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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Image reconstruction in optical tomography.

Optical tomography is a new medical imaging modality that is at the threshold of realization. A large amount of clinical work has shown the very real benefits that such a method could provide. At the same time a considerable effort has been put into theoretical studies of its probable success. At present there exist gaps between these two realms. In this paper we review some general approaches to inverse problems to set the context for optical tomography, defining both the terms forward problem and inverse problem. An essential requirement is to treat the problem in a nonlinear fashion, by using an iterative method. This in turn requires a convenient method of evaluating the forward problem, and its derivatives and variance. Photon transport models are described for obtaining analytical and numerical solutions for the most commonly used ones are reviewed. The inverse problem is approached by classical gradient-based solution methods. In order to develop practical implementations of these methods, we discuss the important topic of photon measurement density functions, which represent the derivative of the forward problem. We show some results that represent the most complex and realistic simulations of optical tomography yet developed. We suggest, in particular, that both time-resolved, and intensity-modulated systems can reconstruct variations in both optical absorption and scattering, but that unmodulated, non-time-resolved systems are prone to severe artefact. We believe that optical tomography reconstruction methods can now be reliably applied to a wide variety of real clinical data. The expected resolution of the method is poor, meaning that it is unlikely that the type of high-resolution images seen in computed tomography or medical resonance imaging can ever be obtained. Nevertheless we strongly expect the functional nature of these images to have a high degree of clinical significance.

Image Processing, Computer-Assisted↗

Volume image reconstruction for diffuse optical tomography.

Optical tomography is a potential diagnostic method for visualizing optical properties of tissues in vivo. We present an optical tomography method that has been designed for imaging of the human testes, particularly for spectroscopic tumor differentiation. In this application we need to compute three-dimensional distributions of the optical contrast (absorption coefficient) in the tissue in real time. Thus we have given special care to elaborate an efficient inverse algorithm that takes the limitations of spatial resolution and data space point density into account. Our inverse solution is based on a linearization approach and a dedicated object space discretization. Furthermore, we introduce the concept of fuzzy voxels, which enables a reconstruction-inherent image smoothing.

Algorithms↗

Initial assessment of a simple system for frequency domain diffuse optical tomography.

Diffuse optical tomography is an imaging technique whereby spatial maps of absorption and scattering coefficients are derived from the characteristics of multiply scattered light transmitted through the object. The system described here used four intensity-modulated light sources and measurements of the intensity and phase (relative to each source) at 16 or 20 detectors on the surface of a 10 cm diameter cylinder. An iterative Newton-Raphson algorithm was used to estimate the absorption and scattering coefficients at each pixel in a 17 x 17 array minimizing the difference between measured and calculated values of the intensity and phase at the measurement sites. Forward calculations of the intensity and phase were based on a multigrid finite-difference solution of the frequency domain diffusion equation. Numerical simulations were used to examine the resolution, contrast, and accuracy of the reconstructions as well as the effects of measurement noise, systematic uncertainties in source-detector location, and accuracy of the initial estimates for the optical properties. Experimental tests also confirmed that the system could identify and locate both scattering and absorbing inhomogeneities in a tissue-simulating phantom.

Algorithms↗

Optode positional calibration in diffuse optical tomography.

Although diffuse optical tomography is a highly promising technique used to noninvasively image blood volume and oxygenation, the reconstructed data are sensitive to systemic difference between the forward model and the actual experimental conditions. In particular, small changes in optode location or in the optode-tissue coupling coefficient significantly degrade the quality of the reconstruction images. Accurate system calibration therefore is an essential part of any experimental protocol. We present a technique for simultaneously calibrating optode positions and reconstructing images that significantly improves image quality, as we demonstrate with simulations and phantom experiments.

Calibration↗

Noncontact optical tomography of turbid media.

Optical tomography of turbid media has so far been limited by systems that require fixed geometries or measurements employing fibers. We present a system that records noncontact optical measurements from diffuse media of arbitrary shapes and retrieves the three-dimensional surface information of the diffuse medium. We further present a novel method of combining this composite data set and obtain accurate fluorescence reconstructions. This approach offers significant experimental simplicity and yields high-information-content datasets. The performance of this novel tomographic approach is demonstrated with experimental reconstructions of phantoms.

Models, Theoretical↗

Imaging of spatiotemporal coincident states by DC optical tomography.

The utility of optical tomography as a practical imaging modality has, thus far, been limited by its intrinsically low spatial resolution and quantitative accuracy. Recently, we have argued that a broad range of physiological phenomena might be accurately studied by adopting this technology to investigate dynamic states (Schmitz et al., 2000; Barbour et al., 2000; Graber et al., 2000; Barbour et aL, 2001; and Barbour et aL, 1999). One such phenomenon holding considerable significance is the dynamics of the vasculature, which has been well characterized as being both spatially and temporally heterogeneous. In this paper, we have modeled such heterogeneity in the limiting case of spatiotemporal coincident behavior involving optical contrast features, in an effort to define the expected limits with which dynamic states can be characterized using two newly described reconstruction methods that evaluate normalized detector data: the normalized difference method (NDM) and the normalized constraint method (NCM). Influencing the design of these studies is the expectation that spatially coincident temporal variations in both the absorption and scattering properties of tissue can occur in vivo. We have also chosen to model dc illumination techniques, in recognition of their favorable performance and cost for practical systems. This choice was made with full knowledge of theoretical findings arguing that separation of the optical absorption and scattering coefficients under these conditions is not possible. Results obtained show that the NDM algorithm provides for good spatial resolution and excellent characterization of the temporal behavior of optical properties but is subject to interparameter crosstalk. The NCM algorithm, while also providing excellent characterization of temporal behavior, provides for improved spatial resolution, as well as for improved separation of absorption and scattering coefficients. A discussion is provided to reconcile these findings with theoretical expectations.

Algorithms↗

Use of penalty terms in gradient-based iterative reconstruction schemes for optical tomography.

It is well known that the reconstruction problem in optical tomography is ill-posed. In other words, many different spatial distributions of optical properties inside the medium can lead to the same detector readings on the surface of the medium under consideration. Therefore, the choice of an appropriate method to overcome this problem is of crucial importance for any successful optical tomographic image reconstruction algorithm. In this work we approach the problem within a gradient-based iterative image reconstruction scheme. The image reconstruction is considered to be a minimization of an appropriately defined objective function. The objective function can be separated into a least-square-error term, which compares predicted and actual detector readings, and additional penalty terms that may contain a priori information about the system. For the efficient minimization of this objective function the gradient with respect to the spatial distribution of optical properties is calculated. Besides presenting the underlying concepts in our approach to overcome ill-posedness in optical tomography, we will show numerical results that demonstrate how prior knowledge, represented as penalty terms, can improve the reconstruction results.

Humans↗

Three-dimensional fluorescence enhanced optical tomography using referenced frequency-domain photon migration measurements at emission and excitation wavelengths.

The ultimate success of near-infrared optical tomography rests on the precise measurement of light propagation within tissues or random media, the accurate prediction of these measurements from a light propagation model, and an efficient three-dimensional solution of the inverse imaging problem. To date, optical tomography algorithms have focused on frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM) measurements of phase-delay and amplitude attenuation, which are reported relative to the incident light, even though phase-delay and amplitude of incident light are nearly impossible to measure directly. In this contribution, we examine referenced, fluorescence-enhanced frequency-domain photon migration measured at excitation and/or emission wavelengths and report on a measurement strategy to minimize measurement and calibration error for efficient coupling of data to a distorted Born iterative imaging algorithm. We examine three referencing approaches and develop associated inversion algorithms for (1) normalizing detected emission FDPM data to the predicted emission wave arising from a homogeneous medium, (2) referencing detected emission FDPM data to that detected at a reference point, and (3) referencing detected emission FDPM data to detected excitation FDPM data detected at a reference point. Our results show the latter approach to be practical while reducing the nonlinearity of the inverse problem. Finally, in light of our results, we demonstrate the method for eliminating the influence of source strength and instrument functions for effective fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography using FDPM.

Computer Simulation↗

Gradient-based iterative image reconstruction scheme for time-resolved optical tomography.

Currently available tomographic image reconstruction schemes for optical tomography (OT) are mostly based on the limiting assumptions of small perturbations and a priori knowledge of the optical properties of a reference medium. Furthermore, these algorithms usually require the inversion of large, full, ill-conditioned Jacobian matrixes. In this work a gradient-based iterative image reconstruction (GIIR) method is presented that promises to overcome current limitations. The code consists of three major parts: 1) A finite-difference, time-resolved, diffusion forward model is used to predict detector readings based on the spatial distribution of optical properties; 2) An objective function that describes the difference between predicted and measured data; 3) An updating method that uses the gradient of the objective function in a line minimization scheme to provide subsequent guesses of the spatial distribution of the optical properties for the forward model. The reconstruction of these properties is completed, once a minimum of this objective function is found. After a presentation of the mathematical background, two- and three-dimensional reconstruction of simple heterogeneous media as well as the clinically relevant example of ventricular bleeding in the brain are discussed. Numerical studies suggest that intraventricular hemorrhages can be detected using the GIIR technique, even in the presence of a heterogeneous background.

Algorithms↗

Three-dimensional time-resolved optical tomography of a conical breast phantom.

A 32-channel time-resolved imaging device for medical optical tomography has been employed to evaluate a scheme for imaging the human female breast. The fully automated instrument and the reconstruction procedure have been tested on a conical phantom with tissue-equivalent optical properties. The imaging protocol has been designed to obviate compression of the breast and the need for coupling fluids. Images are generated from experimental data with an iterative reconstruction algorithm that employs a three-dimensional (3D) finite-element diffusion-based forward model. Embedded regions with twice the background optical properties are revealed in separate 3D absorption and scattering images of the phantom. The implications for 3D time-resolved optical tomography of the breast are discussed.

Journal Article↗

Transmission- and side-detection configurations in ultrasound-modulated optical tomography of thick biological tissues.

Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography of thick biological tissues was studied based on speckle-contrast detection. Speckle decorrelation was investigated with biological tissue samples of various thicknesses. Images of optically absorbing objects buried in biological tissue samples with thicknesses up to 50 mm were obtained in a transmission-detection configuration. The image contrast was more than 30%, and the spatial resolution was approximately 2 mm. In addition, a side-detection scheme along with two specific configurations were examined, and the advantages were demonstrated. Experimental results implied feasibility of applying the ultrasound-modulation technique to characterize optical properties in inhomogeneous biological tissues.

Animals↗

Three-dimensional optical tomography: resolution in small-object imaging.

Near-infrared (NIR) optical tomography provide estimates of the internal distribution of optical absorption and transport scattering from boundary measurement of light propagation within biological tissue. Although this is a truly three-dimensional (3D) imaging problem, most research to date has concentrated on two-dimensional modeling and image reconstruction. More recently, 3D imaging algorithms are demonstrating better estimation of the light propagation within the imaging region and are providing the basis of more accurate image construction algorithms. As 3D methods emerge, it will become increasingly important to evaluate their resolution, contrast, and localization of optical property heterogeneity. We present a concise study of 3D reconstructed resolution of a small, low-contrast, absorbing and scattering anomaly as it is placed in different locations within a cylindrical phantom. The object is an 8-mm-diameter cylinder, which represents a typical small target that needs to be resolved in NIR mammographic imaging. The best resolution and contrast is observed when the object is located near the periphery of the imaging region (12-22 mm from the edge) and is also positioned within the multiple measurement planes, with the most accurate results seen for the scatter image when the anomaly is at 17 mm from the edge. Furthermore, the accuracy of quantitative imaging is increased to almost 100% of the target values when a priori information regarding the internal structure of imaging domain is utilized.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Iterative total least-squares image reconstruction algorithm for optical tomography by the conjugate gradient method.

We present an iterative total least-squares algorithm for computing images of the interior structure of highly scattering media by using the conjugate gradient method. For imaging the dense scattering media in optical tomography, a perturbation approach has been described previously [Y. Wang et al., Proc. SPIE 1641, 58 (1992); R. L. Barbour et al., in Medical Optical Tomography: Functional Imaging and Monitoring (Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, Bellingham, Wash., 1993), pp. 87-120], which solves a perturbation equation of the form W delta x = delta I. In order to solve this equation, least-squares or regularized least-squares solvers have been used in the past to determine best fits to the measurement data delta I while assuming that the operator matrix W is accurate. In practice, errors also occur in the operator matrix. Here we propose an iterative total least-squares (ITLS) method that minimizes the errors in both weights and detector readings. Theoretically, the total least-squares (TLS) solution is given by the singular vector of the matrix [W/ delta I] associated with the smallest singular value. The proposed ITLS method obtains this solution by using a conjugate gradient method that is particularly suitable for very large matrices. Simulation results have shown that the TLS method can yield a significantly more accurate result than the least-squares method.

Algorithms↗

Methods for parallel-detection-based ultrasound-modulated optical tomography.

The research reported here focuses on ultrasound-modulated optical tomography based on parallel speckle detection. Four methods were investigated for signal acquisition and analysis, in which laser speckle statistics was applied. The methods were compared with the previously used four-phase method in the imaging of all-biological-tissue samples, in which the buried objects were also biological tissues. The image quality obtained with these methods was comparable with that obtained with the four-phase method; in addition, these methods have advantages in reducing acquisition time and improving the signal-to-noise ratio.

Animals↗

Concurrent MRI and diffuse optical tomography of breast after indocyanine green enhancement.

We present quantitative optical images of human breast in vivo. The images were obtained by using near-infrared diffuse optical tomography (DOT) after the administration of indocyanine green (ICG) for contrast enhancement. The optical examination was performed concurrently with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam on patients scheduled for excisional biopsy or surgery so that accurate image coregistration and histopathological information of the suspicious lesions was available. The ICG-enhanced optical images coregistered accurately with Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance images validating the ability of DOT to image breast tissue. In contrast to simple transillumination, we found that DOT provides for localization and quantification of exogenous tissue chromophore concentrations. Additionally our use of ICG, an albumin bound absorbing dye in plasma, demonstrates the potential to differentiate disease based on the quantified enhancement of suspicious lesions.

Aged↗

Optical coherence tomography in optic disk pit maculopathy treated by the macular buckling procedure.

PURPOSE: To report optical coherence tomography in optic disk pit maculopathy treated with macular scleral buckling procedure. METHODS: Twenty six eyes (26 patients) with optic disk pit maculopathy were treated with macular buckling procedure and evaluated with optical coherence tomography. In group 1, five eyes were evaluated with optical coherence tomography before and after macular buckling procedure. In group 2, 21 eyes were evaluated with optical coherence tomography after macular buckling procedure. With optical coherence tomography, cross-sectional, horizontal retinal images were obtained through the fovea and optic disk pit. RESULTS: In group 1, four of five eyes showed absorption of intraretinal fluid 7 to 9 months after macular buckling procedure. After absorption of fluid, retinal thickness in the foveal center ranged from 128 to 178 microm. In one eye the channel from optic disk to fovea reopened and fluid reappeared. In group 2, 20 of 21 eyes showed absorption of intraretinal schisis and subretinal fluid after macular buckling procedure. After absorption of fluid, retinal thickness in the foveal center ranged from 119 to 216 microm. CONCLUSIONS: In optic disk pit maculopathy, optical coherence tomography enabled morphologic assessment of the retina before and after macular buckling procedure. In the successfully treated cases the permanent closure of the connection between the optic disk pit and the intraretinal schisis was demonstrated. Eventual disappearance of schisis and subretinal fluid was depicted. It was also proved that the thickness of the macula returned to normal and visual acuity improved.

Adolescent↗

Visuospatial imagery is a fruitful strategy for the digit span backward task: a study with near-infrared optical tomography.

Our newly developed 64-channel time-resolved optical tomographic imaging system using near-infrared light enables us to obtain a quantitative image of hemoglobin concentration changes associated with neuronal activation in the human brain ¿H. Eda, I. Oda, Y. Ito, Y. Wada, Y. Oikawa, Y. Tsunazawa, M. Takada, Y. Tsuchiya, Y. Yamashita, M. Oda, A. Sassaroll, Y. Yamada, M. Tamura, Multi-channel time-resolved optical tomographic imaging system, Rev. Sci. Instrum., 70 (1999) 3595-3602. Here, we used this optical imaging system to demonstrate that the backward digit span (DB) task activated the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of each hemisphere more than the forward digit span (DF) task in healthy adult volunteers, and higher performance of the DB task was closely related to the activation of the right DLPFC. These results suggest that visuospatial imagery is a useful strategy for the DB task. Optical tomography described here is a new modality of neuropsychological studies.

Adult↗

Preparation of solid phantoms with defined scattering and absorption properties for optical tomography.

We have developed diffusely scattering solid phantoms with optical (scattering) properties amenable to theoretical calculations. Monodisperse quartz glass spheres were used as scatterers embedded in polyester resin. An infrared dye was added to simulate absorption by biological tissue. Solid phantoms were tested for their macroscopic homogeneity. Several phantoms were built with well-defined spatial variations in their transport scattering and absorption coefficients to be used for optical tomography. Scattering, transport scattering, and absorption coefficients of solid, homogeneous phantoms and of aqueous suspensions of monodisperse quartz glass spheres were derived from measurements of time-integrated collimated transmittance and time-resolved diffuse transmittance. For aqueous suspensions of monodisperse quartz glass spheres at known number density scattering and transport scattering coefficients calculated by Mie theory are in quantitative agreement with experimentally derived values. In addition, diffuse reflectance and diffuse transmittance of aqueous suspensions at various number densities were measured and found to be in excellent agreement with results of Monte Carlo calculations using theoretical values for the scattering coefficients and anisotropy parameters.

Humans↗