Quantitative three dimensional nonlinear inverse scattering and reflection breast imaging: Initial clinical results

Abstract

Water bath breast scanners utilize either ray based or inverse scattering techniques for the quantitative images. The 3D inverse scattering approach we use requires a 3D forward and back-propagation problem to be solved, resulting in ~1.2 mm resolution images. The resulting speed of sound map is then used in a 3D inhomogeneous, eikonal equation based reflection algorithm to account for refraction effects, and yield a 3D co-registered speckle free 360 degree compounded B-scan like volume. There is no harmful ionizing radiation, no compression, and no required contrast agents for proper utilization of our device. The quantitative transmission ultrasound (QTUS) images are independent of operator skill. The patient lies prone on a full length table with the breast pendant in the water bath. The breast is gently immobilized with the use of a breast retention pad that magnetically “attaches” to a magnetic retention rod for imaging of the breast. Scan time for each breast is approximately 10 min. We will show full 3D quantitative images obtained from consented, anonymous patients from several academic collaborating institutions. We will compare our QTUS images with mammographic, MRI, and hand held US images, and correlate biopsy results where appropriate.