Multiscale X-ray phase-contrast tomography: From breast CT to micro-CT for virtual histology

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional X-ray imaging struggles with soft-tissue contrast.
• Propagation-based phase-contrast X-ray imaging enhances soft-tissue visualization.
• Synchrotron facilities provide coherent photon beams necessary for this technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (CT) for multiscale breast imaging.
• To demonstrate the transition from whole breast imaging to virtual histology using this technique.
• To assess the potential of phase-contrast imaging as a clinically compatible tool for breast cancer detection.

Main Methods:

• Utilized propagation-based phase-contrast CT with synchrotron radiation at the Elettra facility.
• Acquired whole breast mastectomy samples using monochromatic X-rays (60 µm pixel size).
• Scanned paraffin-embedded tissue blocks using polychromatic X-rays (4 µm pixel size) for micro-CT.
• Spatially registered images from both methodologies and matched them with conventional histology.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-resolution, low-noise phase-contrast images.
• Demonstrated seamless transition from whole breast imaging to virtual histology of the same sample.
• Enabled precise matching between virtual and conventional histology.
• Clearly discerned breast structures, lesions, and microcalcifications.

Conclusions:

• Propagation-based phase-contrast CT is a promising tool for multiscale breast imaging.
• The technique offers high precision for cancer detection in full breast volumes.
• It complements structure identification in paraffin-embedded tissue samples.
• The approach shows potential as a clinically compatible diagnostic tool.