Tuesday, November 30 | 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | SSPH09-5 | Room TBA
In this Tuesday morning presentation, research findings will show how high-resolution photon-counting CT used with deep-learning image processing can expand the modality's role in breast cancer imaging.CT isn't typically used for breast cancer imaging due to spatial and contrast resolution limitations, noted a team led by doctoral candidate Nathan Huber of Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in St. Peter, MN. But new technology such as high-resolution, whole-body photon-counting CT -- combined with deep learning to process the images -- shows promise for visualizing microcalcifications.
The group used a work-in-progress whole-body photon-counting CT scanner from Siemens Healthineers to image a patient with a history of breast cancer. These images were then processed by the deep-learning algorithm and compared with the patient's prior mammography exam.
Calcifications identified by the high-resolution, photon-counting CT system matched those identified on mammography, the team found.
"High-resolution photon-counting-detector CT with deep learning image processing permits visualization of breast microcalcifications, expanding the potential role of CT in breast imaging beyond implant evaluation," Huber's group concluded.
This paper received a Roadie 2021 award for the most popular abstract by page views in this Road to RSNA section.
![Axial images from unenhanced calcium score cardiac CT (left) and curved planar reformation images from CT angiography (right) show that higher long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with greater coronary artery calcium and more obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Top row: Images in a 68-year-old male patient with higher 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (7.9 μg/m3 for particulate matter measuring ≤2.5 μm in diameter [PM2.5] and 17.4 parts per billion [ppb] for NO2) with extensive CAD (coronary artery calcium score [CACS] >1,000 and obstructive CAD [≥70% diameter stenosis]). Bottom row: Images in a 57-year-old female patient with lower 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (6.3 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 4.6 ppb for NO2) with no CAD (CACS = 0 and no obstructive stenosis).](https://img.auntminnie.com/mindful/smg/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/06/hanneman.r6SMLzkezo.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
