Key technologies in digital breast tomosynthesis system:theory, design, and optimization

Abstract

To develop a digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) imaging system with optimizes imaging chain. Based on 3D tomography and DBT imaging scanning, we analyzed the methods for projection data correction, geometric correction, projection enhancement, filter modulation, and image reconstruction, and established a hardware testing platform. In the experiment, the standard ACR phantom and high-resolution phantom were used to evaluate the system stability and noise level. The patient projection data of commercial equipment was used to test the effect of the imaging algorithm. In the high-resolution phantom study, the line pairs were clear without confusing artifacts in the images reconstructed with the geometric correction parameters. In ACR phantom study, the calcified foci, cysts, and fibrous structures were more clearly defined in the reconstructed images after filtering and modulation. The patient data study showed a high contrast between tissues, and the lesions were more clearly displayed in the reconstructed image. This DBT imaging system can be used for mammary tomography with an image quality comparable to that of commercial DBT systems to facilitate imaging diagnosis of breast diseases.