Anthropomorphic breast phantoms for testing elastography systems.
Two equivalent anthropomorphic breast phantoms were constructed, one for use in ultrasound elastography and the other in magnetic resonance (MR) elastography. A complete description of the manufacturing methods is provided. The materials used were oil-in-gelatin dispersions, where the volume percent oil differentiates the materials, primarily according to Young's moduli. Values of Young's moduli are in agreement with in vitro ranges for the corresponding normal and abnormal breast tissues. Ultrasound and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) properties are reasonably well represented. Phantoms of the type described promise to aid researchers who are developing hardware and software for elastography. Examples of ultrasound and MR elastograms of the phantoms are included to demonstrate the utility of the phantoms. Also, the level of stability of elastic properties of the component materials is quantified over a 15-month period. Such phantoms can serve as performance-assessing intermediaries between simple phantoms (consisting, for example, of homogeneous cylindrical inclusions in a homogeneous background) and a full-scale clinical trial. Thus, premature clinical trials may be avoided.
Madsen
Ernest L
EL
Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA. elmadsen@wisc.edu
Hobson
Maritza A
MA
Frank
Gary R
GR
Shi
Hairong
H
Jiang
Jingfeng
J
Hall
Timothy J
TJ
Varghese
Tomy
T
Doyley
Marvin M
MM
Weaver
John B
JB
D000886:Anthropometry; D001940:Breast; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004548:Elasticity; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005780:Gelatin; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012212:Rheology; D012450:Safflower Oil; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary / Q000379:methods*
D012450:Safflower Oil; D005780:Gelatin