Strain elastography with ultrasound computer tomography: a simulation study based on biomechanical models

T. Hopp; N. V. Ruiter

doi:10.1117/12.2580884

15 February 2021 Strain elastography with ultrasound computer tomography: a simulation study based on biomechanical models

T. Hopp, N. V. Ruiter

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11602, Medical Imaging 2021: Ultrasonic Imaging and Tomography; 116020Z (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2580884
Event: SPIE Medical Imaging, 2021, Online Only

Abstract

Ultrasound computer tomography (USCT) is a promising modality for breast cancer diagnosis which images the reflectivity, sound speed and attenuation of tissue. Elastic properties of breast tissue, however, cannot directly be imaged although they have shown to be applicable as a discriminator between different tissue types. In this work we propose a novel approach combining USCT with the principles of strain elastography. Socalled USCT-SE makes use of imaging the breast in two deformation states, estimating the deformation field based on reconstructed images and thereby allows localizing and distinguishing soft and hard masses. We use a biomechanical model of the breast to realistically simulate both deformation states of the breast. The analysis of the strain is performed by estimating the deformation field from the deformed to the undeformed image by a non-rigid registration. In two experiments the non-rigid registration is applied to ground truth sound speed images and simulated SAFT images. Results of the strain analysis show that for both cases soft and hard lesions can be distinguished visually in the elastograms. This paper provides a first approach to obtain mechanical information based on external mechanical excitation of breast tissue in a USCT system.

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T. Hopp and N. V. Ruiter "Strain elastography with ultrasound computer tomography: a simulation study based on biomechanical models", Proc. SPIE 11602, Medical Imaging 2021: Ultrasonic Imaging and Tomography, 116020Z (15 February 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2580884

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