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Physical Principles of Imaging in Medicine

  • 1st Edition - January 11, 2027
  • Latest edition
  • Authors: Adam W. Anderson, Charles F. Caskey, John C. Gore, Todd E. Peterson
  • Language: English

Physical Principles of Imaging in Medicine gives an introduction to the mathematical and physical concepts and principles that underlie modern radiological imaging techni… Read more

Description

Physical Principles of Imaging in Medicine gives an introduction to the mathematical and physical concepts and principles that underlie modern radiological imaging techniques. It explains the basic phenomena and mathematical concepts that are central to the use of physical methods for image formation in biomedicine. By focusing on the physical and mathematical principles, it provides knowledge that will continue to hold true even as technological and other advances change the nature and detail of future medical imaging applications. Written as a pedagogic textbook explaining the principles rather than a technical manual describing imaging methods, Physical Principles of Imaging in Medicine is suitable as a foundational reference for senior undergraduates, graduate students and researchers with a background in either biomedical engineering, engineering, applied physics, computer science, or mathematics. It will be a well-thumbed resource throughout a researcher’s career.

Key features

  • Written by a top team of highly respected researchers who between them have taught medical imaging for over a hundred years!
  • Focuses on the physical and mathematical principles to provide everlasting foundational knowledge
  • Balanced coverage between the modalities reflecting the authors’ areas of expertise
  • Provides a motivational historical overview of the field
  • Closely ties the physical principles to biology
  • Includes instructors support such as solutions and slides of the figures
  • Provides computational exercises

Readership

Biomedical engineering, engineering, computer science and math students at the senior undergraduate and postgraduate levels and researchers wanting to learn the underlying mathematical and physical principles of medical imaging

Table of contents

1 Information from Medical Imaging

1.1 Introduction to Imaging Science

1.2 Types of Information

1.3 Imaging Biomarkers

1.4 Connections Between Physical Measurements and Biological Changes

1.5 History of Development of Medical Imaging

1.6 Cost and Economics

1.7 Problems
References
2 Mathematics for Imaging

2.1 Introduction

2.2 The Fourier Transform

2.2.1 The Gaussian Function

2.2.2 The Dirac Delta Function

2.3 Inverse Fourier Transforms

2.4 Symmetry Properties of the Fourier Transform

2.4.1 Case 1: Even Functions

2.4.2 Case 2: Odd Functions

2.4.3 Case 3: Arbitrary Functions

2.5 Other Useful Transform Pairs

2.5.1 The Square Function

2.5.2 The Sampling Function

2.6 Summary of Fourier Transform Pairs

2.7 Theorems Concerning the Fourier Transform

2.7.1 The Similarity Theorem

2.7.2 The Shift Theorem

2.7.3 The Derivative Theorem

2.7.4 Convolution and the Convolution Theorem

2.7.5 The Rayleigh (Parseval) Theorem

2.7.6 Autocorrelation and the Autocorrelation Theorem

2.8 Two-Dimensional Transforms

2.9 Hankel Transforms

2.10 The Laplace Transform

2.10.1 Linearity

2.10.2 Time Shifts

2.10.3 Convolution

2.10.4 Time Derivatives

2.10.5 Initial Value Problems

2.11 The Discrete Fourier Transform

2.12 Sampling

2.12.1 Case 1: k0 < kc (i.e., Δx > Δxs)

2.12.2 Case 2: k0 > kc (i.e., Δx < Δxs)

2.13 Introduction to Linear, Shift Invariant Systems

2.13.1 The Point Spread Function

2.13.2 The Optical Transfer Function

2.14 Random Variables and Fields

2.14.1 Random Fields

2.14.2 Effects of the Point Spread Function on Random Fields

2.15 Propagation of Errors
Appendix 2A: Bessel Functions
Series Expansion
An Integral Representation
Recursion Relations
Derivatives
An Integral Relation
Connection to Differential Equations
Orthogonality
References
Appendix 2B: Linear Least Squares Estimation
Ordinary Least Squares Fitting of Complex Data
Weighted Least Squares Estimation
Weighted Least Squares Fitting of Complex Data
Generalized Least Squares Estimation
Generalized Least Squares of Complex Data
Problems
References
3 Image Quality and the Evaluation of Images

3.1 What Is Image Quality?

3.2 The Ideal Image

3.3 Image Properties: Contrast, Resolution, and Noise

3.3.1 Contrast

3.3.2 Spatial Resolution and Transfer Functions

3.3.3 Image Noise

3.3.4 Contrast-Detail Test Objects

3.4 Statistical Decision Theory Model of Imaging

3.5 Signal Detection Theory and ROC Curves

3.6 Problems
References
4 The Reconstruction of Objects from Projections

4.1 Introduction―The Formation of Projections

4.1.1 X-ray Computed Tomography

4.1.2 Nuclear Medicine

4.1.3 Magnetic Resonance Imaging

4.1.4 Ultrasonic Computed Tomography

4.2 Exact Reconstruction from Projections

4.3 The Central Slice Theorem

4.4 Conventional Tomography

4.5 Backprojection

4.6 Filtered Backprojection

4.6.1 Exact Case for Finite Objects―The Inverse Radon Transform

4.6.2 Bandwidth Limited Objects

4.6.3 Discrete (Digital) Version

4.6.4 Physical Interpretation of Filtered Backprojection

4.6.5 Advanced Topic: An Alternative Derivation of the Inverse Radon Transform

4.6.5 Summary of Exact Methods

4.7 Limitations in Reconstruction from Projections

4.7.1 Incomplete Projection Data

4.7.2 Statistical Limitations and the Propagation of Noise

4.7.3 Effects of the Finite Number of Projections on Spatial Resolution

4.8 Iterative Reconstruction Methods

4.8.1 Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (ART)

4.8.2 Maximum-Likelihood Expectation-Maximization (MLEM)

4.9 Problems
References
5 Imaging With X-rays

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 Historical Note

5.2 X-ray Physics

5.3 X-ray Production

5.3.1 Theory of EM Production

5.4 X-ray Beams and Spectra

5.4.1 The Continuous Spectrum

5.4.2 X-ray Controls

5.4.3 Characteristic Line Spectra

5.5 Image Formation

5.6 X-ray Interactions

5.6.1 X-ray Units of Measurement

5.6.2 Photoelectric Absorption

5.6.3 X-ray Contrast Media

5.6.4 Compton Inelastic Scattering

5.6.5 Cross Sections and Attenuation Coefficients

5.7 X-ray Detection

5.7.1 X-ray Films

5.7.2 Film Screen Combinations

5.7.3 Image Intensifiers for Fluoroscopy

5.7.4 Digital Radiography and Solid-State Detectors

5.8 Image Quality of Radiographic Images

5.8.1 Spatial resolution

5.8.2 Contrast―Attenuation and Scattering of Real X-ray Beams

5.8.3 Noise in X-ray Images

5.8.4 Detection Limits in X-radiography

5.8.5 Special Techniques in Radiography

5.9 Problems
References
6 X-ray Computed Tomography

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Hounsfield Units

6.3 Scanner Evolution

6.4 CT Hardware

6.5 Fan-Beam Reconstruction

6.6 Helical Acquisition

6.7 Multislice CT

6.8 Cone-beam CT

6.9 Spectral CT

6.10 Image Quality

6.11 Problems
References
7 Nuclear Imaging

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Radioactive Decay

7.2.1 Modes of Decay

7.2.2 Half Life

7.2.3 Radionuclides Relevant for Imaging

7.2.4 Radionuclide Production

7.3 Radiopharmaceuticals

7.3.1 Tracer Principle

7.3.2 Components and Synthesis

7.3.3 Specific Activity and Mass Effects

7.3.4 Some PET Radiotracers

7.4 Radiation Detectors

7.4.1 Scintillators

7.4.2 Photodetectors

7.4.3 Semiconductors

7.4.4 Position Estimation

7.5 Collimators

7.5.1 Pinhole

7.5.2 Parallel Hole

7.5.3 Diverging/Converging

7.5.4 Alternative Collimation Schemes

7.6 Single-Photon Imaging

7.6.1 Planar Scintigraphy

7.6.2 SPECT Data Acquisition

7.6.3 Data Corrections

7.7 Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

7.7.1 Lines of Response/Recording of an Event

7.7.2 Spatial Resolution Considerations

7.7.3 Event Types: Trues, Scatters, Accidentals

7.7.4 2D and 3D PET

7.7.5 3D PET Data and Fourier Rebinning

7.7.6 Data Corrections

7.7.7 NECR

7.7.8 Time-of-Flight PET

7.8 Hybrid Imaging

7.8.1 SPECT/CT

7.8.2 PET/CT

7.8.3 PET/MR

7.9 Problems
References
8 Magnetic Resonance Image Formation

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Overview of NMR

8.3 Nuclearm Magnetization

8.3(a). Equilibrium Magnetization

8.3(b). The Equation of Motion

8.3(c). The Rotating Frame of Reference

8.3(d). Effects of Radio Frequency Pulses

8.3(e). Effects of a Field Gradient

8.4 Image Formation

8.4(a). Slice Selection in MRI

8.4(b). The NMR Signal

8.4(c). Spatial Encoding of Transverse Magnetization

8.4(d). Multislice Imaging

8.4(e). 3D Volume Imaging

8.4(f). Effects of k-space Sampling on Image SNR

8.4(g). Parallel Imaging

8.5 MRI System Design

8.5(a). The Main Magnet

8.5(b). Shim Coils

8.5(c). Gradient Coils

8.5(d). Radio Frequency Coils

8.5(e). The Receiver
Appendix 8A: Physical rinciples of agnetic field Generation

8A.1. Static Magnetic Fields

8A.2. Solutions to the Laplace Equation in Spherical Coordinates

8A.3. Solutions to the Laplace Equation in Cylindrical Coordinates

8A.4. The Magnetic Vector Potential

8A.5. The Green Function for the Laplacian Operator

8A.6. The Biot-Savart Law

8A.7. Time-varying Magnetic Fields

8A.8. Magnetic Fields Produced by Current on a Cylindrical Surface

8.6 Problems
References
9 Magnetic Resonance Image Characteristics

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Effects of Relaxation

9.2.1 A First Look at NMR Relaxation

9.2.2 The Hahn Spin Echo

9.2.3 Effects of Relaxation on the PSF

9.2.4 Effects of Relaxation on Signal Intensity

9.2.5 Inversion Recovery

9.3 Optimizing Contrast

9.3.1 T1 Contrast

9.3.2 T2 Contrast

9.4 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Nonaqueous Hydrogen

9.4.1 Fat-Water Imaging

9.4.2 MR Spectroscopy and Spectroscopic Imaging

9.5 Signal and Noise in MRI

9.5.1 Signal Amplitude in NMR

9.5.2 Field due to a Magnetic Dipole

9.5.3 The Reciprocity Principle

9.5.4 Signal Voltage Across an NMR Coil

9.5.5 Noise Power in NMR

9.5.6 The Nyquist Theorem

9.5.7 Coil Noise

9.5.8 Sample (Body) Noise

9.5.9 The Signal-to-Noise Ratio in MRI

9.5.10 Further Reading

9.6 Exercises
11 Imaging Motion With MRI

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Imaging Coherent Motion

11.2.1 Spin Tagging

11.2.2 Phase Contrast

11.3 Incoherent Motion: Molecular Diffusion

11.3.1 Anisotropic Diffusion

11.3.2 Non-Gaussian Diffusion

11.3.3 Fiber Orientation Distributions from Spherical Deconvolution

11.4 Intra-Voxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM)

11.5 Elastography

11.6 Problems
References
12 Ultrasound Physics

12.1 Introduction

12.1.2 Sound Waves in Homogeneous Media

12.2 Wave Motion in a Homogeneous Media

12.2.1 General Wave Motion

12.2.2 Acoustic Wave Equation for Homogeneous Fluids

12.3 Sound Waves in Layered Media

12.3.1 Reflection and Transmission at Oblique Incidence

12.3.2 Transmission through a Layer

12.4 Attenuation of Sound

12.4.1 Attenuation of Plane Sound Waves

12.4.2 Absorption in Tissue

12.4.3 Plane Wave Absorption

12.4.4 Viscous Absorption

12.4.5 Other Forms of the Equation of State

12.4.6 Heat Generation from Ultrasonic Absorption
References
13 Ultrasonic Imaging

13.1 Pulse-Echo Imaging

13.1.1 Scanning Methods with Ultrasound

13.2 Generating Ultrasound and Transmitting It into the Body

13.2.1 Transducers

13.2.2 Impulse Response of a Transducer

13.2.3 Receiver Transfer Function

13.3 Sound Fields from Ultrasound Transducers

13.3.1 The Sound Field from a Single Circular Transducer

13.3.2 Spatial Fourier Relations Between Apertures and Sound Fields with Continuous Excitation

13.3.3 Analytic Description of an Ultrasound Pulse

13.3.4 A Linear Model of Image Generation with Ultrasound

13.4 Ultrasound Arrays and Electronic Beam Formation

13.4.1 Transmit Steering and Focusing

13.4.2 Receive Beamforming

13.5 Image Quality and Artifacts in Ultrasound Imaging

13.5.1 Spatial Resolution

13.5.2 Reverberation and Other Sound Path Artifacts

13.5.3 Shadowing

13.5.4 Artifacts from Nonuniform Sound Speed

13.6 Problems
14 Physical Information From Ultrasound Imaging

14.1 Interactions of Ultrasound With Tissues

14.1.1 Inhomogeneous Wave Equation

14.1.2 Scattering in Inhomogeneous Media

14.1.3 Speckle From Discrete Scatterers

14.1.4 Radiation Force

14.1.5 Non-linear Propagation of Sound

14.1.6 Ultrasound Contrast Agents

14.2 Engineering Principles Underlying Image Formation

14.2.1 A Typical Signal Chain for Ultrasound Imaging

14.2.2 Harmonic Imaging of Non-linear Propagation

14.3 Blood Flow: Doppler Ultrasound, Color Flow Mapping

14.3.1 The Doppler Effect

14.3.2 Transducer and Receive Signal Chain

14.3.3 Pulsed Wave Flow Estimation

14.3.4 Non-linear Imaging of Microbubbles

14.4 Ultrasound Safety and System Characterization

14.4.1 Mechanical Effects and the Mechanical Index

14.4.2 Thermal Effects and Thermal Index

14.5 Problems
References
15 Multimodal Imaging

15.1 Imaging the Heart

15.1.1 Coronary Artery Imaging

15.1.2 Cardiac Functional Imaging

15.1.3 Valvular Imaging

15.1.4 Changes in Tissue Composition

15.1.5 Perfusion and Metabolism

15.2 Imaging the Brain

15.2.1 Measurements of Brain Structure

15.2.2 Vascular Disorders

15.2.3 Changes in Composition

15.2.4 Neurochemistry and Metabolism

15.2.5 Neural Function

15.3 Imaging Biomarkers in Cancer

15.3.1 Tumor Detection

15.3.2 Treatment Selection

15.3.3 Treatment Response

15.4 Problems
Index

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: January 11, 2027
  • Language: English

About the authors

Adam W. Anderson

Author
Adam W. Anderson, Ph.D. is Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt University and a member of the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science. Dr. Anderson received his doctorate in Physics from Yale University in 1990 and has been engaged on research in MRI for the past 30 years. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering and the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. His current research focuses on improving methods of diffusion and high field MRI for characterizing brain structure and function.
Affiliations and expertise
Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, USA

Charles F. Caskey

Author
Charles Caskey, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University and director of the Laboratory of Acoustic Therapy and Imaging in the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science. Dr. Caskey received his doctoral degree for studies of the bioeffects of ultrasound during microbubble-enhanced drug delivery at the University of California at Davis. He has made many contributions to the fields of contrast-enhanced ultrasound, MR-guided focused ultrasound, and ultrasound neuromodulation. His current research focuses on developing new uses for ultrasound applications, such as neuromodulation, drug delivery, and functional imaging.
Affiliations and expertise
Associate Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, USA

John C. Gore

Author
John C. Gore, Ph.D., holds the Hertha Ramsey Cress Chair in Medicine and is a University Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Physics and Astronomy, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University, where he also directs the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science. Dr. Gore obtained his B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Manchester in 1972, a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of London in 1976, and a BA degree in Law from Ealing College, London in 1982. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), the American Physical Society, the National Academy of Inventors, the International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering, and the Institute of Physics (UK). He is also a Distinguished Investigator of the Academy of Radiology Research and Overseas Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (UK). He is editor-in-chief of the journal Magnetic Resonance Imaging. and an Honorary Professor at Zhejiang University in China. His research is focused on the development and applications of biomedical imaging techniques, especially magnetic resonance imaging.
Affiliations and expertise
University Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Physics and Astronomy, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, USA

Todd E. Peterson

Author
Todd Peterson, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Radiology & Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt University and Director of Nuclear Imaging and Radiochemistry in the Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. After completing his graduate training in experimental nuclear physics at Indiana University, he conducted his postdoctoral research in the University of Arizona's Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging. A primary research focus throughout his career has been the application of semiconductor detectors to high-resolution SPECT. His research also has spanned a wide range of applications of PET, SPECT, and CT imaging in both preclinical and clinical research. He is a Fellow of both the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.
Affiliations and expertise
Associate Professor of Radiology & Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, USA