JP2009028381A - Medical imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical imaging system for imaging mammary gland-breast in conjunction with radiation and ultrasound and displaying an ultrasonic image having tissue specificity which is easily and visually recognized. <P>SOLUTION: This medical imaging system comprises a radiation generating part for generating radiation ray, an imaging table arranged with a radiation detector for detecting radiation ray which is generated by the radiation generating part and passes through a subject, a pressing plate for pressing the subject against the imaging table, a mechanism for moving the pressing plate, an ultrasonic probe for transmitting ultrasonic beams to the subject according to a drive signal, receiving ultrasonic echo reflected by the subject, and outputting the detection signal, and an image forming part which supplies the drive signal to the ultrasonic probe and receives the detection signal outputted from the ultrasonic probe while the subject is under some pressed conditions and then the ultrasonic image of the subject under some pressed conditions is displayed on a display part in time series. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical imaging system that images breasts and breasts using radiation and ultrasound together to diagnose breast cancer and the like.

  Conventionally, imaging methods using radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc.) have been used in various fields, and especially in the medical field, it is the most important for diagnosis. It is one of the means. Radiographs obtained by mammary gland X-rays (X-ray mammography) performed to diagnose breast cancer are useful for discovering calcification, a precursor of cancer. In some cases, it is difficult to detect calcification. Therefore, it has been studied to make a diagnosis based on both a radiographic image and an ultrasonic image by using radiation and ultrasonic waves in combination.

X-ray mammography and ultrasonic imaging each have the following characteristics.
X-ray mammography is suitable for imaging calcification, which is one of the early symptoms of cancer, and can be detected with high resolution and high sensitivity. In particular, in the case of fat (so-called “fat breast”) in which mammary gland tissue begins to atrophy and is replaced with fat like a postmenopausal woman, more information is obtained by X-ray mammography. However, X-ray imaging has the disadvantage that the ability to detect tissue specificity (tissue properties) is low.

  In addition, in the X-ray image, since the mammary gland exhibits a uniform soft tissue concentration, in the case of a mammary gland in which the mammary gland has developed (so-called “dense breast”) like adolescent to premenopausal women Detecting a tumor becomes difficult. Furthermore, in X-ray mammography, only a two-dimensional image obtained by projecting a three-dimensional subject onto a plane can be obtained. Therefore, even if a tumor is found, a sample for determining benign or malignant is collected. Is difficult.

On the other hand, ultrasonic imaging can detect tissue specificity (for example, the difference between a cyst and a solid substance), and can also detect lobular cancer. It is also possible to observe an image in real time and generate a three-dimensional image. However, the accuracy of the ultrasonic imaging inspection often depends on the technique of an operator such as a doctor, and the reproducibility is low. In addition, it is difficult to observe minute calcification in an ultrasonic image.
As described above, since the X-ray mammography examination and the ultrasonic imaging examination have advantages and disadvantages, it is desirable to perform both examinations in order to reliably detect breast cancer.

  As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses that an ultrasound image representing the internal structure of breast tissue is generated by combining an ultrasound transducer with a mammography device and displayed together with the mammography image. . In this apparatus, facing the X-ray tube, an ultrasonic transducer, a compression plate, a diffraction grid, and a film holder for storing an X-ray film are installed in order from top to bottom. The ultrasonic transducer images the subject by moving horizontally on the compression plate.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for the purpose of stably imaging a high-quality elastic image at an arbitrary time phase in elastic image diagnosis. . The ultrasonic probe includes automatic compression means configured to compress a diagnosis region of the subject with a predetermined pressure by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the contact surface of the subject. Also, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus calculates the distortion and elastic modulus of each point on the image from a set of RF signal frame data arranged in time series, and elastically indicates the hardness or softness of the living tissue. Display as an image.

However, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 do not particularly disclose the display of an ultrasonic image that easily recognizes the specificity of the tissue.
US Pat. No. 5,474,072 (first page, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-13283 (page 2-3, FIG. 4)

  Therefore, in view of the above points, the present invention displays an ultrasound image that facilitates visually recognizing the specificity of a tissue in a medical imaging system that images breasts and breasts using radiation and ultrasound together. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above problem, a medical imaging system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a radiation generation unit that generates radiation and a radiation detection unit that detects radiation generated by the radiation generation unit and passed through the subject. The imaging plate, a compression plate that compresses the subject between the imaging table, a compression plate moving mechanism that moves the compression plate, and an ultrasonic beam transmitted to the subject according to the drive signal and reflected by the subject An ultrasonic probe that receives a detected ultrasonic echo and outputs a detection signal; and when the subject is in a plurality of compressed states, a drive signal is supplied to the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic probe. And an image generation unit that displays ultrasonic images of the subject in a plurality of compressed states in time series on the display unit by receiving detection signals output from the child.

  According to the present invention, by displaying ultrasonic images of a subject in a plurality of compressed states in time series on the display unit, it becomes easy to visually recognize the specificity of the tissue, and the accuracy of diagnosis is improved. . For example, by displaying a three-dimensional ultrasonic image as a moving image, a change in the shape of the hardened region can be recognized as a motion. Or the ultrasonic image of the breast in the weak compression state which was not obtained in the conventional radiation ultrasonic wave combination system can be obtained. That is, in the conventional radiation ultrasonic combination system, ultrasonic imaging is performed in a state where the breast is strongly compressed, but in an ordinary ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, ultrasonic imaging is not performed in a strong compression state. It is difficult to make a diagnosis based on an ultrasonic image obtained in a strong compression state. Since the ultrasound image of the breast in the weak compression state obtained by the present invention is very close to the ultrasound image obtained in a normal ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, diagnosis based on the ultrasound image alone is easy to perform. In addition, by obtaining an ultrasound image of the breast in multiple compression states, the ultrasound image can be tracked and observed to a level that can be compared with the mammography image in the final compression state, so a single ultrasound diagnosis To comprehensive diagnosis with mammography images.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a medical imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The medical imaging system includes a radiation mammography device that generates radiation images by irradiating the breast with radiation and detecting radiation that passes through the breast, and ultrasound that is transmitted to the breast and reflected inside the breast. This is a system that combines an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image by receiving. In the following, the case where X-rays are used as radiation will be described, but α rays, β rays, γ rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, and the like can also be used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the medical imaging system includes an X-ray tube 10, a filter 11, an X-ray detection unit 12 that detects X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 10 and transmitted through the subject 1, and the subject 1. A compression plate 13 for pressing the breast, a compression plate moving mechanism 14 for moving the compression plate 13, a pressure sensor 15 for detecting the pressure applied to the compression plate 13, and a plurality of ultrasonic waves for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. An ultrasonic probe 16 including an acoustic transducer, a probe moving mechanism 17 for moving the ultrasonic probe 16, a position sensor 18 for detecting the position of the ultrasonic probe 16, and a compression plate movement It has a movement control unit 19 that controls the mechanism 14, the probe moving mechanism 17, and the like, an image generation unit 20, a display unit 70, an operation console 80, a control unit 90, and a storage unit 100.

  Here, the X-ray tube 10 and the filter 11 constitute a radiation generation unit. The image generation unit 20 includes an X-ray mammography unit 30, an ultrasonic imaging unit 40, an image synthesis unit 50, a cine memory 51, and a D / A converter 60.

  FIG. 2 is a side view showing an appearance of the medical imaging system shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the medical imaging system includes an arm unit 2, a base 3 that holds the arm unit 2 movably in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and a shaft that connects the arm unit 2 to the base 3. Part 4. The arm unit 2 includes an X-ray tube 10, a filter 11, an imaging table 120 in which the radiation detection unit 12 is disposed, and an imaging table 120 for moving the imaging table 120 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) in the figure. Position adjustment unit 121, direction adjustment unit 122 for rotating imaging table 120 in the horizontal plane (XY plane), compression plate 13 that compresses subject 1 between imaging table 120, and compression plate 13 up and down A compression plate moving mechanism 14 for moving in the direction (Z-axis direction) and an ultrasonic probe 16 are provided.

  The X-ray tube 10 generates X-rays when a tube voltage is applied. The filter 11 is made of a material such as molybdenum (Mo) or rhodium (Rh), and selectively transmits a desired wavelength component from among a plurality of wavelength components included in the X-ray generated by the X-ray tube 10. To do. The X-ray detector 12 is a flat panel detector (FPD) that captures an X-ray image by detecting X-rays that have passed through the subject 1 at a plurality of detection points in a two-dimensional region. By irradiating each detection point with X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 10 and transmitted through the subject 1, a detection signal having a magnitude corresponding to the intensity of the X-rays is output from the X-ray detection unit 12. This detection signal is input to the X-ray mammography unit 30 (FIG. 1) via a cable.

  The compression plate 13 is installed in parallel to the imaging table 120, and the compression plate moving mechanism 14 moves the compression plate 13 in the Z-axis direction. The pressure sensor 15 detects the pressure applied to the compression plate 13, and the movement control unit 19 controls the compression plate moving mechanism 14 based on the detection result. When the subject (breast) 1 is sandwiched between the compression plate 13 and the imaging table 120, X-ray imaging is performed with the breast thickness uniform.

Here, it is desirable that the compression plate 13 is made of a material that transmits X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 10 and easily transmits ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 16. For example, resin materials such as acrylic, polycarbonate, and polyethylene terephthalate are transparent to X-rays and have an acoustic impedance of about 1.5 × 10 ⁶ Ns / m ^{3 to} 5.0 × 10 ⁶ Ns / m ^3. Therefore, attenuation of ultrasonic waves can be suppressed to a relatively low level.

  The ultrasonic probe 16 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. Each ultrasonic transducer transmits an ultrasonic beam to the subject based on the applied drive signal, and outputs a detection signal by receiving an ultrasonic echo reflected from the subject.

  Each ultrasonic transducer is, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic represented by PZT (Pb (lead) zirconate titanate), a polymer piezoelectric element represented by PVDF (polyvinylidene difluoride), or the like. It is comprised by the vibrator | oscillator which formed the electrode at the both ends of the material (piezoelectric body) which has the piezoelectricity. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes of such a vibrator by sending a pulsed or continuous wave electric signal, the piezoelectric body expands and contracts. By this expansion and contraction, pulsed or continuous wave ultrasonic waves are generated from the respective vibrators, and an ultrasonic beam is formed by synthesizing those ultrasonic waves. Each vibrator expands and contracts by receiving propagating ultrasonic waves and generates an electrical signal. Those electric signals are output as ultrasonic detection signals and input to the ultrasonic imaging unit 40 (FIG. 1) via a cable.

  Alternatively, a plurality of types of elements having different ultrasonic conversion methods may be used as the ultrasonic transducer. For example, the above-described vibrator is used as an element that transmits ultrasonic waves, and a photodetection type ultrasonic transducer is used as an element that receives ultrasonic waves. The photodetection type ultrasonic transducer converts an ultrasonic signal into an optical signal and detects it, and is constituted by, for example, a Fabry-Perot resonator or a fiber Bragg grating.

  The ultrasonic probe 16 may be moved along the compression plate 13 or may be moved away from the compression plate 13 by inserting a medium such as water between the compression plate 13. Alternatively, the ultrasonic probe 16 may be disposed between the compression plate 13 and the imaging table 120. Also, the operator may move the ultrasonic probe 16, or the probe moving mechanism 17 shown in FIG. 1 may move the ultrasonic probe 16. In the following, the latter case will be described.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the X-ray mammography unit 30 includes a tube voltage / tube current control unit 31, a high voltage generation unit 32, an A / D converter 33, and a radiation image data generation unit 34. . In the X-ray tube 10, the X-ray transmission is determined by the tube voltage applied between the cathode and the anode, and the amount of X-rays generated is determined by the time integral value of the tube current flowing between the cathode and the anode. The The tube voltage / tube current control unit 31 adjusts imaging conditions such as tube voltage and tube current according to the target value. The target values of the tube voltage and tube current can be manually adjusted by the operator using the console 80. The high voltage generator 32 generates a high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 10 under the control of the tube voltage / tube current controller 31. The A / D converter 33 converts the analog radiation detection signal output from the X-ray detection unit 12 into a digital signal (radiation detection data), and the radiation image data generation unit 34 performs a radiation image based on the radiation detection data. Generate data.

  The ultrasonic imaging unit 40 includes an ultrasonic control unit 41, a transmission circuit 42, a reception circuit 43, an A / D converter 44, a signal processing unit 45, a B-mode image data generation unit 46, and 3D image data. A generation unit 47, a moving image data generation unit 48, and an elastography generation unit 49 are included.

  The ultrasonic control unit 41 sets and transmits the frequency and voltage of the drive signal applied to each ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe 16 from the transmission circuit 42 under the control of the movement control unit 19. Adjust the ultrasonic frequency and sound pressure. Further, the ultrasonic control unit 41 sequentially sets the transmission direction of the ultrasonic beam, sequentially sets the transmission control function for selecting a transmission delay pattern according to the set transmission direction, and the reception direction of the ultrasonic echo, And a reception control function for selecting a reception delay pattern according to the set reception direction.

  Here, the transmission delay pattern is applied to a plurality of drive signals in order to form an ultrasonic beam in a desired direction by ultrasonic waves transmitted from a plurality of ultrasonic transducers included in the ultrasonic probe 16. The reception delay pattern is a pattern of delay times given to a plurality of detection signals in order to extract ultrasonic echoes from a desired direction by ultrasonic waves received by a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. It is. The plurality of transmission delay patterns and the plurality of reception delay patterns are stored in a memory or the like.

  The transmission circuit 42 generates a plurality of drive signals respectively applied to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. At that time, the transmission circuit 42 generates a plurality of drive signals based on the transmission delay pattern selected by the ultrasonic control unit 41 so that the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers form an ultrasonic beam. The delay amount may be adjusted and supplied to the ultrasound probe 16, or a plurality of drive signals may be transmitted so that the ultrasound transmitted from a plurality of ultrasound transducers reaches the entire imaging region of the subject. It may be supplied to the acoustic probe 16.

  The receiving circuit 43 amplifies a plurality of ultrasonic detection signals respectively output from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and the A / D converter 44 converts the analog ultrasonic detection signal amplified by the receiving circuit 43 into a digital signal ( (Ultrasonic detection data). Based on the reception delay pattern selected by the ultrasonic control unit 41, the signal processing unit 45 gives respective delay times to the plurality of ultrasonic detection signals represented by the ultrasonic detection data, and those ultrasonic detection signals Is added to perform reception focus processing. By this reception focus processing, sound ray data in which the focus of the ultrasonic echo is narrowed down is formed.

  Further, the signal processing unit 45 corrects the attenuation by the distance according to the depth of the reflection position of the ultrasonic wave by STC (Sensitivity Time gain Control) for the sound ray data. Then, envelope data is generated by performing envelope detection processing with a low-pass filter or the like.

  The B-mode image data generation unit 46 performs processing such as logarithmic compression and gain adjustment on the envelope data to generate image data, and the image data is converted into image data according to a normal television signal scanning method. B-mode image data is generated by performing conversion (raster conversion).

  In the present embodiment, the movement control unit 19 controls the probe moving mechanism 17 and the ultrasonic control unit 41 so that the probe moving mechanism 17 can be operated when the subject 1 is in a plurality of compressed states. While moving the ultrasound probe 16, the transmission circuit 42 supplies a drive signal to the ultrasound probe 16, and the reception circuit 43 receives the detection signal output from the ultrasound probe 16. At this time, the movement control unit 19 determines at least one of the scanning range, focal position, and frequency of the ultrasonic wave to be transmitted and the scanning range and focal position of the received ultrasonic wave according to the compression state of the subject. To change.

  For example, in a state where the subject is weakly pressed, the movement control unit 19 controls each part so as to narrow the scanning range of the ultrasonic wave, deepen the focal position, and lower the frequency. On the other hand, in a state where the subject is strongly pressed, the movement control unit 19 controls each part so as to widen the ultrasonic scanning range, shallow the focal position, and increase the frequency. In this way, it is possible to obtain a good ultrasonic image suitable for the compression state of the subject while shortening the time for acquiring the ultrasonic image.

  The B-mode image data generation unit 46 generates B-mode image data representing the B-mode images of the subject in the plurality of compression states based on the detection signals received in the plurality of compression states. Thereby, B-mode images of the subject in a plurality of compressed states are displayed on the display unit 70 in time series.

  The 3D image data generation unit 47 generates three-dimensional image data representing a three-dimensional image of the subject in a plurality of compressed states based on the B-mode image data for a plurality of scanning positions. C-mode image data representing a C-mode image of the subject in a plurality of compressed states is generated. Furthermore, the moving image data generation unit 48 generates three-dimensional moving image data that continuously represents the deformation of the subject based on the three-dimensional image data for a plurality of time points (compressed states). Thereby, a three-dimensional image or C-mode image of the subject in a plurality of compressed states is displayed on the display unit 70 in time series. Alternatively, a three-dimensional moving image that continuously represents the deformation of the subject is displayed on the display unit 70.

  In the above, the B-mode image data generation unit 46, the 3D image data generation unit 47, or the moving image data generation unit 48 recognizes the region designated by the operator (for example, a hardened region like a tumor) as the attention site. In addition, by superimposing a color signal for marking and displaying a target region on a luminance signal representing a monochrome ultrasonic image, the target region is marked and displayed in an ultrasonic image of a subject in a plurality of compressed states. The tracking function is realized.

  In addition, the elastography generation unit 49 is a deformation state of each part represented by the pressure applied to the compression plate 13 detected by the pressure sensor 15 and the plurality of 3D image data generated by the 3D image data generation unit 47. Based on the above, the relative hardness of each part is obtained. For example, the elastography generation unit 49 converts the relative hardness of each part into the hue or saturation of the color signal, and superimposes this color signal on a luminance signal representing a monochrome ultrasonic tomography, thereby Image data (elastography data) representing the relative hardness of the image is generated.

  The image composition unit 50 performs necessary image processing such as gradation processing on the radiographic image data output from the X-ray mammography unit 30 and the ultrasonic image data output from the ultrasonic imaging unit 40 and displays them. In addition to generating image data for image generation, the image data for display is generated by combining the radiation image data and the ultrasound image data in order to combine and display the radiation image and the ultrasound image on one screen. .

  The generated image data for display is output to the D / A converter 60 and stored in the cine memory 51. The D / A converter 60 converts the display image data output from the image composition unit 50 into an analog image signal and outputs the analog image signal to the display unit 70. Thereby, a radiation image, an ultrasonic image, or a composite image is displayed on the display unit 70 as necessary. Also, it is possible to continuously reproduce the ultrasonic images of the subject in a plurality of compressed states based on the image data stored in the cine memory 51.

  The console 80 is used by an operator to operate the medical imaging system. The control unit 90 controls each unit based on the operation of the operator. In the above, the radiation image data generation unit 34, the ultrasonic control unit 41, the signal processing unit 45 to the image synthesis unit 50, and the control unit 90 are for the central processing unit (CPU) and the CPU to perform various processes. However, these may be constituted by a digital circuit or an analog circuit. This software is stored in a storage unit 100 configured by a hard disk or a memory. Further, the storage unit 100 may store the transmission delay pattern and the reception delay pattern selected by the ultrasonic control unit 41.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example of an ultrasound image and a radiation image displayed on the display unit. In the first example, a first ultrasonic image (B-mode tomographic image parallel to the XZ plane) 111, a second ultrasonic image (B-mode tomographic image parallel to the YZ plane) 112, and a radiation image ( A screen 110 in which projection images 113 parallel to the XY plane) are arranged at corresponding positions is displayed on the display unit. In the first and second ultrasonic images 111 and 112, an ultrasonic image (solid line) of the subject in the first compressed state and an ultrasonic image (broken line) of the subject in the second compressed state are: Displayed in chronological order. Furthermore, you may make it display the moving image showing the deformation | transformation of the subject in a larger number of compression states continuously. Here, by marking and displaying the attention parts 111a and 112a that appear to be tumors, it is possible to observe the shape change of the attention parts 111a and 112a.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the ultrasound image and the radiation image displayed on the display unit. In the second example, a screen 120 in which an ultrasound image (C-mode tomographic image parallel to the XY plane) 121 and a radiation image (projected image parallel to the XY plane) 122 are arranged at corresponding positions is displayed. Displayed in the section. In the ultrasound image 121, an ultrasound image (solid line) of the subject in the first compressed state and an ultrasound image (broken line) of the subject in the second compressed state are displayed in time series. Also in this example, a moving image that continuously represents deformation of the subject in a larger number of compressed states may be displayed. Here, by marking and displaying the site of interest 121a that appears to be a tumor, it is possible to observe the shape change of the site of interest 121a.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the ultrasound image and the radiation image displayed on the display unit. In the third example, a screen 130 in which an ultrasound image (a three-dimensional image viewed from an oblique direction) 131 and a radiation image (a projection image parallel to the XY plane) 132 are arranged at corresponding positions is displayed on the display unit. Is displayed. In the ultrasound image 131, an ultrasound image (solid line) of the subject in the first compressed state and an ultrasound image (broken line) of the subject in the second compressed state are displayed in time series. Also in this example, a moving image that continuously represents deformation of the subject in a larger number of compressed states may be displayed. Here, by marking and displaying the site of interest 131a seen as a tumor, it is possible to observe the shape change of the site of interest 131a.

Next, the operation of the medical imaging system shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the medical imaging system shown in FIG.
First, in step S <b> 1, the movement control unit 19 controls the probe moving mechanism 17 to move the ultrasonic probe 16 to the initial position on the compression plate 13 and moves the ultrasonic probe 16. Determine the amount (mechanical scanning range). The movement control unit 19 narrows the mechanical scanning range when the subject 1 is weakly compressed, and widens the mechanical scanning range when the subject 1 is strongly compressed.

  Next, in step S2, the movement control unit 19 controls the probe moving mechanism 17 so as to increase the pressure on the subject by moving the compression plate 13. Further, in step S <b> 3, the movement control unit 19 controls the probe moving mechanism 17 to stop the compression plate 13 based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 15.

  In step S <b> 4, the ultrasound probe 16 transmits and receives ultrasound and performs ultrasound imaging under the control of the movement control unit 19, so that the B-mode image data generation unit 46 constructs B-mode image data. As described above, it is desirable to perform ultrasonic imaging after stopping the compression plate 13, but it is also possible to perform ultrasonic imaging while the compression plate 13 is moving. In that case, when the position sensor 18 detects the position of the ultrasound probe 16, the B-mode image data generation unit 46 uses the position information to construct B-mode image data. By performing ultrasonic imaging while the compression plate 13 is moving, the inspection time can be shortened.

  In step S5, the movement control unit 19 controls the probe moving mechanism 17 so as to scan the subject by moving the ultrasonic probe 16 by a predetermined distance. In step S6, it is determined whether or not the movement of the ultrasonic probe 16 in the entire scanning region has been completed. If the movement of the ultrasonic probe 16 has not been completed, steps S4 to S6 are repeated.

  In step S7, the 3D image data generation unit 47 constructs a three-dimensional ultrasonic image of the subject in one compression state based on the B-mode image data for a plurality of scanning positions. In step S8, it is determined whether or not the movement of the compression plate 13 has been completed. If the movement of the compression plate 13 has not been completed, steps S1 to S8 are repeated.

  In step S <b> 9, X-ray imaging is performed by the X-ray mammography unit 30. In step S10, the moving image data generation unit 48 constructs a moving image based on the three-dimensional image data for a plurality of time points (compression states), and the elastography generation unit 49 uses the three-dimensional images for the plurality of compression states. Build elastography based on the data.

  In step S <b> 11, the image synthesizing unit 50 performs the radiographic image represented by the radiographic image data generated by the X-ray mammography unit 30 and the ultrasonic image represented by the ultrasonic image data generated by the ultrasonic imaging unit 40. And the synthesized image is displayed on the display unit 70. Here, as the ultrasonic image data, the B-mode image data generated by the B-mode image data generation unit 46, the three-dimensional image data and C-mode image data generated by the 3D image data generation unit 47, and moving image data Either the moving image data generated by the generation unit 48 or the elastography data generated by the elastography generation unit 49 is used.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in a medical imaging system that images breasts and breasts using radiation and ultrasound in combination to diagnose breast cancer and the like.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a medical imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view which shows the external appearance of the medical imaging system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the ultrasonic image and radiographic image which are displayed on a display part. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the ultrasonic image and radiographic image which are displayed on a display part. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the ultrasonic image and radiographic image which are displayed on a display part. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the medical imaging system shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Subject 2 Arm part 3 Base 4 Axis part 10 X-ray tube 11 Filter 12 Radiation detection part 120 Imaging stand 121 Position adjustment part 122 Direction adjustment part 13 Compression board 14 Compression board moving mechanism 15 Pressure sensor 16 Ultrasonic probe DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 Probe moving mechanism 18 Position sensor 19 Movement control part 20 Image generation part 30 X-ray mammography part 31 Tube voltage / tube current control part 32 High voltage generation part 33 A / D converter 34 Radiation image data generation part 40 Ultrasound Imaging unit 41 Ultrasonic control unit 42 Transmission circuit 43 Reception circuit 44 A / D converter 45 Signal processing unit 46 B-mode image data generation unit 47 3D image data generation unit 48 Video data generation unit 49 Elastography generation unit 50 Image composition unit 60 D / A converter 70 Display unit 80 Console 90 Control unit 100 Storage unit

Claims (6)

A radiation generator for generating radiation;
An imaging table on which a radiation detector that detects radiation generated by the radiation generator and passed through the subject is disposed;
A compression plate that compresses the subject with the imaging table;
A compression plate moving mechanism for moving the compression plate;
An ultrasonic probe that transmits an ultrasonic beam toward the subject according to the drive signal, receives an ultrasonic echo reflected by the subject, and outputs a detection signal;
By supplying a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe and receiving a detection signal output from the ultrasonic probe when the subject is in a plurality of compressed states, the subject in a plurality of compressed states is received. An image generation unit that displays an ultrasonic image of the specimen in time series on the display unit;
A medical imaging system comprising:   The medical imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit displays a three-dimensional ultrasonic image of the subject in a plurality of compressed states in time series on the display unit.   The medical imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit has a reproduction function of continuously reproducing ultrasonic images of a subject in a plurality of compressed states.   4. The tracking function according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit has a tracking function of marking a designated region of interest in an ultrasonic image of a subject in a plurality of compressed states and displaying the marked region of interest on the display unit. Medical imaging system.   The image generation unit obtains the relative hardness of each part based on the pressure applied to the compression plate and the deformation state of each part, and displays an image representing the relative hardness of each part on the display unit The medical imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The medical imaging according to claim 1, further comprising a movement control unit that changes at least one of an ultrasound scanning range, a focal position, and a frequency in accordance with a compression state of the subject. system.