Mammogram synthesis using a three‐dimensional simulation. III. Modeling and evaluation of the breast ductal network

Abstract

A method is proposed for realistic simulation of the breast ductal network as part of a computer three-dimensional (3-D) breast phantom. The ductal network is simulated using tree models. Synthetic trees are generated based upon a description of ductal branching by ramification matrices (R matrices), whose elements represent the probabilities of branching at various levels of a tree. We simulated the ductal network of the breast, consisting of multiple lobes, by random binary trees (RBT). Each lobe extends from the ampulla and consists of branching ductal segments of decreasing size, and the associated terminal ductal-lobular units. The lobes follow curved paths that project from the nipple toward the chest wall. We have evaluated the RBT model by comparing manually-traced ductal networks from 25 projections of ductal lobes in clinical galactograms and manually-traced networks from 23 projections of synthetic RBTs. A root-mean-square (rms) fractional error of 41%, between the R-matrix elements corresponding to clinical and synthetic images, was computed. This difference was influenced by projection and segmentation artifacts and by the limited number of available images. In addition, we analyzed 23 synthetic trees generated using R matrices computed from clinical images. A comparison of these synthetic and clinical images yielded a rms fractional error of 11%, suggesting the possibility that a more appropriate model of the ductal branching morphology may be developed. Rejection of the RBT model also suggests the existence of a relationship between ductal branching morphology and the state of mammary developmentand pathology.

Comparison of Methods for Classification of Breast Ductal Branching Patterns

“…Thus, a single matrix could be used to describe a family of the trees, with characteristic topological properties. We used this feature to generate synthetic ductal networks with realistic topological properties [8].…”

“…The method for R matrix estimation from ductal trees has been described previously [7]. The R matrices estimated from clinical images have been used to realistically generate synthetic ductal network [8]. In addition, such estimated branching probabilities have been used for classification of galactograms with radiological findings and normal cases [2].…”

Optimization of Breast Tomosynthesis Imaging Systems for Computer-Aided Detection

“…With the advent of three-dimensional imaging modalities and the decreasing cost of computer memory, it has become essential and feasible to create these multi-gigabyte arrays for the purpose of mimicking tissue in simulation studies. Many groups are working on creating breast phantoms, including ones based on mastectomy specimens [13], breast CT images [14], and entirely computer-generated models [15][16][17][18][19].…”

Método baseado em médias não-locais para filtragem do ruído quântico de imagens mamográficas digitais adquiridas com dose de radiação reduzida

“…Banco I: composto de imagens mamográficas sintéticas obtidas com um simulador (phantom) antropomórfico mamário desenvolvida na Universidade da Pensilvânia (BAKIC et al 2002(BAKIC et al , 2003(BAKIC et al , 2011(BAKIC et al , 2014 …”

“…Os parâmetros de simulação podem ser selecionados para cobrir a amplitude das variações na anatomia da mama observadas clinicamente (BAKIC et al 2002(BAKIC et al , 2003(BAKIC et al , 2011(BAKIC et al , 2014 Essas imagens mamográficas (de tamanho de 4096 3584 pixels) foram adquiridas com dosagem equivalente à 100%, 85%, 70% e 50% da dose padrão de radiação, sendo que para cada dose foi adquirida 5 imagens. Assim, foram geradas um total de 20 imagens mamográficas sintéticas mais uma imagem referência, sem ruído, para realização das medidas objetivas da qualidade de imagem (Groundtruth).…”