Modality Phantom for Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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DESIGN AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A MULTI- MODALITY PHANTOM FOR CONTRAST ENHANCED ULTRASOUND AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING Ian Pang A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Graduate Department of Medical Biophysics University of Toronto Copyright © 2011 by Ian Pang Abstract Design and Characterization of a Multi-Modality Phantom for Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Ian Pang Master of Science Graduate Department of Medical Biophysics University of Toronto, 2011 Multi-modality imaging is a possible solution for overcoming individual modality limitations. With the use of modality specific contrast agents, contrast-enhanced multi- modality imaging may provide a more comprehensive evaluation of tumour characteristics. This may be possible by combining ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, whose contrast agents behave differently within the microvasculature. A novel, microvascular, and leaky phantom is presented that permits ultrasound contrast agents to remain entirely within the mimicking vascular compartment while the magnetic resonance contrast agents may freely diffuse between the mimicking vasculature and tissue compartments. The results show that the phantom is a useful tool for investigating the combination of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. This work motivates further combined contrast-enhanced imaging studies, with future work to incorporate additional modalities. ii Acknowledgements First, I would like to acknowledge the members of my supervisory committee for supporting and guiding me throughout this journey of academia. I felt encouraged to pursue many of my own ideas and projects, which ultimately led to this thesis. For his guidance, and always reminding me of the importance of effective time management, I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor Dr. Rajiv Chopra. I would also like to thank Dr. Donald Plewes, whose advice and suggestions always managed to stir my imagination. Finally, I wish to thank Dr. David Goertz, for always reminding me to answer what I'm asking. For all the friendships, encouragements, assistance, and conversations, I sincerely thank all the members of C7, past and present. To the students, your company has been refreshing and entertaining. Between all the experiments and the quest for results, there were some truly wonderful coffee breaks, outdoor lunches, musical outbursts, pranks, and broken records. To the machinists of SRI, thank you for your patience and guidance on all things manufacturing and design. Some of the best times of my Master's were the countless hours I spent in the machine shop listening to classic rock alongside you. Finally, I wish to thank my family for their continuous support and patience during the years spent on this thesis. Many of your homemade meals kept me going through the late nights and weekends. You've always believed in me, and for that I am eternally grateful. iii Content Abstract ...................................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................ iii Content ...................................................................................................................................................... iv List of Figures .......................................................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................. ix 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1. Contrast Imaging........................................................................................................................ 1 1.1.1. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging ........................................................................ 2 1.1.2. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging....................................... 4 1.2. Kinetics of Contrast Agents ...................................................................................................... 5 1.2.1. Compartmental Modeling ................................................................................................ 6 1.2.2. The Gamma Variate Function .......................................................................................... 8 1.3. Multi-Modality Imaging ......................................................................................................... 10 1.3.1 Combined Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging ........................................ 11 1.4. Purpose and Objectives ........................................................................................................... 13 1.5. Appendix – Background Knowledge .................................................................................... 14 1.5.1. The Microcirculation ........................................................................................................ 14 1.5.2. Cancer and Angiogenesis................................................................................................ 15 1.5.3. Tumour Vasculature ........................................................................................................ 16 1.5.4. Principles of Ultrasound ................................................................................................. 17 1.5.5. Principles of Magnetic Resonance ................................................................................. 19 1.5.6. T1-Weighted Imaging ...................................................................................................... 23 1.5.7. Measuring T1 .................................................................................................................... 23 iv 2. Design and Characterization of a Multi-Modality Phantom ..................................................... 25 2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 25 2.2 Materials and Methods ............................................................................................................ 27 2.2.1 Design of a Multi-Modality Phantom ........................................................................... 27 2.2.2 Fabrication of a Multi-Modality Phantom .................................................................... 29 2.2.3 Characterization of Multi-Modality Phantom ............................................................. 31 2.2.4 Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging ...................................................................... 33 2.2.5 Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging..................................... 34 2.2.6 Data Analysis .................................................................................................................... 35 2.3 Results ........................................................................................................................................ 38 2.3.1 Characterization of Multi-Modality Phantom ............................................................. 38 2.3.2 Contrast Kinetic Curves .................................................................................................. 40 2.3.3 Gamma Variate Fit ........................................................................................................... 42 2.4 Discussion ................................................................................................................................. 45 2.5 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................... 50 3. Conclusions and Future Works ...................................................................................................... 51 3.1 Summary of Thesis Contributions ......................................................................................... 51 3.2 Future Works ............................................................................................................................ 52 3.2.1 Optimizing Design and Fabrication .............................................................................. 52 3.2.2 Investigations Using Computed Tomography ............................................................ 54 3.2.3 Applications With Specific Imaging Techniques ......................................................... 55 4. Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................... 61 5. Appendix ........................................................................................................................................... 61 5.1 Procedure for Phantom Fabrication ...................................................................................... 70 5.2. Schematic Drawings for Phantom Parts ............................................................................... 78 v List of Figures Figure 1.1 Schematic representation of a compartmentalized system accessible by diffusible contrast media. ...................................................................................................................