Dark-field imaging in coronary atherosclerosis
Hetterich H, Webber N, Willner M, Herzen J, Birnbacher L, Auweter S, Schueller U, Bamberg F, Notohamiprodjo S, Bartsch H, Wolf J, Marschner M, Pfeiffer F, Reiser M, Saam T (2017)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2017
Journal
Book Volume: 94
Pages Range: 38-45
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.07.018
Abstract
Objectives Dark-field imaging based on small angle X-ray scattering has been shown to be highly sensitive for microcalcifications, e.g. in breast tissue. We hypothesized (i) that high signal areas in dark-field imaging of atherosclerotic plaque are associated with microcalcifications and (ii) that dark-field imaging is more sensitive for microcalcifications than attenuation-based imaging. Methods Fifteen coronary artery specimens were examined at an experimental set-up consisting of X-ray tube (40 kV), grating-interferometer and detector. Tomographic dark-field-, attenuation-, and phase-contrast data were simultaneously acquired. Histopathology served as standard of reference. To explore the potential of dark field imaging in a full-body CT system, simulations were carried out with spherical calcifications of different sizes to simulate small and intermediate microcalcifications. Results Microcalcifications were present in 10/10 (100%) cross-sections with high dark-field signal and without evidence of calcifications in attenuation- or phase contrast. In positive controls with high signal areas in all three modalities, 10/10 (100%) cross-sections showed macrocalcifications. In negative controls without high signal areas, no calcifications were detected. Simulations showed that the microcalcifications generate substantially higher dark-field than attenuation signal. Conclusions Dark-field imaging is highly sensitive for microcalcifications in coronary atherosclerotic plaque and might provide complementary information in the assessment of plaque instability.
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Hetterich, H., Webber, N., Willner, M., Herzen, J., Birnbacher, L., Auweter, S.,... Saam, T. (2017). Dark-field imaging in coronary atherosclerosis. European Journal of Radiology, 94, 38-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.07.018
MLA:
Hetterich, Holger, et al. "Dark-field imaging in coronary atherosclerosis." European Journal of Radiology 94 (2017): 38-45.
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