Abstract
Objectives: Dark-field imaging based on small angle X-ray scattering has been shown to be highly sensitive for microcalcifications, e.g. in breast tissue. We hypothesized (i) that high signal areas in dark-field imaging of atherosclerotic plaque are associated with microcalcifications and (ii) that dark-field imaging is more sensitive for microcalcifications than attenuation-based imaging. Methods: Fifteen coronary artery specimens were examined at an experimental set-up consisting of X-ray tube (40 kV), grating-interferometer and detector. Tomographic dark-field-,attenuation-, and phase-contrast data were simultaneously acquired. Histopathology served as standard of reference. To explore the potential of dark field imaging in a full-body CT system, simulations were carried out with spherical calcifications of different sizes to simulate small and intermediate microcalcifications. Results: Microcalcifications were present in 10/10 (100%) cross-sections with high dark-field signal and without evidence of calcifications in attenuation-or phase contrast. In positive controls with high signal areas in all three modalities, 10/10 (100%) cross-sections showed macrocalcifications. In negative controls without high signal areas, no calcifications were detected. Simulations showed that the microcalcifications generate substantially higher dark-field than attenuation signal. Conclusions: Dark-field imaging is highly sensitive for microcalcifications in coronary atherosclerotic plaque and might provide complementary information in the assessment of plaque instability.
| Dokumententyp: | Zeitschriftenartikel |
|---|---|
| Fakultät: | Medizin |
| Themengebiete: | 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit |
| ISSN: | 0720-048X |
| Sprache: | Englisch |
| Dokumenten ID: | 50293 |
| Datum der Veröffentlichung auf Open Access LMU: | 14. Jun. 2018, 09:43 |
| Letzte Änderungen: | 04. Nov. 2020, 13:27 |
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