3-D reconstruction and virtual ductoscopy of high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast with casting type calcifications using refraction-based X-ray CT.
Stereomicroscopic observations of thick sections, or three-dimensional (3-D) reconstructions from serial sections, have provided insights into histopathology. However, they generally require time-consuming and laborious procedures. Recently, we have developed a new algorithm for refraction-based X-ray computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study is to apply this emerging technology to visualize the 3-D structure of a high-grade ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS) of the breast. The high-resolution two-dimensional images of the refraction-based CT were validated by comparing them with the sequential histological sections. Without adding any contrast medium, the new CT showed strong contrast and was able to depict the non-calcified fine structures such as duct walls and intraductal carcinoma itself, both of which were barely visible in a conventional absorption-based CT. 3-D reconstruction and virtual endoscopy revealed that the high-grade DCIS was located within the dichotomatous branches of the ducts. Multiple calcifications occurred in the necrotic core of the continuous DCIS, resulting in linear and branching (casting type) calcifications, a hallmark of high-grade DCIS on mammograms. In conclusion, refraction-based X-ray CT approaches the low-power light microscopic view of the histological sections. It provides high quality slice data for 3-D reconstruction and virtual ductosocpy.
Ichihara
Shu
S
Department of Pathology, Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan. shu-kkr@umin.ac.jp
Ando
Masami
M
Maksimenko
Anton
A
Yuasa
Tetsuya
T
Sugiyama
Hiroshi
H
Hashimoto
Eiko
E
Yamasaki
Katsuhito
K
Mori
Kensaku
K
Arai
Yoshinori
Y
Endo
Tokiko
T
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D002285:Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D003196:Computer Graphics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*