Susanne Grandl MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Marian Willner, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Julia Herzen, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Doris Mayr, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sigrid Auweter, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alexander Christian Hipp, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Aniko Sztrokay MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Franz Pfeiffer, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maximilian F. Reiser MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Karin Hellerhoff MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Weak soft tissue contrast is a limiting factor in conventional X-ray based breast imaging. Grating-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PC-CT) using synchrotron sources provides an improved differentiation between non-invasive and invasive breast carcinoma and healthy breast tissue. Due to the limited availability of synchrotron sources the clinical implementation of phase-contrast imaging will rely on the translation of the technique into polychromatic X-ray sources.

Grating-based PC-CT of 6 ex-vivo formalin fixed breast specimens containing benign and malignant breast tumors (3 fibroadenomas, 1 cystosarkoma phyllodes and 2 invasive carcinomas) was conducted using a Talbot Lau interferometer run at a polychromatic X-ray source of 40 kVp. Phase-contrast and co-registered absorption-contrast images were compared to corresponding histological slices.The visualization of selected findings in phase contrast was compared to absorption contrast.

Grating-based PC-CT is able to depict the 3-dimensional structure of dilated ducts; high phase contrast is found as a correlate to thickened fibrous ductal walls. Phase- but not absorption contrast differentiates between fibrous and less fibrous breast tissue and reflects the extension of compact tumor components of lobular carcinoma. PC-CT provides an excellent depiction of the characteristic dilated, branched ductuli of fibroadenomas and a clear demarcation of the tumor boundaries of fibroadenomas and cystosarkoma phyllodes.

On the basis of selected findings in benign and malignant breast tumors, we demonstrate that grating-based PC-CT provides additional information to the conventional absorption contrast even when using polychromatic X-ray sources. Even though the spatial resolution is inferior to synchrotron-based imaging, the technique might serve as complementary diagnostic tool for in-vivo as well as ex-vivo breast diagnostics. 

The study represents an important step towards clinical implementation of PC-CT, as it demonstrates the potential of the technique in the absence of synchrotron radiation.

Grandl, S, Willner, M, Herzen, J, Mayr, D, Auweter, S, Hipp, A, Sztrokay, A, Pfeiffer, F, Reiser, M, Hellerhoff, K, Grating-based Phase-Contrast Computed Tomography of Benign and Malignant Breast Tumors at Polychromatic X-ray Sources—An Ex-vivo Study.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13022003.html