Reference Range of CT Value in NC-CBBCT Based on Female Breast Structure

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Cone-beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) is a novel high-resolution 3D imaging technology.
• Establishing essential reference ranges for CT values in CBBCT is currently lacking for clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the reference range of computed tomography (CT) values in CBBCT for clinical breast examinations.
• To provide baseline CT values for non-contrast CBBCT in female breasts.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of CT values from 913 CBBCT cases (1167 lateral breasts).
• Evaluation of CT values in glandular tissue, fat, different quadrants, and distances.
• Assessment of nipple and chest wall muscle CT values.

Main Results:

• Established reference ranges for chest wall muscle (-136.68~43.36 HU), nipple (176.39~334.02 HU), fat (-190.4~-63.67 HU), and glandular tissue (-12.2~199.07 HU).
• CT values increase closer to the nipple for fat and glandular tissue.
• Density decreases with age; fat CT values are unstable within 5 cm of the nipple.

Conclusions:

• First baseline CT values for non-contrast CBBCT in female breasts established.
• Findings support improved cancer screening and lesion localization.
• Significant differences in CT values observed between upper and lower quadrants.