KEYWORDS: Convex optimization, 3D image reconstruction, Reconstruction algorithms, Medical image reconstruction, Tumor growth modeling, Human subjects, Visualization, Breast, Digital breast tomosynthesis, Image quality, Model-based design, Systems modeling, Image restoration, Image enhancement, Tissues, Imaging systems
To improve digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) image quality, we are developing model-based iterative reconstruction methods. We developed the SQS-DBCN algorithm, which incorporated detector blur into the system model and correlation into the noise model under some simplifying assumptions. In this paper, we further improved the regularization in the SQS-DBCN method by incorporating neighbors along the diagonal directions. To further understand the role of the different components in the system model of the SQS-DBCN method, we reconstructed DBT images without modeling either the detector blur or noise correlation for comparison. Visual comparison of the reconstructed images showed that regularizing with diagonal directions reduced artifacts and the noise level. The SQS-DBCN reconstructed images had better image quality than reconstructions without models for detector blur or correlated noise, as indicated by the contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of MCs and textural artifacts. These results indicated that regularized DBT reconstruction with detector blur and correlated noise modeling, even with simplifying assumptions, can improve DBT image quality compared to that without system modeling.
Regularization is an effective strategy for reducing noise in tomographic reconstruction. This paper proposes a spatially weighted non-convex (SWNC) regularization method for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) image reconstruction. With a non-convex cost function, this method can suppress noise without blurring microcalcifications (MC) and spiculations of masses. To minimize the non-convex cost function, we apply a majorize-minimize separable quadratic surrogate algorithm (MM-SQS) that is further accelerated by ordered subsets (OS). We applied the new method to a heterogeneous breast phantom and to human subject DBT data, and observed improved image quality in both situations. A quantitative study also showed that the SWNC method can significantly enhance the contrast-to-noise ratio of MCs. By properly selecting its parameters, the SWNC regularizer can preserve the appearance of the mass margins and breast parenchyma.
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