title: High-resolution computed tomography of single breast cancer microcalcifications in vivo.
abstract: Microcalcification is a hallmark of breast cancer and a key diagnostic feature for mammography. We recently described the first robust animal model of breast cancer microcalcification. In this study, we hypothesized that high-resolution computed tomography (CT) could potentially detect the genesis of a single microcalcification in vivo and quantify its growth over time. Using a commercial CT scanner, we systematically optimized acquisition and reconstruction parameters. Two ray-tracing image reconstruction algorithms were tested: a voxel-driven "fast" cone beam algorithm (FCBA) and a detector-driven "exact" cone beam algorithm (ECBA). By optimizing acquisition and reconstruction parameters, we were able to achieve a resolution of 104 μm full width at half-maximum (FWHM). At an optimal detector sampling frequency, the ECBA provided a 28 μm (21%) FWHM improvement in resolution over the FCBA. In vitro, we were able to image a single 300 μm × 100 μm hydroxyapatite crystal. In a syngeneic rat model of breast cancer, we were able to detect the genesis of a single microcalcification in vivo and follow its growth longitudinally over weeks. Taken together, this study provides an in vivo "gold standard" for the development of calcification-specific contrast agents and a model system for studying the mechanism of breast cancer microcalcification.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology/Oncology and Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
authors.forename: Kazumasa
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Inoue
authors.forename: Fangbing
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hoppin
authors.forename: Elaine P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Lunsford
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lackas
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hesterman
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Lenkinski
authors.forename: Hirofumi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fujii
authors.forename: John V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Frangioni
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008327:Mammography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*