Lung Nodule Imaging using Micro CT

Abstract-- We are developing a micro-computed tomography for imaging lung nodules. The purpose is to enhance the physician performance in accessing the micro architecture of the nodule for classification between malignant and benign nodules. The basic components of the micro CT consist of a microfocus X-ray source, a specimen manipulator, an image intensifier detector coupled to charge-coupled device camera and an image processing unit. Three-dimensional image reconstruction was performed on a slice by slice technique. A standard fan-beam convolution and back-projection algorithm was used to reconstruct the center plane intersecting the X-ray source. The preprocessing of the 3-D image reconstruction included the correction of the geometrical distortions and the shading artifact introduced by the image intensifier. The main advantage of the system is to obtain a high spatial resolution which ranges between 5�m �m �m �m and 25�m �m �m �m. In this work we report on preliminary studies performed with the micro CT for imaging resected tissues of normal and abnormal lung. Experimental results reveal micro architecture of lung tissues, such as alveolar wall, septal wall of pulmonary lobule, and bronchiole. From the results, the micro CT is expected to have interesting potentials for high confidential differential diagnosis. I