Abstract
The paper presents an analysis of the results of ultrasound transmission
tomography (UTT) imaging of the internal structure of a breast
elastography phantom used for biopsy training, and compares them with the
results of CT, MRI and, conventional US imaging; the results of the
phantom examination were the basis for the analysis of UTT method
resolution. The obtained UTT, CT and MRI images of the CIRS Model 059
breast phantom structure show comparable (in the context of size and
location) heterogeneities inside it. The UTT image of distribution of the
ultrasound velocity clearly demonstrates continuous changes of density.
The UTT image of derivative of attenuation coefficient in relation to
frequency is better for visualising sharp edges, and the UTT image of the
distribution of attenuation coefficient visualises continuous and stepped
changes in an indirect way. The inclusions visualized by CT have sharply
delineated edges but are hardly distinguishable from the phantom gel
background even with increased image contrast. MRI images of the studied
phantom relatively clearly show inclusions in the structure.
Ultrasonography images do not show any diversification of the structure of
the phantom. The obtained examination results indicate that, if the
scanning process is accelerated, ultrasound transmission tomography method
can be successfully used to detect and diagnose early breast malignant
lesions. Ultrasonic transmission tomography imaging can be applied in
medicine for diagnostic examination of women’s breasts and similarly for
X-ray computed tomography, while eliminating the need to expose patients
to the harmful ionising radiation.
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