X-ray-Induced Acoustic Computed Tomography Image Research Articles

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography and its applications in biomedicine.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) offers a promising approach to biomedical imaging, leveraging X-ray absorption contrast. It overcomes the shortages of traditional X-ray, allowing for more advanced medical imaging. The review focuses on the significance and draws onto the potential applications of XACT to demonstrate it as an innovative imaging technique. This review navigates the expanding landscape of XACT imaging within the biomedical sphere. Integral topics addressed encompass the refinement of imaging systems and the advancement in image reconstruction algorithms. The review particularly emphasizes XACT's significant biomedical applications. Key uses, such as breast imaging, bone density maps for osteoporosis, and X-ray molecular imaging, are highlighted to demonstrate the capability of XACT. A unique niche for XACT imaging is its application in in vivo dosimetry during radiotherapy, which has been validated on patients. Because of its unique property, XACT has great potential in biomedicine and non-destructive testing. We conclude by casting light on potential future avenues in this promising domain.

Towards quantitative in vivo dosimetry using x-ray acoustic computed tomography.

Radiation dosimetry is essential for radiation therapy (RT) to ensure that radiation dose is accurately delivered to the tumor. Despite its wide use in clinical intervention, the delivered radiation dose can only be planned and verified via simulation. This makes precision radiotherapy challenging while in-line verification of the delivered dose is still absent in the clinic. X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) has recently been proposed as an imaging tool for in vivo dosimetry. Most of the XACT studies focus on localizing the radiation beam. However, it has not been studied for its potential for quantitative dosimetry. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using XACT for quantitative in vivo dose reconstruction during radiotherapy. Varian Eclipse system was used to generate simulated uniform and wedged 3D radiation field with a size of 4 cm 4 cm. In order to use XACT for quantitative dosimetry measurements, we have deconvoluted the effects of both the x-ray pulse shape and the finite frequency response of the ultrasound detector. We developed a model-based image reconstruction algorithm to quantify radiation dose in vivo using XACT imaging, and universal back-projection (UBP) reconstruction is used as comparison. The reconstructed dose was calibrated before comparing it to the percent depth dose (PDD) profile. Structural similarity index matrix (SSIM) and root mean squared error (RMSE) are used for numeric evaluation. Experimental signals were acquired from 4 cm 4 cm radiation field created by Linear Accelerator (LINAC) at depths of 6, 8, and 10 cm beneath the water surface. The acquired signals were processed before reconstruction to achieve accurate results. Applying model-based reconstruction algorithm with non-negative constraints successfully reconstructed accurate radiation dose in 3D simulation study. The reconstructed dose matches well with the PDD profile after calibration in experiments. The SSIMs between the model-based reconstructions and initial doses are over 85%, and the RMSEs of model-based reconstructions are eight times lower than the UBP reconstructions. We have also shown that XACT images can be displayed as pseudo-color maps of acoustic intensity, which correspond to different radiation doses in the clinic. Our results show that the XACT imaging by model-based reconstruction algorithm is considerably more accurate than the dose reconstructed by UBP algorithm. With proper calibration, XACT is potentially applicable to the clinic for quantitative in vivo dosimetry across a wide range of radiation modalities. In addition, XACT's capability of real-time, volumetric dose imaging seems well-suited for the emerging field of ultrahigh dose rate "FLASH" radiotherapy.

Single-Pulse X-ray Acoustic Computed Tomographic Imaging for Precision Radiation Therapy

High-precision radiation therapy is crucial for cancer treatment. Currently, the delivered dose can only be verified via simulations with phantoms, and an in-tumor, online dose verification is still unavailable. An innovative detection method called x-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) has recently shown the potential for imaging the delivered radiation dose within the tumor. Prior XACT imaging systems have required tens to hundreds of signal averages to achieve high-quality dose images within the patient, which reduces its real-time capability. Here, we demonstrate that XACT dose images can be reproduced from a single x-ray pulse (4 µs) with sub-mGy sensitivity from a clinical linear accelerator. By immersing an acoustic transducer in a homogeneous medium, it is possible to detect pressure waves generated by the pulsed radiation from a clinical linear accelerator. After rotating the collimator, signals of different angles are obtained to perform a tomographic reconstruction of the dose field. Using 2-stage amplification with further bandpass filtering increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Acoustic peak SNR and voltage values were recorded for singular and dual-amplifying stages. The SNR for single-pulse mode was able to satisfy the Rose criterion, and the collected signals were able to reconstruct 2-dimensional images from the 2 homogeneous media. By overcoming the low SNR and requirement of signal averaging, single-pulse XACT imaging holds great potential for personalized dose monitoring from each individual pulse during radiation therapy.

The feasibility study of XACT imaging for characterizing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and the deterioration in bone microarchitecture, which might be related to age and space travel. An unmet need exists for the development of novel imaging technologies to characterize osteoporosis. The purpose of our study is to investigate the feasibility of X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) imaging for osteoporosis detection. An in-house simulation workflow was developed to assess the ability of XACT for osteoporosis detection. To evaluate this simulation workflow, a three-dimensional digital bone phantom for XACT imaging was created by a series of two-dimensional micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) slices of normal and osteoporotic bones in mice. In XACT imaging, the initial acoustic pressure rise caused by the X-ray induce acoustic (XA) effect is proportional to bone density. First, region growing was deployed for image segmentation of different materials inside the bone. Then k-wave simulations were deployed to model XA wave propagation, attenuation, and detection. Finally, the time-varying pressure signals detected at each transducer location were used to reconstruct the XACT image with a time-reversal reconstruction algorithm. Through the simulated XACT images, cortical porosity has been calculated, and XA signal spectra slopes have been analyzed for the detection of osteoporosis. The results have demonstrated that osteoporotic bones have lower bone mineral density and higher spectra slopes. These findings from XACT images were in good agreement with porosity calculation from micro-CT images. This work explores the feasibility of using XACT imaging as a new imaging tool for Osteoporosis detection. Considering that acoustic signals are generated by X-ray absorption, XACT imaging can be combined with traditional X-ray imaging that holds potential for clinical management of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.

Ring artifacts removal in X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) is a hybrid imaging modality for detecting X-ray absorption distribution via ultrasound emission. It facilitates imaging from a single projection X-ray illumination, thus reducing the radiation exposure and improving imaging speed. Nonuniform detector response caused by the interference between multichannel data acquisition for ring array transducers and amplifier systems yields ring artifacts in the reconstructed XACT images, which compromises the image quality. We propose model-based algorithms for ring artifacts corrected XACT imaging and demonstrate their efficacy on numerical and experimental measurements. The corrected reconstructions indicate significantly reduced ring artifacts as compared to their conventional counterparts.

In situ x-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography with a contrast agent: a proof of concept.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) has shown great potential as a hybrid imaging modality for real-time non-invasive x-ray dosimetry and low-dose three-dimensional (3D) imaging. While promising, one drawback of the XACT system is the underlying low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), limiting its in vivo clinical use. In this Letter, we propose the first use of a conventional x-ray computed tomography contrast agent, Gastrografin, for improving the SNR of in situ XACT imaging. We obtained 3D volumetric XACT images of a mouse's stomach with orally injected Gastrografin establishing the proposal's feasibility. Thus, we believe, in the future, our proposed technique will allow in vivo imaging and expand or complement conventional x-ray modalities, such as radiotherapy and accelerators.

Model-Based X-Ray-Induced Acoustic Computed Tomography.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) provides X-ray absorption-based contrast with acoustic detection. For its clinical translation, XACT imaging often has a limited field of view. This can result in image artifacts and overall loss of quantification accuracy. In this article, we aim to demonstrate model-based XACT image reconstruction to address these problems. An efficient matrix-free implementation of the regularized LSQR (MF-LSQR)-based minimization scheme and a noniterative model back-projection (MBP) scheme for computing XACT reconstructions have been demonstrated in this article. The proposed algorithms have been numerically validated and then used to perform reconstructions from experimental measurements obtained from an XACT setup. While the commonly used back-projection (BP) algorithm produces limited-view and noisy artifacts in the region of interest (ROI), model-based LSQR minimization overcomes these issues. The model-based algorithms also reduce the ring artifacts caused due to the nonuniformity response of the multichannel data acquisition. Using the model-based reconstruction algorithms, we are able to obtain reasonable XACT reconstructions for acoustic measurements of up to 120° view. Although the MBP is more efficient than the model-based LSQR algorithm, it provides only the structural information of the ROI. Overall, it has been demonstrated that the model-based image reconstruction yields better image quality for XACT than the standard BP. Moreover, the combination of model-based image reconstruction with different regularization methods can solve the limited-view problem for XACT imaging (in many realistic cases where the full-view dataset is unavailable), and hence pave the way for future clinical translation.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) imaging with single-shot nanosecond x-ray.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) has emerged as a promising imaging modality with broad applications in both biomedicine and nondestructive testing. The previous XACT imaging systems require thousands of averages to achieve reasonable images. Here, we report the experimental demonstration of single-shot XACT imaging of a metal object using a single-shot 50 ns x-ray pulse. A two-stage dedicated amplification and a 128-channel parallel data acquisition configuration were introduced for XACT imaging to enable sufficient acoustic signal amplification and maintain an overall low noise level for single-shot XACT imaging. Details of the system design are presented; the improved signal-to-noise ratio (>23 dB) and image reconstruction have been demonstrated with a ring ultrasound transducer array imaging system. The study paves the way for realizing real-time XACT imaging and its potential applications in image-guided intervention.

X-Ray-Induced Acoustic Computed Tomography (XACT): Initial Experiment on Bone Sample.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) is a unique hybrid imaging modality that combines high X-ray absorption contrast with high ultrasonic resolution. X-ray radiography and computerized tomography (CT) are currently the gold standards for 2-D and 3-D imaging of skeletal tissues though there are important properties of bone, such as elasticity and speed of sound (SOS), that these techniques cannot measure. Ultrasound is capable of measuring such properties though current clinical ultrasound scanners cannot be used to image the interior morphology of bones because they fail to address the complicated physics involved for exact image reconstruction; bone is heterogeneous and composed of layers of both cortical and trabecular bone, which violates assumptions in conventional ultrasound imaging of uniform SOS. XACT, in conjunction with the time-reversal algorithm, is capable of generating precise reconstructions, and by combining elements of both X-ray and ultrasound imaging, XACT is potentially capable of obtaining more information than any single of these techniques at low radiation dose. This article highlights X-ray-induced acoustic detection through linear scanning of an ultrasound transducer and the time-reversal algorithm to produce the first-ever XACT image of a bone sample. The results of this study should prove to enhance the potential of XACT imaging in the evaluation of bone diseases for future clinical use.

Towards in vivo Dosimetry for Prostate Radiotherapy with a Transperineal Ultrasound Array: A Simulation Study.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) is a promising imaging modality to monitor the position of the radiation beam and the deposited dose during external beam radiotherapy delivery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using a transperineal ultrasound transducer array for XACT imaging to guide the prostate radiotherapy. A customized two-dimensional (2D) matrix ultrasound transducer array with 10000 (100×100 elements) ultrasonic sensors with a central frequency of 1 MHz was designed on a 5 cm×5 cm plane to optimize three-dimensional (3D) volumetric imaging. The CT scan and dose treatment plan for a prostate patient undergoing intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were obtained. In-house simulation was developed to model the time varying X-ray induced acoustic (XA) signals detected by the transperineal ultrasound array. A 3D filtered back projection (FBP) algorithm has been used for 3D XACT image reconstruction. Results of this study will greatly enhance the potential of XACT imaging for real time in vivo dosimetry during radiotherapy.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography for guiding prone stereotactic partial breast irradiation: a simulation study.

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of x-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) as an image guidance tool for tracking x-ray beam location and monitoring radiation dose delivered to the patient during stereotactic partial breast irradiation (SPBI). An in-house simulation workflow was developed to assess the ability of XACT to act as an in vivo dosimetry tool for SPBI. To evaluate this simulation workflow, a three-dimensional (3D) digital breast phantom was created by a series of two-dimensional (2D) breast CT slices from a patient. Three different tissue types (skin, adipose tissue, and glandular tissue) were segmented and the postlumpectomy seroma was simulated inside the digital breast phantom. A treatment plan was made with three beam angles to deliver radiation dose to the seroma in breast to simulate SPBI. The three beam angles for 2D simulations were 17°, 90° and 159° (couch angles were 0 degrees) while the angles were 90 degrees (couch angles were 0°, 27°, 90°) in 3D simulation. A multi-step simulation platform capable of modelling XACT was developed. First, the dose distribution was converted to an initial pressure distribution. The propagation of this pressure disturbance in the form of induced acoustic waves was then modeled using the k-wave MATLAB toolbox. The waves were then detected by a hemispherical-shaped ultrasound transducer array (6320 transducer locations distributed on the surface of the breast). Finally, the time-varying pressure signals detected at each transducer location were used to reconstruct an image of the initial pressure distribution using a 3D time-reversal reconstruction algorithm. Finally, the reconstructed XACT images of the radiation beams were overlaid onto the structure breast CT. It was found that XACT was able to reconstruct the dose distribution of SPBI in 3D. In the reconstructed 3D volumetric dose distribution, the average doses in the GTV (Gross Target Volume) and PTV (Planning Target Volume) were 86.15% and 80.89%, respectively. When compared to the treatment plan, the XACT reconstructed dose distribution in the GTV and PTV had a RMSE (root mean square error) of 2.408 % and 2.299 % over all pixels. The 3D breast XACT imaging reconstruction with time-reversal reconstruction algorithm can be finished within several minutes. This work explores the feasibility of using the novel imaging modality of XACT as an in vivo dosimeter for SPBI radiotherapy. It shows that XACT imaging can provide the x-ray beam location and dose information in deep tissue during the treatment in real time in 3D. This study lays the groundwork for a variety of future studies related to the use of XACT as a dosimeter at different cancer sites.

3-D X-Ray-Induced Acoustic Computed Tomography With a Spherical Array: A Simulation Study on Bone Imaging.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) is a promising imaging modality combining high X-ray absorption contrast with the 3-D propagation advantages provided by high-resolution ultrasound waves. The purpose of this study was to optimize the configuration of a 3-D XACT imaging system for bone imaging. A 280 ultrasonic sensors with peak frequency of 10 MHz was designed to distribute on a spherical surface to optimize the 3-D volumetric imaging capability. We performed both theoretical calculations and simulations of this optimized XACT imaging configuration on a mouse-sized digital phantom containing various X-ray absorption coefficients. Iteration algorithm based on total variation has been used for 3-D XACT image reconstruction. The spatial resolution of imaging was estimated to about [Formula: see text] along both axial and lateral directions. We simulate XACT imaging of bone microstructures using digital phantoms generated from micro-CT images of real biological samples, showing that XACT imaging can provide high-resolution imaging of the mouse paw. Results of this study will greatly enhance the potential of XACT imaging in the evaluation of bone diseases for future clinical use.

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography of concrete infrastructure

X-ray-induced Acoustic Computed Tomography (XACT) takes advantage of both X-ray absorption contrast and high ultrasonic resolution in a single imaging modality by making use of the thermoacoustic effect. In XACT, X-ray absorption by defects and other structures in concrete create thermally induced pressure jumps that launch ultrasonic waves, which are then received by acoustic detectors to form images. In this research, XACT imaging was used to non-destructively test and identify defects in concrete. For concrete structures, we conclude that XACT imaging allows multiscale imaging at depths ranging from centimeters to meters, with spatial resolutions from sub-millimeter to centimeters. XACT imaging also holds promise for single-side testing of concrete infrastructure and provides an optimal solution for nondestructive inspection of existing bridges, pavement, nuclear power plants, and other concrete infrastructure.

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

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 comprised 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.

TH-AB-209-08: Next Generation Dedicated 3D Breast Imaging with XACT

Purpose: Exposure to radiation increases the risk of cancer. We have designed a new imaging paradigm, X-ray induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT). Applying this innovative technology to breast imaging, an X-ray exposure can generate a 3D acoustic image, which dramatically reduces the radiation dose to patients when compared to conventional breast CT. Methods: Theoretical calculations are done to determine the appropriate X-ray energy and ultrasound frequency in breast XACT imaging. A series of breast CT image along the coronal plane from a patient with calcifications in the breast tissue are used as the source image. HU value based segmentation is done to distinguish the skin, adipose tissue, glandular tissue, breast calcification, and chest bone from each CT image. X-ray dose deposition in each pixel is calculated based on the tissue type by using GEANT4 Monte Carlo toolkits. The initial pressure rise caused by X-ray energy deposition is calculated according to tissue properties. Then, the X-ray induced acoustic wave propagation is simulated by K-WAVE toolkit. Breast XACT images are reconstructed from the recorded time-dependent ultrasound waves. Results: For imaging a breast with large size (16cm in diameter at chest wall), the photon energy of X-ray source and the central frequency of ultrasound detector is determined as 20keV and 5.5MHz. Approximately 10 times contrast between a calcification and the breast tissue can be acquire from XACT image. The calcification can be clearly identified from the reconstructed XACT image. Conclusion: XACT technique takes the advantages of X-ray absorption contrast and high ultrasonic resolution. With the proposed innovative technology, one can potentially reduce radiation dose to patient in 3D breast imaging as compared with current x-ray modalities, while still maintaining high imaging contrast and spatial resolution.

SU‐F‐I‐14: 3D Breast Digital Phantom for XACT Imaging

Purpose:The X‐ray induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) is a new imaging modality which combines X‐ray contrast and high ultrasonic resolution in a single modality. Using XACT in breast imaging, a 3D breast volume can be imaged by only one pulsed X‐ray radiation, which could dramatically reduce the imaging dose for patients undergoing breast cancer screening and diagnosis. A 3D digital phantom that contains both X‐ray properties and acoustic properties of different tissue types is indeed needed for developing and optimizing the XACT system. The purpose of this study is to offer a realistic breast digital phantom as a valuable tool for improving breast XACT imaging techniques and potentially leading to better diagnostic outcomes.Methods:A series of breast CT images along the coronal plane from a patient who has breast calcifications are used as the source images. A HU value based segmentation algorithm is employed to identify breast tissues in five categories, namely the skin tissue, fat tissue, glandular tissue, chest bone and calcifications. For each pixel, the dose related parameters, such as material components and density, and acoustic related parameters, such as frequency‐dependent acoustic attenuation coefficient and bandwidth, are assigned based on tissue types. Meanwhile, other parameters which are used in sound propagation, including the sound speed, thermal expansion coefficient, and heat capacity are also assigned to each tissue.Results:A series of 2D tissue type image is acquired first and the 3D digital breast phantom is obtained by using commercial 3D reconstruction software. When giving specific settings including dose depositions and ultrasound center frequency, the X‐ray induced initial pressure rise can be calculated accordingly.Conclusion:The proposed 3D breast digital phantom represents a realistic breast anatomic structure and provides a valuable tool for developing and evaluating the system performance for XACT.