title: Mammogram synthesis using a 3D simulation. I. Breast tissue model and image acquisition simulation.
abstract: A method is proposed for generating synthetic mammograms based upon simulations of breast tissue and the mammographic imaging process. A computer breast model has been designed with a realistic distribution of large and medium scale tissue structures. Parameters controlling the size and placement of simulated structures (adipose compartments and ducts) provide a method for consistently modeling images of the same simulated breast with modified position or acquisition parameters. The mammographic imaging process is simulated using a compression model and a model of the x-ray image acquisition process. The compression model estimates breast deformation using tissue elasticity parameters found in the literature and clinical force values. The synthetic mammograms were generated by a mammogram acquisition model using a monoenergetic parallel beam approximation applied to the synthetically compressed breast phantom.
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008327:Mammography / Q000379:methods*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009038:Motion; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation