Development of new imaging system based on grating interferometry: Preclinical study in breast imaging

Abstract

A new imaging system based on an x-ray Talbot-Lau interferometry was developed. The preclinical study with mastectomy specimens was conducted, and the three types of images, i.e., the attenuation contrast(ATT) image, the differential phase contrast(DPC) image, and the x-ray small angle scattering(SAS) image, obtained by the system were compared to the pathological result. As a result, the SAS image showed micro-calcifications clearly. On the other hand, the inside of the mass with invasive carcinoma was visualized with relatively lower signal. The SAS image seemed to correspond to the homogeneity of the breast tissues. The breast images obtained with Talbot-Lau interferometry showed the different aspects which cannot be depicted with the conventional x-ray image. Comparative reading of the three images would enable us to get additional information of breast tissues. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.