• Computed Tomography

Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating improved imaging methods for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Phase-contrast breast computed tomography (PCBCT) shows promise in early lesion detection and enhanced visualization of soft tissue. This master thesis is the collaboration with SYRMA-3D, funded by the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) and investigates the imaging characteristics of PCBCT with the aim of optimizing image quality.

Three distinct breast cancer tissue samples were investigated. CT images were reconstructed from projections using the Filtered Back Projection (FBP), which is the most widespread reconstruction algorithm and co-registered in order to allow automatic image analysis.

Images were acquired at different energies, doses and sample- detector distances (SDD), in order to investigate the effect of these parameters on the image quality. The dose delivered to the patient is a relevant parameter, given its associated risk, and it has to be kept as low as possible. The energy affects the image quality at a constant dose and its optimization will allow improved visibility in the image. The SDD is also a crucial parameter in propagation-based phase contrast imaging and the study of its effect on image quality is essential for the design of future beamlines dedicated to PCBCT.

The contrast-noise ratio (CNR) and the contrast between glandular and fat tissues were used as metrics to evaluate the quality of images obtained using PCBCT. Of particular importance is the CNR, which plays a relevant role in assessing the visibility of abnormalities and aiding in their accurate characterization. This level of detail is essential for precise staging and treatment planning purposes.

The findings derived from this study offer valuable insights into the imaging properties of PCBCT when applied to breast cancer. By closely examining these specific tissue samples, this research provides valuable tool for the evaluation of the effectiveness of PCBCT, as a function of imaging parameters, in capturing the unique features associated with breast cancer.