SIR Medicine Investigation Abstract
DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS OF NOVEL COHERENT X-RAY IMAGING METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE MICROSTRUCTURE
Presenter:
Young Hong Ip, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor:
Dr. Mark Anastasio, Illinois Institute of Technology
Abstract:
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. In order to help prevent strokes, better imaging techniques need to be developed to screen for dangerous, rupture-prone, plaques. Clinically available imaging techniques do not provide sufficient information to reliably identify rupture-prone plaques. We are developing a novel X-ray imaging method that can reveal plaque microstructure. This knowledge will enable doctors to determine whether or not a patient is prone to a stroke. The method is different from conventional imaging methods because it employs monochromatic radiation and an analyzer crystal placed between the object and the detector. In addition to yielding more diagnostic information, the DEI method uses much smaller radiation dosages compared to conventional X-ray methods. Furthermore, because DEI images are not solely based on absorption data, the method can also be expanded to improve mammogram technology or other soft-tissue imaging.