical Systems). These cases were retrospectively selected from a database of CT studies performed on the same CT unit, with a similar collimation (64 x 0.6 mm) and similar injection protocols. Patient selection was based on a variety of (1) scanning conditions, namely, nongated (n = 30), electrocardiography-gated (n = 30), and dual-energy CT angiograms (n = 14), and (2) image quality (IQ), namely, scans of excellent IQ (n = 53) and lower IQ due to lower levels of arterial enhancement and/or presence of noise (n = 21). The standard of truth was based on the 2 radiologists' consensus reading and the results of CAD. The software detected 80 of 93 peripheral clots present in the 21 patients (42 segmental and 38 subsegmental clots). The overall sensitivity (95% confidence interval) of the CAD tool was 86% (77%-92%) for detecting peripheral clots, 78% (64.5%-88%) at the segmental level and 97% (85.5%-99.9%) at the subsegmental level. Assuming normal vascular anatomy with 20 segmental and 40 subsegmental arteries, overall specificity and positive and negative predictive values (95% confidence interval) of the software were 91.8% (91%-92.6%), 18.4% (15%-22.4%), and 99.7% (99.5%-99.8%), respectively. A mean of 5.4 false positives was found per patient (total, 354 false positives), mainly linked to the presence of perivascular connective tissue (n = 119; 34%) and perivascular airspace consolidation (n = 97; 27%). The sensitivities (95% confidence interval) for the CAD tool were 91% (69.8%-99.3%) for dual-energy, 87% (59.3%-93.2%) for electrocardiography-gated, and 87% (73.5%-95.3%) for nongated scans (P > 0.05). No significant difference was found in the sensitivity of the CAD software when comparing the scans according to the scanning conditions and image quality. The evaluated CAD software has a good sensitivity in detecting peripheral PE, which is not influenced by the scanning conditions or the overall image quality.

The early development of medial coronoid disease in growing Labrador retrievers: radiographic, computed tomographic, necropsy and micro-computed tomographic findings.

PubMed

Lau, S F; Wolschrijn, C F; Hazewinkel, H A W; Siebelt, M; Voorhout, G

2013-09-01

Medial coronoid disease (MCD) encompasses lesions of the entire medial coronoid process (MCP), both of the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone. To detect the earliest signs of MCD, radiography and computed tomography were used to monitor the development of MCD in 14 Labrador retrievers, from 6 to 7 weeks of age until euthanasia. The definitive diagnosis of MCD was based on necropsy and micro-computed tomography findings. The frequency of MCD in the dogs studied was 50%. Radiographic findings did not provide evidence of MCD, ulnar subtrochlear sclerosis or blunting of the cranial edge of the MCP. Computed tomography was more sensitive (30.8%) than radiography (0%) in detecting early MCD, with the earliest signs detectable at 14 weeks of age. A combination of the necropsy and micro-computed tomography findings of the MCP showed that MCD was manifested as a lesion of only the subchondral bone in dogs <18 weeks of age. In all dogs (affected and unaffected), there was close contact between the base of the MCP and the proximal radial head in the congruent joints. Computed tomography and micro-computed tomography findings indicated that the lesions of MCD probably originated at the base of the MCP. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

EDITORIAL: Sixth World Congress on Industrial Process Tomography (WCIPT6) Sixth World Congress on Industrial Process Tomography (WCIPT6)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takei, Masahiro; Xu, Lijun

2011-10-01

We are pleased to publish this special feature on the Sixth World Congress on Industrial Process Tomography (WCIPT6) in Measurement Science and Technology. The international congress was successfully held in the campus of Beihang University, Beijing, China, from 6-9 September 2010. It was jointly organized by International Society for Industrial Process Tomography (ISIPT), North China Electric Power University (NCEPU) and Beihang University (BUAA). Process tomography is a tangible tool to visualize and determine the material distribution inside a process non-intrusively in real time. The internal features that can be monitored by process tomography are frequently encountered and required in the design of processes and industrial plants in the fields of chemical, oil, power and metallurgical engineering as well as many other activities such as food, material handling and combustion systems. One of the key characteristics of process tomography is to provide a direct impression and instant and clear understanding of a complex phenomenon. From the viewpoint of practical applications, industries all over the world are currently facing a number of daunting challenges including many wide-range and complex technical problems. The innovative technology of process tomography consistently contributes to providing better and better solutions to the problems as 'seeing is believing'. As a regular event, WCIPT is playing a more and more important role in addressing the challenges to overcome these problems. We are glad to see that this special feature provides a great opportunity for world-wide top-level researchers to discuss and make further developments in process tomography and its applications. The 20 articles included in this issue cover a wide range of relevant topics including sensors and sensing mechanisms, data acquisition systems and instrumentation, electrical, optical, acoustic and hybrid systems, image reconstruction and system evaluation, data and sensor fusion, data processing, other emerging technologies, and their industrial applications such as in multi-phase systems, combustion and chemical reaction, etc. The Seventh World Congress on Industrial Process Tomography (WCIPT7) will take place in Krakow, Poland, from 2-5 September 2013. We look forward to meeting you in Poland!

Noncontact quantitative biomechanical characterization of cardiac muscle using shear wave imaging optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Wang, Shang; Lopez, Andrew L.; Morikawa, Yuka; Tao, Ge; Li, Jiasong; Larina, Irina V.; Martin, James F.; Larin, Kirill V.

2014-01-01

We report on a quantitative optical elastographic method based on shear wave imaging optical coherence tomography (SWI-OCT) for biomechanical characterization of cardiac muscle through noncontact elasticity measurement. The SWI-OCT system employs a focused air-puff device for localized loading of the cardiac muscle and utilizes phase-sensitive OCT to monitor the induced tissue deformation. Phase information from the optical interferometry is used to reconstruct 2-D depth-resolved shear wave propagation inside the muscle tissue. Cross-correlation of the displacement profiles at various spatial locations in the propagation direction is applied to measure the group velocity of the shear waves, based on which the Young’s modulus of tissue is quantified. The quantitative feature and measurement accuracy of this method is demonstrated from the experiments on tissue-mimicking phantoms with the verification using uniaxial compression test. The experiments are performed on ex vivo cardiac muscle tissue from mice with normal and genetically altered myocardium. Our results indicate this optical elastographic technique is useful as a noncontact tool to assist the cardiac muscle studies. PMID:25071943

Optical Magnetic Induction Tomography of the Heart

PubMed Central

Marmugi, Luca; Renzoni, Ferruccio

2016-01-01

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) affects a significant fraction of the ageing population, causing a high level of morbidity and mortality. Despite its significance, the causes of AF are still not uniquely identified. This, combined with the lack of precise diagnostic and guiding tools, makes the clinical treatment of AF sub-optimal. We identify magnetic induction tomography as the most promising technique for the investigation of the causes of fibrillation and for its clinical practice. We therefore propose a novel optical instrument based on optical atomic magnetometers, fulfilling the requirements for diagnostic mapping of the heart’s conductivity. The feasibility of the device is here discussed in view of the final application. Thanks to the potential of atomic magnetometers for miniaturisation and extreme sensitivity at room temperature, a new generation of compact and non-invasive diagnostic instrumentation, with both bedside and intra-operative operation capability, is envisioned. Possible scenarios both in clinical practice and biomedical research are then discussed. The flexibility of the system makes it promising also for application in other fields, such as neurology and oncology. PMID:27040727

Nanocarriers for nuclear imaging and radiotherapy of cancer.

PubMed

Mitra, Amitava; Nan, Anjan; Line, Bruce R; Ghandehari, Hamidreza

2006-01-01

Several nanoscale carriers (nanoparticles, liposomes, water-soluble polymers, micelles and dendrimers) have been developed for targeted delivery of cancer diagnostic and therapeutic agents. These carriers can selectively target cancer sites and carry large payloads, thereby improving cancer detection and therapy effectiveness. Further, the combination of newer nuclear imaging techniques providing high sensitivity and spatial resolution such as dual modality imaging with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and use of nanoscale devices to carry diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides with high target specificity can enable more accurate detection, staging and therapy planning of cancer. The successful clinical applications of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies for cancer detection and therapy bode well for the future of nanoscale carrier systems in clinical oncology. Several radiolabeled multifunctional nanocarriers have been effective in detecting and treating cancer in animal models. Nonetheless, further preclinical, clinical and long-term toxicity studies will be required to translate this technology to the care of patients with cancer. The objective of this review is to present a brief but comprehensive overview of the various nuclear imaging techniques and the use of nanocarriers to deliver radionuclides for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.

Imaging of cardiovascular dynamics in early mouse embryos with swept source optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larina, Irina V.; Liebling, Michael; Dickinson, Mary E.; Larin, Kirill V.

2009-02-01

Congenital cardiovascular defects are very common, occurring in 1% of live births, and cardiovascular failures are the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths in infants. To improve diagnostics, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular abnormalities, we need to understand not only how cells form the heart and vessels but also how physical factors such as heart contraction and blood flow influence heart development and changes in the circulatory network. Mouse models are an excellent resource for studying cardiovascular development and disease because of the resemblance to humans, rapid generation time, and availability of mutants with cardiovascular defects linked to human diseases. In this work, we present results on development and application of Doppler Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography (DSS-OCT) for imaging of cardiovascular dynamics and blood flow in the mouse embryonic heart and vessels. Our studies demonstrated that the spatial and temporal resolution of the DSS-OCT makes it possible to perform sensitive measurements of heart and vessel wall movements and to investigate how contractile waves facilitate the movement of blood through the circulatory system.

Human retinal imaging using visible-light optical coherence tomography guided by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy

PubMed Central

Yi, Ji; Chen, Siyu; Shu, Xiao; Fawzi, Amani A.; Zhang, Hao F.

2015-01-01

We achieved human retinal imaging using visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) guided by an integrated scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO). We adapted a spectral domain OCT configuration and used a supercontinuum laser as the illumating source. The center wavelength was 564 nm and the bandwidth was 115 nm, which provided a 0.97 µm axial resolution measured in air. We characterized the sensitivity to be 86 dB with 226 µW incidence power on the pupil. We also integrated an SLO that shared the same optical path of the vis-OCT sample arm for alignment purposes. We demonstrated the retinal imaging from both systems centered at the fovea and optic nerve head with 20° × 20° and 10° × 10° field of view. We observed similar anatomical structures in vis-OCT and NIR-OCT. The contrast appeared different from vis-OCT to NIR-OCT, including slightly weaker signal from intra-retinal layers, and increased visibility and contrast of anatomical layers in the outer retina. PMID:26504622

Ultrahigh speed endoscopic optical coherence tomography using micromotor imaging catheter and VCSEL technology.

PubMed

Tsai, Tsung-Han; Potsaid, Benjamin; Tao, Yuankai K; Jayaraman, Vijaysekhar; Jiang, James; Heim, Peter J S; Kraus, Martin F; Zhou, Chao; Hornegger, Joachim; Mashimo, Hiroshi; Cable, Alex E; Fujimoto, James G

2013-07-01

We developed a micromotor based miniature catheter with an outer diameter of 3.2 mm for ultrahigh speed endoscopic swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT) using a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) at a 1 MHz axial scan rate. The micromotor can rotate a micro-prism at several hundred frames per second with less than 5 V drive voltage to provide fast and stable scanning, which is not sensitive to the bending of the catheter. The side-viewing probe can be pulled back to acquire a three-dimensional (3D) data set covering a large area on the specimen. The VCSEL provides a high axial scan rate to support dense sampling under high frame rate operation. Using a high speed data acquisition system, in vivo 3D-OCT imaging in the rabbit GI tract and ex vivo imaging of a human colon specimen with 8 μm axial resolution, 8 μm lateral resolution and 1.2 mm depth range in tissue at a frame rate of 400 fps was demonstrated.

Ultrahigh speed endoscopic optical coherence tomography using micromotor imaging catheter and VCSEL technology

PubMed Central

Tsai, Tsung-Han; Potsaid, Benjamin; Tao, Yuankai K.; Jayaraman, Vijaysekhar; Jiang, James; Heim, Peter J. S.; Kraus, Martin F.; Zhou, Chao; Hornegger, Joachim; Mashimo, Hiroshi; Cable, Alex E.; Fujimoto, James G.

2013-01-01

We developed a micromotor based miniature catheter with an outer diameter of 3.2 mm for ultrahigh speed endoscopic swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT) using a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) at a 1 MHz axial scan rate. The micromotor can rotate a micro-prism at several hundred frames per second with less than 5 V drive voltage to provide fast and stable scanning, which is not sensitive to the bending of the catheter. The side-viewing probe can be pulled back to acquire a three-dimensional (3D) data set covering a large area on the specimen. The VCSEL provides a high axial scan rate to support dense sampling under high frame rate operation. Using a high speed data acquisition system, in vivo 3D-OCT imaging in the rabbit GI tract and ex vivo imaging of a human colon specimen with 8 μm axial resolution, 8 μm lateral resolution and 1.2 mm depth range in tissue at a frame rate of 400 fps was demonstrated. PMID:23847737

Ultra-high resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography using supercontinuum light source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Yiheng; Yatagai, Toyohiko; Otani, Yukitoshi

2016-04-01

An ultra-high resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was developed using a cost-effective supercontinuum laser. A spectral filter consists of a dispersive prism, a cylindrical lens and a right-angle prism was built to transmit the wavelengths in range 680-940 nm to the OCT system. The SD-OCT has achieved 1.9 μm axial resolution and the sensitivity was estimated to be 91.5 dB. A zero-crossing fringes matching method which maps the wavelengths to the pixel indices of the spectrometer was proposed for the OCT spectral calibration. A double sided foam tape as a static sample and the tip of a middle finger as a biological sample were measured by the OCT. The adhesive and the internal structure of the foam of the tape were successfully visualized in three dimensions. Sweat ducts was clearly observed in the OCT images at very high resolution. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of ultra-high resolution visualization of sweat duct by OCT.

Performance and scalability of Fourier domain optical coherence tomography acceleration using graphics processing units.

PubMed

Li, Jian; Bloch, Pavel; Xu, Jing; Sarunic, Marinko V; Shannon, Lesley

2011-05-01

Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) provides faster line rates, better resolution, and higher sensitivity for noninvasive, in vivo biomedical imaging compared to traditional time domain OCT (TD-OCT). However, because the signal processing for FD-OCT is computationally intensive, real-time FD-OCT applications demand powerful computing platforms to deliver acceptable performance. Graphics processing units (GPUs) have been used as coprocessors to accelerate FD-OCT by leveraging their relatively simple programming model to exploit thread-level parallelism. Unfortunately, GPUs do not "share" memory with their host processors, requiring additional data transfers between the GPU and CPU. In this paper, we implement a complete FD-OCT accelerator on a consumer grade GPU/CPU platform. Our data acquisition system uses spectrometer-based detection and a dual-arm interferometer topology with numerical dispersion compensation for retinal imaging. We demonstrate that the maximum line rate is dictated by the memory transfer time and not the processing time due to the GPU platform's memory model. Finally, we discuss how the performance trends of GPU-based accelerators compare to the expected future requirements of FD-OCT data rates.

Non-contact biomedical photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rousseau, Guy; Gauthier, Bruno; Blouin, Alain; Monchalin, Jean-Pierre

2012-06-01

The detection of ultrasound in photoacoustic tomography (PAT) usually relies on ultrasonic transducers in contact with the biological tissue through a coupling medium. This is a major drawback for important potential applications such as surgery. Here we report the use of a remote optical method, derived from industrial laser-ultrasonics, to detect ultrasound in tissues. This approach enables non-contact PAT (NCPAT) without exceeding laser exposure safety limits. The sensitivity of the method is based on the use of suitably shaped detection laser pulses and a confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer in differential configuration. Reliable image reconstruction is obtained by measuring remotely the surface profile of the tissue with an optical coherence tomography system. The proposed method also allows non-contact ultrasound imaging (US) by applying a second reconstruction algorithm to the data acquired for NCPAT. Endogenous and exogenous inclusions exhibiting optical and acoustic contrasts were detected ex vivo in chicken breast and calf brain specimens. Inclusions down to 0.3 mm in size were detected at depths exceeding 1 cm. The method could expand the scope of photoacoustic and US to in-vivo biomedical applications where contact is impractical.

Tuning of successively scanned two monolithic Vernier-tuned lasers and selective data sampling in optical comb swept source optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Choi, Dong-hak; Yoshimura, Reiko; Ohbayashi, Kohji

2013-01-01

Monolithic Vernier tuned super-structure grating distributed Bragg reflector (SSG-DBR) lasers are expected to become one of the most promising sources for swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) with a long coherence length, reduced sensitivity roll-off, and potential capability for a very fast A-scan rate. However, previous implementations of the lasers suffer from four main problems: 1) frequencies deviate from the targeted values when scanned, 2) large amounts of noise appear associated with abrupt changes in injection currents, 3) optically aliased noise appears due to a long coherence length, and 4) the narrow wavelength coverage of a single chip limits resolution. We have developed a method of dynamical frequency tuning, a method of selective data sampling to eliminate current switching noise, an interferometer to reduce aliased noise, and an excess-noise-free connection of two serially scanned lasers to enhance resolution to solve these problems. An optical frequency comb SS-OCT system was achieved with a sensitivity of 124 dB and a dynamic range of 55-72 dB that depended on the depth at an A-scan rate of 3.1 kHz with a resolution of 15 μm by discretely scanning two SSG-DBR lasers, i.e., L-band (1.560-1.599 μm) and UL-band (1.598-1.640 μm). A few OCT images with excellent image penetration depth were obtained. PMID:24409394

Emergency ultrasound in the acute assessment of haemothorax

PubMed Central

Brooks, A; Davies, B; Smethhurst, M; Connolly, J

2004-01-01

Aims: To evaluate thoracic ultrasound for the detection of haemothorax in patients with thoracic trauma against established investigations. Methods: Thoracic ultrasound was performed as an extension of the standard focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) protocol used at the Queen's Medical Centre for the assessment of adult patients with torso trauma. Fluid was sought in both pleural cavities using a hand portable ultrasound system by one of two non-radiologists trained in FAST. Findings were compared against subsequent investigations/procedures performed at the discretion of the attending emergency physician—supine chest radiography, intercostal drain, computed tomography, or thoracotomy. The sensitivity of the technique and the time taken to diagnosis for each investigation were recorded. Results: Sixty one patients, 54 (89%) after blunt trauma, underwent thoracic ultrasound evaluation during the study. Twelve patients had a haemothorax detected by ultrasound and confirmed by computed tomography or by tube thoracostomy. Four haemothoraces detected on ultrasound were not apparent on trauma chest radiography. There were 12 true positives, 48 true negatives, no false positives, and one false negative scan. The sensitivity of ultrasound was 92% and specificity 100% with a positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value 98% for the detection of haemothorax after trauma. Conclusions: Emergency ultrasound of the chest performed as part of the primary survey of the traumatised patient can rapidly and accurately diagnose haemothorax and is a valuable tool to augment the immediate clinical assessment of these patients. PMID:14734374

Performance evaluation of the Ingenuity TF PET/CT scanner with a focus on high count-rate conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolthammer, Jeffrey A.; Su, Kuan-Hao; Grover, Anu; Narayanan, Manoj; Jordan, David W.; Muzic, Raymond F.

2014-07-01

This study evaluated the positron emission tomography (PET) imaging performance of the Ingenuity TF 128 PET/computed tomography (CT) scanner which has a PET component that was designed to support a wider radioactivity range than is possible with those of Gemini TF PET/CT and Ingenuity TF PET/MR. Spatial resolution, sensitivity, count rate characteristics and image quality were evaluated according to the NEMA NU 2-2007 standard and ACR phantom accreditation procedures; these were supplemented by additional measurements intended to characterize the system under conditions that would be encountered during quantitative cardiac imaging with 82Rb. Image quality was evaluated using a hot spheres phantom, and various contrast recovery and noise measurements were made from replicated images. Timing and energy resolution, dead time, and the linearity of the image activity concentration, were all measured over a wide range of count rates. Spatial resolution (4.8-5.1 mm FWHM), sensitivity (7.3 cps kBq-1), peak noise-equivalent count rate (124 kcps), and peak trues rate (365 kcps) were similar to those of the Gemini TF PET/CT. Contrast recovery was higher with a 2 mm, body-detail reconstruction than with a 4 mm, body reconstruction, although the precision was reduced. The noise equivalent count rate peak was broad (within 10% of peak from 241-609 MBq). The activity measured in phantom images was within 10% of the true activity for count rates up to those observed in 82Rb cardiac PET studies.

Sensitivity estimation in time-of-flight list-mode positron emission tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Herraiz, J. L.; Sitek, A., E-mail: sarkadiu@gmail.com

Purpose: An accurate quantification of the images in positron emission tomography (PET) requires knowing the actual sensitivity at each voxel, which represents the probability that a positron emitted in that voxel is finally detected as a coincidence of two gamma rays in a pair of detectors in the PET scanner. This sensitivity depends on the characteristics of the acquisition, as it is affected by the attenuation of the annihilation gamma rays in the body, and possible variations of the sensitivity of the scanner detectors. In this work, the authors propose a new approach to handle time-of-flight (TOF) list-mode PET data,more » which allows performing either or both, a self-attenuation correction, and self-normalization correction based on emission data only. Methods: The authors derive the theory using a fully Bayesian statistical model of complete data. The authors perform an initial evaluation of algorithms derived from that theory and proposed in this work using numerical 2D list-mode simulations with different TOF resolutions and total number of detected coincidences. Effects of randoms and scatter are not simulated. Results: The authors found that proposed algorithms successfully correct for unknown attenuation and scanner normalization for simulated 2D list-mode TOF-PET data. Conclusions: A new method is presented that can be used for corrections for attenuation and normalization (sensitivity) using TOF list-mode data.« less

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography versus Dye Angiography in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Sensitivity and Specificity Analysis.

PubMed

Nikolopoulou, Eleni; Lorusso, Massimo; Micelli Ferrari, Luisa; Cicinelli, Maria Vittoria; Bandello, Francesco; Querques, Giuseppe; Micelli Ferrari, Tommaso

2018-01-01

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) could be a valid tool to detect choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), allowing the analysis of the type, the morphology, and the extension of CNV in most of the cases. To determine the sensitivity and specificity of OCTA in detecting CNV secondary to nAMD, compared to fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Prospective observational study. Patients with suspected nAMD were recruited between May and December 2016. Patients underwent FA, ICGA, spectral domain OCT, and OCTA (AngioVue, Optovue, Inc.). Sensitivity and specificity of FA, with or without ICGA, were assessed and compared with OCTA. Seventy eyes of 70 consecutive patients were included: 32 eyes (45.7%) with type I CNV, 8 eyes (11.4%) with type II CNV, 4 eyes (5.7%) with type III CNV, 6 eyes (8.6%) with mixed type I and type II CNV, and 20 eyes (28.6%) with no CNV. Sensitivity of OCTA was 88% and specificity was 90%. Concordance between FA/ICGA and OCTA was very good (0,91; range 0,81-1,00). OCTA showed high sensitivity and specificity for detection of CNV. Concordance between OCTA and gold-standard dye-based techniques was excellent. OCTA may represent a first-line noninvasive method for the diagnosis of nAMD.

Indication for Computed Tomography Scan in Shoulder Instability: Sensitivity and Specificity of Standard Radiographs to Predict Bone Defects After Traumatic Anterior Glenohumeral Instability.

PubMed

Delage Royle, Audrey; Balg, Frédéric; Bouliane, Martin J; Canet-Silvestri, Fanny; Garant-Saine, Laurianne; Sheps, David M; Lapner, Peter; Rouleau, Dominique M

2017-10-01

Quantifying glenohumeral bone loss is key in preoperative surgical planning for a successful Bankart repair. Simple radiographs can accurately measure bone defects in cases of recurrent shoulder instability. Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. A true anteroposterior (AP) view, alone and in combination with an axillary view, was used to evaluate the diagnostic properties of radiographs compared with computed tomography (CT) scan, the current gold standard, to predict significant bone defects in 70 patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were evaluated and compared. Detection of glenoid bone loss on plain film radiographs, with and without axillary view, had a sensitivity of 86% for both views and a specificity of 73% and 64% with and without the axillary view, respectively. For detection of humeral bone loss, the sensitivity was 8% and 17% and the specificity was 98% and 91% with and without the axillary view, respectively. Regular radiographs would have missed 1 instance of significant bone loss on the glenoid side and 20 on the humeral side. Interobserver reliabilities were moderate for glenoid detection (κ = 0.473-0.503) and poor for the humeral side (κ = 0.278-0.336). Regular radiographs showed suboptimal sensitivity, specificity, and reliability. Therefore, CT scan should be considered in the treatment algorithm for accurate quantification of bone loss to prevent high rates of recurrent instability.

Analyses of microstructural and elastic properties of porous SOFC cathodes based on focused ion beam tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhangwei; Wang, Xin; Giuliani, Finn; Atkinson, Alan

2015-01-01

Mechanical properties of porous SOFC electrodes are largely determined by their microstructures. Measurements of the elastic properties and microstructural parameters can be achieved by modelling of the digitally reconstructed 3D volumes based on the real electrode microstructures. However, the reliability of such measurements is greatly dependent on the processing of raw images acquired for reconstruction. In this work, the actual microstructures of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) cathodes sintered at an elevated temperature were reconstructed based on dual-beam FIB/SEM tomography. Key microstructural and elastic parameters were estimated and correlated. Analyses of their sensitivity to the grayscale threshold value applied in the image segmentation were performed. The important microstructural parameters included porosity, tortuosity, specific surface area, particle and pore size distributions, and inter-particle neck size distribution, which may have varying extent of effect on the elastic properties simulated from the microstructures using FEM. Results showed that different threshold value range would result in different degree of sensitivity for a specific parameter. The estimated porosity and tortuosity were more sensitive than surface area to volume ratio. Pore and neck size were found to be less sensitive than particle size. Results also showed that the modulus was essentially sensitive to the porosity which was largely controlled by the threshold value.

Sensitivity estimation in time-of-flight list-mode positron emission tomography.

PubMed

Herraiz, J L; Sitek, A

2015-11-01

An accurate quantification of the images in positron emission tomography (PET) requires knowing the actual sensitivity at each voxel, which represents the probability that a positron emitted in that voxel is finally detected as a coincidence of two gamma rays in a pair of detectors in the PET scanner. This sensitivity depends on the characteristics of the acquisition, as it is affected by the attenuation of the annihilation gamma rays in the body, and possible variations of the sensitivity of the scanner detectors. In this work, the authors propose a new approach to handle time-of-flight (TOF) list-mode PET data, which allows performing either or both, a self-attenuation correction, and self-normalization correction based on emission data only. The authors derive the theory using a fully Bayesian statistical model of complete data. The authors perform an initial evaluation of algorithms derived from that theory and proposed in this work using numerical 2D list-mode simulations with different TOF resolutions and total number of detected coincidences. Effects of randoms and scatter are not simulated. The authors found that proposed algorithms successfully correct for unknown attenuation and scanner normalization for simulated 2D list-mode TOF-PET data. A new method is presented that can be used for corrections for attenuation and normalization (sensitivity) using TOF list-mode data.

Non-invasive coronary angiography with multislice computed tomography. Technology, methods, preliminary experience and prospects.

PubMed

Traversi, Egidio; Bertoli, Giuseppe; Barazzoni, Giancarlo; Baldi, Maurizia; Tramarin, Roberto

2004-02-01

The recent technical developments in multislice computed tomography (MSCT), with ECG retro-gated image reconstruction, have elicited great interest in the possibility of accurate non-invasive imaging of the coronary arteries. The latest generation of MSCT systems with 8-16 rows of detectors permits acquisition of the whole cardiac volume during a single 15-20 s breath-hold with a submillimetric definition of the images and an outstanding signal-to-noise ratio. Thus the race which, between MSCT, electron beam computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, can best provide routine and reliable imaging of the coronary arteries in clinical practice has recommenced. Currently available MSCT systems offer different options for both cardiac image acquisition and reconstruction, including multiplanar and curved multiplanar reconstruction, three-dimensional volume rendering, maximum intensity projection, and virtual angioscopy. In our preliminary experience including 176 patients suffering from known or suspected coronary artery disease, MSCT was feasible in 161 (91.5%) and showed a sensitivity of 80.4% and a specificity of 80.3%, with respect to standard coronary angiography, in detecting critical stenosis in coronary arteries and artery or venous bypass grafts. These results correspond to a positive predictive value of 58.6% and a negative predictive value of 92.2%. The true role that MSCT is likely to play in the future in non-invasive coronary imaging is still to be defined. Nevertheless, the huge amount of data obtainable by MSCT along with the rapid technological advances, shorter acquisition times and reconstruction algorithm developments will make the technique stronger, and possible applications are expected not only for non-invasive coronary angiography, but also for cardiac function and myocardial perfusion evaluation, as an all-in-one examination.

Nonlinear optical THz generation and sensing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawase, Kodo

2012-03-01

We have suggested a wide range of real-life applications using novel terahertz imaging techniques. A high-resolution terahertz tomography was demonstrated by ultra short terahertz pulses using optical fiber and a nonlinear organic crystal. We also report on the thickness measurement of very thin films using high-sensitivity metal mesh filter. Further we have succeeded in a non-destructive inspection that can monitor the soot distribution in the ceramic filter using millimeter-to-terahertz wave computed tomography. These techniques are directly applicable to the non-destructive testing in industries.

Tissue sensitive imaging and tomography without contrast agents for small animals with Timepix based detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trojanova, E.; Schyns, L. E. J. R.; Dubois, L.; Jakubek, J.; Le Pape, A.; Sefc, L.; Sykora, V.; Turecek, D.; Uher, J.; Verhaegen, F.

2017-01-01

The tissue type resolving X-ray radiography and tomography can be performed even without contrast agents. The differences between soft tissue types such as kidney, muscles, fat, liver, brain and spleen were measured based on their spectral response. The Timepix based X-ray imaging detector WidePIX2×5 with 300 μm thick silicon sensors was used for most of the measurements presented in this work. These promising results are used for further optimizations of the detector technology and radiographic methods.

Near-Field Resonance Microwave Tomography and Holography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaikovich, K. P.; Smirnov, A. I.; Yanin, D. V.

2018-02-01

We develop the methods of electromagnetic computer near-field microwave tomography of distributed subsurface inhomogeneities of complex dielectric permittivity and of holography (shape retrieval) of internally homogeneous subsurface objects. The methods are based on the solution of the near-field inverse scattering problem from measurements of the resonance-parameter variations of microwave probes above the medium surface. The capabilities of the proposed diagnostic technique are demonstrated in the numerical simulation for sensors with a cylindrical capacitor as a probe element, the edge capacitance of which is sensitive to subsurface inhomogeneities.

Observation of human tissue with phase-contrast x-ray computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Momose, Atsushi; Takeda, Tohoru; Itai, Yuji; Tu, Jinhong; Hirano, Keiichi

1999-05-01

Human tissues obtained from cancerous kidneys fixed in formalin were observed with phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography (CT) using 17.7-keV synchrotron X-rays. By measuring the distributions of the X-ray phase shift caused by samples using an X-ray interferometer, sectional images that map the distribution of the refractive index were reconstructed. Because of the high sensitivity of phase- contrast X-ray CT, a cancerous lesion was differentiated from normal tissue and a variety of other structures were revealed without the need for staining.

Evaluation of a Myopic Normative Database for Analysis of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness.

PubMed

Biswas, Sayantan; Lin, Chen; Leung, Christopher K S

2016-09-01

Analysis of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) abnormalities with optical coherence tomography in eyes with high myopia has been complicated by high rates of false-positive errors. An understanding of whether the application of a myopic normative database can improve the specificity for detection of RNFL abnormalities in eyes with high myopia is relevant. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a myopic normative database for detection of RNFL abnormalities in eyes with high myopia (spherical equivalent, -6.0 diopters [D] or less). In this cross-sectional study, 180 eyes with high myopia (mean [SD] spherical equivalent, -8.0 [1.8] D) from 180 healthy individuals were included in the myopic normative database. Another 46 eyes with high myopia from healthy individuals (mean [SD] spherical equivalent, -8.1 [1.8] D) and 74 eyes from patients with high myopia and glaucoma (mean [SD] spherical equivalent, -8.3 [1.9] D) were included for evaluation of specificity and sensitivity. The 95th and 99th percentiles of the mean and clock-hour circumpapillary RNFL thicknesses and the individual superpixel thicknesses of the RNFL thickness map measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were calculated from the 180 eyes with high myopia. Participants were recruited from January 2, 2013, to December 30, 2015. The following 6 criteria of RNFL abnormalities were examined: (1) mean circumpapillary RNFL thickness below the lower 95th or (2) the lower 99th percentile; (3) one clock-hour or more for RNFL thickness below the lower 95th or (4) the lower 99th percentile; and (5) twenty contiguous superpixels or more of RNFL thickness in the RNFL thickness map below the lower 95th or (6) the lower 99th percentile. Specificities and sensitivities for detection of RNFL abnormalities. Of the 46 healthy eyes and 74 eyes with glaucoma studied (from 39 men and 38 women), the myopic normative database showed a higher specificity (63.0%-100%) than did the built-in normative database of the optical coherence tomography instrument (8.7%-87.0%) for detection of RNFL abnormalities across all the criteria examined (differences in specificities between 13.0% [95% CI, 1.1%-24.9%; P = .01] and 54.3% [95% CI, 37.8%-70.9%; P < .001]) except for the criterion of mean RNFL thickness below the lower 99th percentile, in which both normative databases had the same specificities (100%) but the myopic normative database exhibited a higher sensitivity (71.6% vs 86.5%; difference in sensitivities, 14.9% [95% CI, 4.6%-25.1%; P = .002]). The application of a myopic normative database improved the specificity without compromising the sensitivity compared with the optical coherence tomography instrument's built-in normative database for detection of RNFL abnormalities in eyes with high myopia. Inclusion of myopic normative databases should be considered in optical coherence tomography instruments.

Optical detection dental disease using polarized light

DOEpatents

Everett, Matthew J.; Colston, Jr., Billy W.; Sathyam, Ujwal S.; Da Silva, Luiz B.; Fried, Daniel

2003-01-01

A polarization sensitive optical imaging system is used to detect changes in polarization in dental tissues to aid the diagnosis of dental disease such as caries. The degree of depolarization is measured by illuminating the dental tissue with polarized light and measuring the polarization state of the backscattered light. The polarization state of this reflected light is analyzed using optical polarimetric imaging techniques. A hand-held fiber optic dental probe is used in vivo to direct the incident beam to the dental tissue and collect the reflected light. To provide depth-resolved characterization of the dental tissue, the polarization diagnostics may be incorporated into optical coherence domain reflectometry and optical coherence tomography (OCDR/OCT) systems, which enables identification of subsurface depolarization sites associated with demineralization of enamel or bone.

Quantitative evaluation of anatomical noise in chest digital tomosynthesis, digital radiography, and computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, D.; Choi, S.; Lee, H.; Kim, D.; Choi, S.; Kim, H.-J.

2017-04-01

Lung cancer is currently the worldwide leading cause of death from cancer. Thus, detection of lung cancer at its early stages is critical for improving the survival rate of patients. Chest digital tomosynthesis (CDT) is a recently developed imaging modality, combining many advantages of digital radiography (DR) and computed tomography (CT). This method has the potential to be widely used in the clinical setting. In this study, we introduce a developed CDT R/F system and compare its image quality with those of DR and CT, especially with respect to anatomical noise and lung nodule conspicuity, for LUNGMAN phantoms. The developed CDT R/F system consists of a CsI scintillator flat panel detector, X-ray tube, and tomosynthesis data acquisition geometry. For CDT R/F imaging, 41 projections were acquired at different angles, over the ± 20° angular range, in a linear translation geometry. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the CDT R/F system, the acquired images were compared with CT (Philips brilliance CT 64, Philips healthcare, U.S.) and DR (ADR-M, LISTEM, Korea) phantom images in terms of the anatomical noise power spectrum (aNPS). DR images exhibited low conspicuity for a small-size lung nodule, while CDT R/F and CT exhibited relatively high sensitivity for all lung nodule sizes. The aNPS of the CDT R/F system was better than that of DR, by resolving anatomical overlapping problems. In conclusion, the developed CDT R/F system is likely to contribute to early diagnosis of lung cancer, while requiring a relatively low patient dose, compared with CT.

Fully integrated optical coherence tomography, ultrasound, and indocyanine green based fluorescence tri-modality system for intravascular imaging (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yan; Jing, Joseph C.; Qu, Yueqiao; Miao, Yusi; Ma, Teng; Yu, Mingyue; Zhou, Qifa; Chen, Zhongping

2017-02-01

The rupture of atherosclerotic plaques is the leading cause of acute coronary events, so accurate assessment of plaque is critical. A large lipid pool, thin fibrous cap, and inflammatory reaction are the crucial characteristics for identifying vulnerable plaques. In our study, a tri-modality imaging system for intravascular imaging was designed and implemented. The tri-modality imaging system with a 1-mm probe diameter is able to simultaneously acquire optical coherence tomography (OCT), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and fluorescence imaging. Moreover, for fluorescence imaging, we used the FDA-approved indocyanine green (ICG) dye as the contrast agent to target lipid-loaded macrophages. Firstly, IVUS is used as the first step for identifying plaque since IVUS enables the visualization of the layered structures of the artery wall. Due to low soft-tissue contrast, IVUS only provides initial identification of the lipid plaque. Then OCT is used for differentiating fibrosis and lipid pool based on its relatively higher soft tissue contrast and high sensitivity/specificity. Last, fluorescence imaging is used for identifying inflammatory reaction to further confirm whether the plaque is vulnerable or not. Ex vivo experiment of a male New Zealand white rabbit aorta was performed to validate the performance of our tri-modality system. H and E histology results of the rabbit aorta were also presented to check assessment accuracy. The miniature tri-modality probe, together with the use of ICG dye suggest that the system is of great potential for providing a more accurate assessment of vulnerable plaques in clinical applications.

High energy near- and far-field ptychographic tomography at the ESRF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva, Julio C.; Haubrich, Jan; Requena, Guillermo; Hubert, Maxime; Pacureanu, Alexandra; Bloch, Leonid; Yang, Yang; Cloetens, Peter

2017-09-01

In high-resolution tomography, one needs high-resolved projections in order to reconstruct a high-quality 3D map of a sample. X-ray ptychography is a robust technique which can provide such high-resolution 2D projections taking advantage of coherent X-rays. This technique was used in the far-field regime for a fair amount of time, but it can now also be implemented in the near-field regime. In both regimes, the technique enables not only high-resolution imaging, but also high sensitivity to the electron density of the sample. The combination with tomography makes 3D imaging possible via ptychographic X-ray computed tomography (PXCT), which can provide a 3D map of the complex-valued refractive index of the sample. The extension of PXCT to X-ray energies above 15 keV is challenging, but it can allow the imaging of object opaque to lower energy. We present here the implementation and developments of high-energy near- and far-field PXCT at the ESRF.

Advancements in Transmitters and Sensors for Biological Tissue Imaging in Magnetic Induction Tomography

PubMed Central

Zakaria, Zulkarnay; Rahim, Ruzairi Abdul; Mansor, Muhammad Saiful Badri; Yaacob, Sazali; Ayub, Nor Muzakkir Nor; Muji, Siti Zarina Mohd.; Rahiman, Mohd Hafiz Fazalul; Aman, Syed Mustafa Kamal Syed

2012-01-01

Magnetic Induction Tomography (MIT), which is also known as Electromagnetic Tomography (EMT) or Mutual Inductance Tomography, is among the imaging modalities of interest to many researchers around the world. This noninvasive modality applies an electromagnetic field and is sensitive to all three passive electromagnetic properties of a material that are conductivity, permittivity and permeability. MIT is categorized under the passive imaging family with an electrodeless technique through the use of excitation coils to induce an electromagnetic field in the material, which is then measured at the receiving side by sensors. The aim of this review is to discuss the challenges of the MIT technique and summarize the recent advancements in the transmitters and sensors, with a focus on applications in biological tissue imaging. It is hoped that this review will provide some valuable information on the MIT for those who have interest in this modality. The need of this knowledge may speed up the process of adopted of MIT as a medical imaging technology. PMID:22969341

Multispectral guided fluorescence diffuse optical tomography using upconverting nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Svenmarker, Pontus, E-mail: pontus.svenmarker@physics.umu.se; Department of Physics, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå; Centre for Microbial Research

2014-02-17

We report on improved image detectability for fluorescence diffuse optical tomography using upconverting nanoparticles doped with rare-earth elements. Core-shell NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+}@NaYF{sub 4} upconverting nanoparticles were synthesized through a stoichiometric method. The Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} sensitizer-activator pair yielded two anti-Stokes shifted fluorescence emission bands at 540 nm and 660 nm, here used to a priori estimate the fluorescence source depth with sub-millimeter precision. A spatially varying regularization incorporated the a priori fluorescence source depth estimation into the tomography reconstruction scheme. Tissue phantom experiments showed both an improved resolution and contrast in the reconstructed images as compared to not using any amore » priori information.« less

Evaluation of a Fully 3-D Bpf Method for Small Animal PET Images on Mimd Architectures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bevilacqua, A.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images can be reconstructed using Fourier transform methods. This paper describes the performance of a fully 3-D Backprojection-Then-Filter (BPF) algorithm on the Cray T3E machine and on a cluster of workstations. PET reconstruction of small animals is a class of problems characterized by poor counting statistics. The low-count nature of these studies necessitates 3-D reconstruction in order to improve the sensitivity of the PET system: by including axially oblique Lines Of Response (LORs), the sensitivity of the system can be significantly improved by the 3-D acquisition and reconstruction. The BPF method is widely used in clinical studies because of its speed and easy implementation. Moreover, the BPF method is suitable for on-time 3-D reconstruction as it does not need any sinogram or rearranged data. In order to investigate the possibility of on-line processing, we reconstruct a phantom using the data stored in the list-mode format by the data acquisition system. We show how the intrinsically parallel nature of the BPF method makes it suitable for on-line reconstruction on a MIMD system such as the Cray T3E. Lastly, we analyze the performance of this algorithm on a cluster of workstations.

Characterization of a sub-assembly of 3D position sensitive cadmium zinc telluride detectors and electronics from a sub-millimeter resolution PET system.

PubMed

Abbaszadeh, Shiva; Gu, Yi; Reynolds, Paul D; Levin, Craig S

2016-09-21

Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) offers key advantages for small animal positron emission tomography (PET), including high spatial and energy resolution and simple metal deposition for fabrication of very small pixel arrays. Previous studies have investigated the intrinsic spatial, energy, and timing resolution of an individual sub-millimeter resolution CZT detector. In this work we present the first characterization results of a system of these detectors. The 3D position sensitive dual-CZT detector module and readout electronics developed in our lab was scaled up to complete a significant portion of the final PET system. This sub-system was configured as two opposing detection panels containing a total of twelve [Formula: see text] mm monolithic CZT crystals for proof of concept. System-level characterization studies, including optimizing the trigger threshold of each channel's comparators, were performed. 68 Ge and 137 Cs radioactive isotopes were used to characterize the energy resolution of all 468 anode channels in the sub-system. The mean measured global 511 keV photopeak energy resolution over all anodes was found to be [Formula: see text]% FWHM after correction for photon interaction depth-dependent signal variation. The measured global time resolution was 37 ns FWHM, a parameter to be further optimized, and the intrinsic spatial resolution was 0.76 mm FWHM.

The 3-D collagen structure of equine articular cartilage, characterized using variable-angle-of-incidence polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ugryumova, Nadya; Gangnus, Sergei V.; Matcher, Stephen J.

2005-08-01

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography has been used to spatially map the birefringence of equine articular cartilage. Images obtained in the vicinity of visible osteoarthritic lesions display a characteristic disruption of the regular birefringence bands shown by normal cartilage. We also note that significant (e.g. ×2) variations in the apparent birefringence of samples taken from young (18 month) animals that otherwise appear visually homogeneous are found over spatial scales of a few millimeters. We suggest that whilst some of this variation may be due to changes in the intrinsic birefringence of the tissue, the 3-D orientation of the collagen fibers relative to the plane of the joint surface should also be taken into account. We propose a method based on multiple angles of illumination to determine the polar angle of the collagen fibers.

The collagen structure of equine articular cartilage characterized using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography and non-linear microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansfield, Jessica C.; Ugryumova, Nadya; Knapp, Karen M.; Matcher, Stephen J.

2006-09-01

Equine articular cartilage has been imaged using both polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) and non-linear microscopy. PS-OCT has been used to spatially map the birefringence in the cartilage and we have found that in the vicinity of the lesion the images display a characteristic disruption in the regular birefringence bands shown by normal cartilage. We also note that significant (e.g. x2) variations in the apparent birefringence of samples taken from young (18 month) animals that otherwise appear visually homogeneous are found over spatial scales of a few millimeters. We have also imaged the cartilage using non-linear microscopy and compare the scans taken with second harmonic generation (SHG) light and the two photon fluorescence (TPF) light. SHG images collected using 800 nm excitation reveals the spatial distribution of collagen fibers, whilst TPF images clearly shows the distribution of intracellular and pericellular fluorophores.

In vivo molecular photoacoustic tomography of melanomas targeted by bio-conjugated gold nanocages

PubMed Central

Kim, Chulhong; Cho, Eun Chul; Chen, Jingyi; Song, Kwang Hyun; Au, Leslie; Favazza, Christopher; Zhang, Qiang; Cobley, Claire M.; Gao, Feng; Xia, Younan; Wang, Lihong V.

2010-01-01

Early diagnosis, accurate staging, and image-guided resection of melanomas remain crucial clinical objectives for improving patient survival and treatment outcomes. Conventional techniques cannot meet this demand because of the low sensitivity, low specificity, poor spatial resolution, shallow penetration, and/or ionizing radiation. Here we overcome such limitations by combining high-resolution photoacoustic tomography (PAT) with extraordinarily optical absorbing gold nanocages (AuNCs). When bio-conjugated with [Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, the AuNCs can serve as a novel contrast agent for in vivo molecular PAT of melanomas with both exquisite sensitivity and high specificity. The bio-conjugated AuNCs enhanced contrast ~300% more than the control, PEGylated AuNCs. The in vivo PAT quantification of the amount of AuNCs accumulated in melanomas was further validated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). PMID:20731439

Two dimensional vibrations of the guinea pig apex organ of Corti measured in vivo using phase sensitive Fourier domain optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramamoorthy, Sripriya; Zhang, Yuan; Petrie, Tracy; Fridberger, Anders; Ren, Tianying; Wang, Ruikang; Jacques, Steven L.; Nuttall, Alfred L.

2015-02-01

In this study, we measure the in vivo apical-turn vibrations of the guinea pig organ of Corti in both axial and radial directions using phase-sensitive Fourier domain optical coherence tomography. The apical turn in guinea pig cochlea has best frequencies around 100 - 500 Hz which are relevant for human speech. Prior measurements of vibrations in the guinea pig apex involved opening the otic capsule, which has been questioned on the basis of the resulting changes to cochlear hydrodynamics. Here this limitation is overcome by measuring the vibrations through bone without opening the otic capsule. Furthermore, we have significantly reduced the surgery needed to access the guinea pig apex in the axial direction by introducing a miniature mirror inside the bulla. The method and preliminary data are discussed in this article.

Improving early diagnosis of pulmonary infections in patients with febrile neutropenia using low-dose chest computed tomography.

PubMed

Gerritsen, M G; Willemink, M J; Pompe, E; van der Bruggen, T; van Rhenen, A; Lammers, J W J; Wessels, F; Sprengers, R W; de Jong, P A; Minnema, M C

2017-01-01

We performed a prospective study in patients with chemotherapy induced febrile neutropenia to investigate the diagnostic value of low-dose computed tomography compared to standard chest radiography. The aim was to compare both modalities for detection of pulmonary infections and to explore performance of low-dose computed tomography for early detection of invasive fungal disease. The low-dose computed tomography remained blinded during the study. A consensus diagnosis of the fever episode made by an expert panel was used as reference standard. We included 67 consecutive patients on the first day of febrile neutropenia. According to the consensus diagnosis 11 patients (16.4%) had pulmonary infections. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 36%, 93%, 50% and 88% for radiography, and 73%, 91%, 62% and 94% for low-dose computed tomography, respectively. An uncorrected McNemar showed no statistical difference (p = 0.197). Mean radiation dose for low-dose computed tomography was 0.24 mSv. Four out of 5 included patients diagnosed with invasive fungal disease had radiographic abnormalities suspect for invasive fungal disease on the low-dose computed tomography scan made on day 1 of fever, compared to none of the chest radiographs. We conclude that chest radiography has little value in the initial assessment of febrile neutropenia on day 1 for detection of pulmonary abnormalities. Low-dose computed tomography improves detection of pulmonary infiltrates and seems capable of detecting invasive fungal disease at a very early stage with a low radiation dose.

Improving early diagnosis of pulmonary infections in patients with febrile neutropenia using low-dose chest computed tomography

PubMed Central

Pompe, E.; van der Bruggen, T.; van Rhenen, A.; Lammers, J. W. J.; Wessels, F.; Sprengers, R. W.; de Jong, P. A.; Minnema, M. C.

2017-01-01

We performed a prospective study in patients with chemotherapy induced febrile neutropenia to investigate the diagnostic value of low-dose computed tomography compared to standard chest radiography. The aim was to compare both modalities for detection of pulmonary infections and to explore performance of low-dose computed tomography for early detection of invasive fungal disease. The low-dose computed tomography remained blinded during the study. A consensus diagnosis of the fever episode made by an expert panel was used as reference standard. We included 67 consecutive patients on the first day of febrile neutropenia. According to the consensus diagnosis 11 patients (16.4%) had pulmonary infections. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 36%, 93%, 50% and 88% for radiography, and 73%, 91%, 62% and 94% for low-dose computed tomography, respectively. An uncorrected McNemar showed no statistical difference (p = 0.197). Mean radiation dose for low-dose computed tomography was 0.24 mSv. Four out of 5 included patients diagnosed with invasive fungal disease had radiographic abnormalities suspect for invasive fungal disease on the low-dose computed tomography scan made on day 1 of fever, compared to none of the chest radiographs. We conclude that chest radiography has little value in the initial assessment of febrile neutropenia on day 1 for detection of pulmonary abnormalities. Low-dose computed tomography improves detection of pulmonary infiltrates and seems capable of detecting invasive fungal disease at a very early stage with a low radiation dose. PMID:28235014

Imaging of pharmacokinetic rates of indocyanine green in mouse liver with a hybrid fluorescence molecular tomography/x-ray computed tomography system.

PubMed

Zhang, Guanglei; Liu, Fei; Zhang, Bin; He, Yun; Luo, Jianwen; Bai, Jing

2013-04-01

Pharmacokinetic rates have the potential to provide quantitative physiological and pathological information for biological studies and drug development. Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) is an attractive imaging tool for three-dimensionally resolving fluorophore distribution in small animals. In this letter, pharmacokinetic rates of indocyanine green (ICG) in mouse liver are imaged with a hybrid FMT and x-ray computed tomography (XCT) system. A recently developed FMT method using structural priors from an XCT system is adopted to improve the quality of FMT reconstruction. In the in vivo experiments, images of uptake and excretion rates of ICG in mouse liver are obtained, which can be used to quantitatively evaluate liver function. The accuracy of the results is validated by a fiber-based fluorescence measurement system.

Pathological-Condition-Driven Construction of Supramolecular Nanoassemblies for Bacterial Infection Detection.

PubMed

Li, Li-Li; Ma, Huai-Lei; Qi, Guo-Bin; Zhang, Di; Yu, Faquan; Hu, Zhiyuan; Wang, Hao

2016-01-13

A pyropheophorbide-α-based building block (Ppa-PLGVRG-Van) can be used to construct self-aggregated superstructures in vivo for highly specific and sensitive diagnosis of bacterial infection by noninvasive photoacoustic tomography. This in vivo supramolecular chemistry approach opens a new avenue for efficient, rapid, and early-stage disease diagnosis with high sensitivity and specificity. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Performance dependence of hybrid x-ray computed tomography/fluorescence molecular tomography on the optical forward problem.

PubMed

Hyde, Damon; Schulz, Ralf; Brooks, Dana; Miller, Eric; Ntziachristos, Vasilis

2009-04-01

Hybrid imaging systems combining x-ray computed tomography (CT) and fluorescence tomography can improve fluorescence imaging performance by incorporating anatomical x-ray CT information into the optical inversion problem. While the use of image priors has been investigated in the past, little is known about the optimal use of forward photon propagation models in hybrid optical systems. In this paper, we explore the impact on reconstruction accuracy of the use of propagation models of varying complexity, specifically in the context of these hybrid imaging systems where significant structural information is known a priori. Our results demonstrate that the use of generically known parameters provides near optimal performance, even when parameter mismatch remains.

Improved sensitivity of computed tomography towards iodine and gold nanoparticle contrast agents via iterative reconstruction methods

PubMed Central

Bernstein, Ally Leigh; Dhanantwari, Amar; Jurcova, Martina; Cheheltani, Rabee; Naha, Pratap Chandra; Ivanc, Thomas; Shefer, Efrat; Cormode, David Peter

2016-01-01

Computed tomography is a widely used medical imaging technique that has high spatial and temporal resolution. Its weakness is its low sensitivity towards contrast media. Iterative reconstruction techniques (ITER) have recently become available, which provide reduced image noise compared with traditional filtered back-projection methods (FBP), which may allow the sensitivity of CT to be improved, however this effect has not been studied in detail. We scanned phantoms containing either an iodine contrast agent or gold nanoparticles. We used a range of tube voltages and currents. We performed reconstruction with FBP, ITER and a novel, iterative, modal-based reconstruction (IMR) algorithm. We found that noise decreased in an algorithm dependent manner (FBP > ITER > IMR) for every scan and that no differences were observed in attenuation rates of the agents. The contrast to noise ratio (CNR) of iodine was highest at 80 kV, whilst the CNR for gold was highest at 140 kV. The CNR of IMR images was almost tenfold higher than that of FBP images. Similar trends were found in dual energy images formed using these algorithms. In conclusion, IMR-based reconstruction techniques will allow contrast agents to be detected with greater sensitivity, and may allow lower contrast agent doses to be used. PMID:27185492

Twenty-five years of optical coherence tomography: the paradigm shift in sensitivity and speed provided by Fourier domain OCT [Invited

PubMed Central

de Boer, Johannes F.; Leitgeb, Rainer; Wojtkowski, Maciej

2017-01-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become one of the most successful optical technologies implemented in medicine and clinical practice mostly due to the possibility of non-invasive and non-contact imaging by detecting back-scattered light. OCT has gone through a tremendous development over the past 25 years. From its initial inception in 1991 [Science 254, 1178 (1991)1957169] it has become an indispensable medical imaging technology in ophthalmology. Also in fields like cardiology and gastro-enterology the technology is envisioned to become a standard of care. A key contributor to the success of OCT has been the sensitivity and speed advantage offered by Fourier domain OCT. In this review paper the development of FD-OCT will be revisited, providing a single comprehensive framework to derive the sensitivity advantage of both SD- and SS-OCT. We point out the key aspects of the physics and the technology that has enabled a more than 2 orders of magnitude increase in sensitivity, and as a consequence an increase in the imaging speed without loss of image quality. This speed increase provided a paradigm shift from point sampling to comprehensive 3D in vivo imaging, whose clinical impact is still actively explored by a large number of researchers worldwide. PMID:28717565

Imaging of dental material by polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dichtl, Sabine; Baumgartner, Angela; Hitzenberger, Christoph K.; Moritz, Andreas; Wernisch, Johann; Robl, Barbara; Sattmann, Harald; Leitgeb, Rainer; Sperr, Wolfgang; Fercher, Adolf F.

1999-05-01

Partial coherence interferometry (PCI) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are noninvasive and noncontact techniques for high precision biometry and for obtaining cross- sectional images of biologic structures. OCT was initially introduced to depict the transparent tissue of the eye. It is based on interferometry employing the partial coherence properties of a light source with high spatial coherence ut short coherence length to image structures with a resolution of the order of a few microns. Recently this technique has been modified for cross section al imaging of dental and periodontal tissues. In vitro and in vivo OCT images have been recorded, which distinguish enamel, cemento and dentin structures and provide detailed structural information on clinical abnormalities. In contrast to convention OCT, where the magnitude of backscattered light as a function of depth is imaged, polarization sensitive OCT uses backscattered light to image the magnitude of the birefringence in the sample as a function of depth. First polarization sensitive OCT recordings show, that changes in the mineralization status of enamel or dentin caused by caries or non-caries lesions can result in changes of the polarization state of the light backscattered by dental material. Therefore polarization sensitive OCT might provide a new diagnostic imaging modality in clinical and research dentistry.

Performance of e-ASPECTS software in comparison to that of stroke physicians on assessing CT scans of acute ischemic stroke patients.

PubMed

Herweh, Christian; Ringleb, Peter A; Rauch, Geraldine; Gerry, Steven; Behrens, Lars; Möhlenbruch, Markus; Gottorf, Rebecca; Richter, Daniel; Schieber, Simon; Nagel, Simon

2016-06-01

The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) is an established 10-point quantitative topographic computed tomography scan score to assess early ischemic changes. We compared the performance of the e-ASPECTS software with those of stroke physicians at different professional levels. The baseline computed tomography scans of acute stroke patients, in whom computed tomography and diffusion-weighted imaging scans were obtained less than two hours apart, were retrospectively scored by e-ASPECTS as well as by three stroke experts and three neurology trainees blinded to any clinical information. The ground truth was defined as the ASPECTS on diffusion-weighted imaging scored by another two non-blinded independent experts on consensus basis. Sensitivity and specificity in an ASPECTS region-based and an ASPECTS score-based analysis as well as receiver-operating characteristic curves, Bland-Altman plots with mean score error, and Matthews correlation coefficients were calculated. Comparisons were made between the human scorers and e-ASPECTS with diffusion-weighted imaging being the ground truth. Two methods for clustered data were used to estimate sensitivity and specificity in the region-based analysis. In total, 34 patients were included and 680 (34 × 20) ASPECTS regions were scored. Mean time from onset to computed tomography was 172 ± 135 min and mean time difference between computed tomographyand magnetic resonance imaging was 41 ± 31 min. The region-based sensitivity (46.46% [CI: 30.8;62.1]) of e-ASPECTS was better than three trainees and one expert (p ≤ 0.01) and not statistically different from another two experts. Specificity (94.15% [CI: 91.7;96.6]) was lower than one expert and one trainee (p < 0.01) and not statistically different to the other four physicians. e-ASPECTS had the best Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.44 (experts: 0.38 ± 0.08 and trainees: 0.19 ± 0.05) and the lowest mean score error of 0.56 (experts: 1.44 ± 1.79 and trainees: 1.97 ± 2.12). e-ASPECTS showed a similar performance to that of stroke experts in the assessment of brain computed tomographys of acute ischemic stroke patients with the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score method. © 2016 World Stroke Organization.

Joint body and surface wave tomography applied to the Toba caldera complex (Indonesia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaxybulatov, Kairly; Koulakov, Ivan; Shapiro, Nikolai

2016-04-01

We developed a new algorithm for a joint body and surface wave tomography. The algorithm is a modification of the existing LOTOS code (Koulakov, 2009) developed for local earthquake tomography. The input data for the new method are travel times of P and S waves and dispersion curves of Rayleigh and Love waves. The main idea is that the two data types have complementary sensitivities. The body-wave data have good resolution at depth, where we have enough crossing rays between sources and receivers, whereas the surface waves have very good near-surface resolution. The surface wave dispersion curves can be retrieved from the correlations of the ambient seismic noise and in this case the sampled path distribution does not depend on the earthquake sources. The contributions of the two data types to the inversion are controlled by the weighting of the respective equations. One of the clearest cases where such approach may be useful are volcanic systems in subduction zones with their complex magmatic feeding systems that have deep roots in the mantle and intermediate magma chambers in the crust. In these areas, the joint inversion of different types of data helps us to build a comprehensive understanding of the entire system. We apply our algorithm to data collected in the region surrounding the Toba caldera complex (north Sumatra, Indonesia) during two temporary seismic experiments (IRIS, PASSCAL, 1995, GFZ, LAKE TOBA, 2008). We invert 6644 P and 5240 S wave arrivals and ~500 group velocity dispersion curves of Rayleigh and Love waves. We present a series of synthetic tests and real data inversions which show that joint inversion approach gives more reliable results than the separate inversion of two data types. Koulakov, I., LOTOS code for local earthquake tomographic inversion. Benchmarks for testing tomographic algorithms, Bull. seism. Soc. Am., 99(1), 194-214, 2009, doi:10.1785/0120080013

Data analysis in emission tomography using emission-count posteriors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitek, Arkadiusz

2012-11-01

A novel approach to the analysis of emission tomography data using the posterior probability of the number of emissions per voxel (emission count) conditioned on acquired tomographic data is explored. The posterior is derived from the prior and the Poisson likelihood of the emission-count data by marginalizing voxel activities. Based on emission-count posteriors, examples of Bayesian analysis including estimation and classification tasks in emission tomography are provided. The application of the method to computer simulations of 2D tomography is demonstrated. In particular, the minimum-mean-square-error point estimator of the emission count is demonstrated. The process of finding this estimator can be considered as a tomographic image reconstruction technique since the estimates of the number of emissions per voxel divided by voxel sensitivities and acquisition time are the estimates of the voxel activities. As an example of a classification task, a hypothesis stating that some region of interest (ROI) emitted at least or at most r-times the number of events in some other ROI is tested. The ROIs are specified by the user. The analysis described in this work provides new quantitative statistical measures that can be used in decision making in diagnostic imaging using emission tomography.

The Role of Fine Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis of Parotid Gland Tumors: Correlation With Preoperative Computerized Tomography Tumor Size.

PubMed

Ghantous, Yasmine; Naddaf, Raja; Barak, Michal; Abd-Elraziq, Murad; Abu Eln-Naaj, Imad

2016-03-01

The role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of parotid gland masses is still controversial, regarding its sensitivity and specificity that vary between 41% and 100% and between 86% and 100% respectively.The aim of this study was to identify the specificity and sensitivity of FNAC of parotid gland tumors in relation to the tumor size as characterized preoperatively by computer tomography. The medical files of 79 patients whom were referred to the MaxilloFacila Surgery Department, Rambam medical center, over a 10.5-year period (2000-2010) were analyzed retrospectively.The extensity of the operation was determined by the location of the tumor as presented in computed tomography (CT) radiography, and preoperative FNAC examination.The majority of the masses were located in the superficial lobe (88.52%), and only 11.48% of the patients were located in the deep lobe (8:1 ratio). FNAC results were nondiagnostic in 7 patients (8.86%), 62 patients were diagnosed as inflammatory and benign lesion in (78.48%), malignant tumors were diagnosed in 10 patients (12.65%).The sensitivity in our study was 90%, the specificity was 98%, positive predictive value was 90%, negative predictive value was 98%, and diagnostic accuracy was 88%. The positive predictive value was 90%, the negative predictive value was 98%.Analyzing the effect of the preoperative CT size upon the accuracy of the FNAC diagnosis, we found that lesion with preoperative CT size greater than 24 mm has a more accurate FNAC result (P = 0.034).

Criteria for Performing Cranial Computed Tomography for Chinese Patients With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Canadian Computed Tomography Head Rule or New Orleans Criteria?

PubMed

Yang, Xiao-Feng; Meng, Yuan-Yuan; Wen, Liang; Wang, Hao

2017-09-01

Computed tomography (CT) provides the primary diagnostic evidence for traumatic brain injury (TBI), but few positive traumatic findings are discovered in patients with mild TBI. In China, there are no existing criteria for selecting patients with mild TBI to undergo CT, and almost all of these patients undergo cranial CT in the emergency department. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the necessity of cranial CT among patients with mild TBI, as well as the feasibility of 2 popular criteria (Canadian CT head rule [CCHR] and New Orleans Criteria [NOC]) in China. Patients with mild TBI who underwent cranial CT within 24 hours of the trauma were included in our institute. Two neurosurgeons reviewed the CT images independently to identify positive CT findings. The sensitivity and specificity of CCHR and NOC for positive CT findings related to TBI were analyzed. Finally, this study included 625 patients. Positive CT findings related to TBI were discovered in 13.12% (82/625) of these patients on cranial CT, and 6.88% (43/625) of them were admitted to the hospital for further management. Ultimately, 11 patients (1.76%, 11/625) underwent neurosurgery. In this study, the sensitivities of both the CCHR and NOC were 100%, but the specificity of CCHR was 43.36% and that of NOC was 33.12%. Based on our study, both CCHR and NOC have high sensitivity for the detection of positive CT findings related to head trauma in patients with mild TBI.

Dipyridamole stress myocardial perfusion by computed tomography in patients with left bundle branch block.

PubMed

Cabeda, Estêvan Vieira; Falcão, Andréa Maria Gomes; Soares, José; Rochitte, Carlos Eduardo; Nomura, César Higa; Ávila, Luiz Francisco Rodrigues; Parga, José Rodrigues

2015-12-01

Functional tests have limited accuracy for identifying myocardial ischemia in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). To assess the diagnostic accuracy of dipyridamole-stress myocardial computed tomography perfusion (CTP) by 320-detector CT in patients with LBBB using invasive quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) (stenosis ≥ 70%) as reference; to investigate the advantage of adding CTP to coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and compare the results with those of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. Thirty patients with LBBB who had undergone SPECT for the investigation of coronary artery disease were referred for stress tomography. Independent examiners performed per-patient and per-coronary territory assessments. All patients gave written informed consent to participate in the study that was approved by the institution's ethics committee. The patients' mean age was 62 ± 10 years. The mean dose of radiation for the tomography protocol was 9.3 ± 4.6 mSv. With regard to CTP, the per-patient values for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy were 86%, 81%, 80%, 87%, and 83%, respectively (p = 0.001). The per-territory values were 63%, 86%, 65%, 84%, and 79%, respectively (p < 0.001). In both analyses, the addition of CTP to CTA achieved higher diagnostic accuracy for detecting myocardial ischemia than SPECT (p < 0.001). The use of the stress tomography protocol is feasible and has good diagnostic accuracy for assessing myocardial ischemia in patients with LBBB.