WO2015092940A1 - Image capture device for use in breast examinations - Google Patents

Image capture device for use in breast examinations Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015092940A1
WO2015092940A1 PCT/JP2013/084368 JP2013084368W WO2015092940A1 WO 2015092940 A1 WO2015092940 A1 WO 2015092940A1 JP 2013084368 W JP2013084368 W JP 2013084368W WO 2015092940 A1 WO2015092940 A1 WO 2015092940A1
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Prior art keywords
breast
detector ring
imaging
unit
subject
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PCT/JP2013/084368
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
篤 大谷
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株式会社島津製作所
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Application filed by 株式会社島津製作所 filed Critical 株式会社島津製作所
Priority to JP2015553322A priority Critical patent/JP6024836B2/en
Priority to PCT/JP2013/084368 priority patent/WO2015092940A1/en
Publication of WO2015092940A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015092940A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/50—Clinical applications
    • A61B6/502—Clinical applications involving diagnosis of breast, i.e. mammography
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/02—Devices for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/03—Computerised tomographs
    • A61B6/037—Emission tomography
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/42—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/4208—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis characterised by using a particular type of detector

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus for breast examination that detects a pair of annihilation radiation emitted from a subject and images a radiopharmaceutical distribution in the subject, and in particular, an image for breast examination for cancer screening.
  • the present invention relates to a photographing apparatus.
  • a conventional radiation tomography apparatus includes a detector ring in which radiation detectors that detect radiation are arranged in an annular shape. This detector ring detects a pair of radiations (an annihilation radiation pair) that are opposite to each other and are irradiated from a radiopharmaceutical in the subject (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a conventional image examination apparatus for breast examination.
  • the conventional breast examination image photographing apparatus 51 one side of the breast B of the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 62 during the examination. In this state, the detector ring 62 detects a pair of annihilation radiation irradiated from the subject M.
  • the detector ring 62 identifies the source of a pair of annihilation radiation emitted from the breast B, and a radiopharmaceutical distribution is generated based on this position information. Radiopharmaceuticals have the property of accumulating more in cancer tissues than in normal tissues. Therefore, if a radiopharmaceutical distribution map is diagnosed, breast cancer can be screened.
  • one of the left and right breasts of the subject is introduced into the detector ring 62. If it is desired to know the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical with respect to the right breast of the subject, the right breast of the subject is introduced into the detector ring 62.
  • the conventional imaging apparatus for breast examination has the following problems.
  • the breast examination image capturing apparatus having the conventional configuration does not have a method for easily and accurately knowing which of the left and right breasts is being imaged.
  • the surgeon identifies whether the breast introduced into the detector ring 62 is left or right, and inputs the result to the apparatus. If such a configuration that relies on human input is used, imaging may be performed by mistaking the left and right sides of the breast due to an input error. Then, in the worst case, it may lead to a medical mistake that makes a diagnosis with the left and right breasts mixed up.
  • a device having a sensor for detecting the position of the arm of the subject whose breast is introduced into the detector ring 62 has been devised. If such a sensor is provided, it seems that the mistake of the breast can be sufficiently suppressed. However, in such a configuration, it is necessary to secure a space for providing the sensor in the apparatus, and the design of the apparatus is limited accordingly. Also, when the sensor is malfunctioning or malfunctions, or when trying to photograph the breast of a subject whose body shape is significantly different from what is assumed, the sensor may mistake the left and right breasts.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image capturing apparatus for breast examination that can easily and accurately determine which of the left and right breasts is being imaged. There is.
  • an image capturing apparatus for breast examination includes a detector ring configured by detectors that detect radiation arranged in an arc, and a comparison unit that compares radiation counts on the left and right of the detector ring. According to the comparison result of the comparison means, there is provided discrimination means for discriminating whether the breast introduced into the detector ring is left or right.
  • the image capturing apparatus for breast examination it is possible to easily and accurately determine which of the left and right breasts is being imaged.
  • the radiopharmaceutical is also distributed in the trunk of the subject.
  • the device of the present invention compares the radiation counts on the left and right sides of the detector ring, and determines whether the trunk of the subject is biased to the right or left of the detector ring. Like to know. As long as the position of the trunk of the subject can be distinguished, it can be accurately determined whether the breast introduced into the detector ring is left or right.
  • the configuration of the present invention it is possible to determine the right and left of the breast with the detector ring that is originally required for imaging. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a special member, and the right and left of the breast can be distinguished easily.
  • the detection of the radiation related to the operation of the comparison means is performed independently of the detection of the radiation related to the imaging of the radiopharmaceutical.
  • the above-described image examination apparatus for breast examination includes detector ring control means for controlling the detector ring, and the detector ring control means waits for the discrimination of the discrimination means to be completed before imaging radiopharmaceuticals. More preferably, the detection of such radiation is initiated by the detector ring.
  • the above-described image examination apparatus for breast examination includes notifying means for notifying the discrimination result of the discriminating means.
  • the imaging apparatus includes an input unit that allows an operator to input whether the breast to be examined is left or right, and the notification unit includes the operator's input and the determination result of the determination unit. It is more desirable to notify that they are different.
  • the above-described breast examination imaging apparatus further includes image generation means for imaging the radiopharmaceutical based on the output of the detector ring, and the image generation means determines whether the breast for imaging is left or right. It is more desirable to recognize based on the discrimination result of the discrimination means.
  • a device that can display whether the breast related to imaging is left or right without depending on the operator's input if it recognizes whether the breast related to imaging is left or right based on the discrimination result of the discrimination means Can be provided.
  • the breast examination imaging apparatus can easily and accurately determine which of the left and right breasts is being imaged.
  • the radiopharmaceutical is also distributed in the trunk of the subject.
  • the device of the present invention compares the radiation counts on the left and right sides of the detector ring, and determines whether the trunk of the subject is biased to the right or left of the detector ring. Like to know. As long as the position of the trunk of the subject can be distinguished, it can be accurately determined whether the breast introduced into the detector ring is left or right.
  • FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a radiation tomography apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a detector ring according to the first embodiment.
  • 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a radiation detector according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a radiopharmaceutical concentrates on the trunk of a subject according to Example 1. It is a schematic diagram explaining the principle which distinguishes the breast which concerns on Example 1.
  • Example 1 Embodiments of a radiation tomography apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
  • the gamma rays in Example 1 are an example of the radiation of the present invention.
  • the configuration of the first embodiment is for breast examination image diagnostic apparatus for breast examination. That is, the radiation tomography apparatus according to the first embodiment performs imaging of a radiopharmaceutical distributed in the breast B to generate a tomographic image.
  • FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the radiation tomography apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • the radiation tomography apparatus 9 according to the first embodiment includes a gantry 11 having an opening for introducing the breast B of the subject M from the z direction, and the breast B of the subject M provided inside the gantry 11 in the z direction. And a ring-shaped detector ring 12 to be introduced.
  • the opening provided in the detector ring 12 has a cylindrical shape (more precisely, a regular decagonal prism) extending in the z direction. Therefore, the detector ring 12 itself extends in the z direction.
  • the area of the opening of the detector ring 12 is an imaging field in which a tomographic image P of the radiation tomography apparatus 9 can be generated.
  • the z direction is along the direction in which the central axis of the detector ring 12 extends.
  • the detector ring 12 is configured by arranging a later-described radiation detector for detecting radiation in an arc shape.
  • the top plate 10 is provided for the purpose of placing the subject M in a stomach-like state.
  • the top plate 10 is provided with a hole through which the breast B of the subject M is inserted in the z direction.
  • the breast B is introduced into the detector ring 12 through the hole.
  • the opening of the gantry 11 is provided vertically upward, and the breast B is introduced into this opening from the vertically downward direction.
  • the gantry 11 is placed on the support base 25.
  • the support base 25 is located on the back side of the gantry 11 when viewed from the subject M.
  • the shielding plate 13 is made of tungsten, lead, or the like (see FIG. 1). Since the radiopharmaceutical is also present in a portion other than the breast B of the subject M, an annihilation ⁇ -ray pair is also generated therefrom. When such an annihilation ⁇ -ray pair generated from a region other than the region of interest enters the detector ring 12, it interferes with tomographic imaging. Therefore, a shielding plate 13 that absorbs ⁇ rays in a ring shape is provided so as to cover one end of the detector ring 12 on the side close to the subject M in the z direction. The shielding plate 13 is disposed at a position sandwiched between the top plate 10 and the detector ring 12.
  • the configuration of the detector ring 12 will be described.
  • eight united radiation detectors 1 are arranged in a virtual circle on a plane perpendicular to the z direction (center axis direction) to form one unit ring 12a.
  • Three unit rings 12a are arranged in the z direction to form the detector ring 12 (specifically, refer to FIG. 2).
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the radiation detector according to the first embodiment.
  • the radiation detector 1 includes a scintillator 2 that converts radiation into light, and a photodetector 3 that includes a photomultiplier tube that detects light.
  • a light guide 4 for transmitting and receiving light is provided at a position where the scintillator 2 and the photodetector 3 are interposed.
  • the scintillator 2 is configured by scintillator crystals arranged three-dimensionally.
  • the scintillator crystal is composed of Lu 2 (1-X) Y 2X SiO 5 (hereinafter referred to as LYSO ) in which Ce is diffused.
  • the light detector 3 can specify the light generation position of which scintillator crystal emits light, and also specifies the light intensity and the time when the light is generated. Can do.
  • the scintillator 2 having the configuration of the first embodiment is merely an example of an aspect that can be adopted. Therefore, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the detector ring control unit 19 instructs the detector ring 12 to start or end detection of ⁇ rays.
  • the detector ring 12 starts and ends ⁇ -ray detection related to detection of an extinguished ⁇ -ray pair and right / left discrimination of the breast B, which will be described later, in accordance with an instruction from the detector ring control unit 19.
  • the detector ring control unit 19 corresponds to the detector ring control means of the present invention.
  • a detection signal output from the detector ring 12 is sent to the coincidence counting unit 21 (see FIG. 1) via a filter unit 20 described later.
  • the two gamma rays simultaneously incident on the detector ring 12 are annihilation gamma ray pairs caused by the radiopharmaceutical in the subject.
  • the coincidence counting unit 21 counts the number of times the annihilation ⁇ -ray pair is detected for each two combinations of scintillator crystals constituting the detector ring 12, and sends the result to the tomographic image generating unit 22.
  • the determination of the coincidence of the detection signal by the coincidence unit 21 uses time information given to the detection signal by a clock.
  • the tomographic image generation unit 22 corresponds to the image generation means of the present invention.
  • the filter unit 20 is provided for the purpose of not sending unnecessary data in the detector ring 12 to the coincidence counting unit 21.
  • the filter unit 20 can thin out the detection signal so as to reduce the load on the coincidence counting unit 21.
  • the tomographic image generation unit 22 generates a tomographic image P when the opening of the detector ring 12 is cut along a certain plane based on the coincidence counting data output from the coincidence counting unit 21. As described above, the tomographic image generation unit 22 performs imaging of the radiopharmaceutical based on the output of the detector ring 12.
  • the tomographic image generation unit 22 embeds the right and left distinction of the breast B input by the operator through the console 35 as one of additional information in the tomographic image P.
  • the display unit 36 can read the embedded information and superimpose and display a display representing the left and right of the breast B on the distribution image of the radiopharmaceutical.
  • the apparatus of the present invention there is provided means for determining which of the left and right breasts B of the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 12 before imaging the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical in the subject.
  • the configuration related to such left / right discrimination is the detector ring 12, the comparison unit 23, and the breast discrimination unit 24 in FIG.
  • the comparison unit 23 corresponds to the comparison unit of the present invention
  • the breast determination unit 24 corresponds to the determination unit of the present invention.
  • the detector ring 12 has a function of detecting an annihilation gamma ray pair as described above, but also has a function of detecting whether the breast B introduced to itself is left or right. ing.
  • the detector ring 12 simply counts ⁇ rays incident on each of the radiation detectors 1. Therefore, in the detection related to the left / right discrimination, the count number of ⁇ rays for each of the radiation detectors constituting the detector ring 12 becomes the detection result of the detector ring 12, and the detection result is specifically the radiation detector. For example, it is a table showing each count number.
  • Such a detection method of the detector ring 12 is a method different from the detection of a radiation pair at the time of imaging the radiopharmaceutical distribution in the breast B, and the detection of ⁇ rays related to the operation of the comparison unit 23 is a radiopharmaceutical. This is performed independently of the detection of ⁇ rays related to the imaging. This detection will be referred to as single gamma ray detection.
  • FIG. 4 shows the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical administered to the subject M.
  • the radiopharmaceutical is localized not only in the breast B to be imaged but also in the trunk of the subject M.
  • Such radiopharmaceuticals not present in the breast B tend to be present more in the vicinity of the spine (center axis of the subject M) such as the internal organs and brains of the subject M shown by the shaded area in FIG.
  • An annihilation gamma ray pair is also generated from a radiopharmaceutical located in such a trunk. Even though both of these gamma ray pairs are rarely incident on the detector ring 12, only one is often transmitted through the shielding plate 13 and incident on the detector ring 12.
  • the left side of FIG. 5 shows a case where the breast B on the left side of the breast B of the subject M toward the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 12.
  • the detector ring 12 is divided into a right half region and a left half region, and it is considered which region receives more ⁇ rays.
  • the left and right sides of the detector ring 12 of the present invention at this time are defined corresponding to the left and right sides of the subject.
  • many ⁇ rays are incident on the detector ring 12 in the region indicated by the oblique line on the right side toward the subject M close to the central axis of the subject M, and in the left region far from the central axis. Not so much ⁇ rays are incident.
  • the right side of FIG. 5 shows a case where the breast B located on the right side of the breast B of the subject M toward the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 12.
  • the detector ring 12 is divided into a right half region and a left half region, and it is considered which region receives more ⁇ rays.
  • many ⁇ rays are incident on the left hatched area toward the subject M close to the central axis of the subject M, and not much ⁇ rays are incident on the right area far from the central axis. . That is, which of the right half and the left half of the detector ring 12 detects more ⁇ rays depends on the left and right of the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12.
  • the comparison unit 23 that has received the detection result of the single ⁇ -ray detection from the detector ring 12 compares the count number of ⁇ -rays between the right half and the left half of the detector ring 12. That is, the comparison unit 23 is on the left side with ⁇ R, which is the total value of the counts of ⁇ rays output from the radiation detector 1 constituting the detector ring 12 on the right side toward the subject M. Calculate and compare ⁇ L, which is the total value of the ⁇ -ray counts output by the device. According to the description of FIG. 5, the magnitude relationship between ⁇ R and ⁇ L represents the left and right distinction of the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12.
  • FIG. 6 shows a state of ⁇ R> ⁇ L.
  • the count number derived from the detector located on the right side is the count derived from the detector located on the left side as a whole. It is higher than the number.
  • the individual count number itself fluctuates between detectors, and it is a problem whether this difference is a significant difference.
  • this problem is solved by performing statistical processing. That is, when ⁇ R> ⁇ L, the comparison unit 23 treats that the incidence of ⁇ rays is biased to the right side of the detector ring 12 if ⁇ R ⁇ R 1/2 > ⁇ L + ⁇ L 1/2 holds. . Similarly, when ⁇ L> ⁇ R, the comparison unit 23 treats that the incidence of ⁇ rays is biased to the right side of the detector ring 12 when ⁇ L ⁇ L 1/2 > ⁇ R + ⁇ R 1/2 is established. Yes. ⁇ R 1/2 and ⁇ L 1/2 are statistical indicators called root N or the like, and when added, a value that overestimates the total value is obtained, and when subtracted, a value that underestimates the total value is obtained.
  • the comparison unit 23 compares the count number of ⁇ rays on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12.
  • the comparison unit 23 sends the comparison result of the ⁇ -ray counts seen on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12 to the breast discrimination unit 24.
  • the breast discriminating unit 24 discriminates that the left breast of the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 12 when the comparison result indicates that the incidence of ⁇ rays is biased to the right side of the detector ring 12.
  • the comparison result indicates that the incidence of ⁇ rays is biased to the left side of the detector ring 12
  • the breast discriminating unit 24 discriminates whether the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12 is left or right according to the comparison result of the comparing unit 23.
  • the notification result of the breast determination unit 24 is sent to the notification unit 31.
  • the notification unit 31 notifies the operator of the determination result.
  • the notification unit 31 may be performed through the display unit 36 or may be performed through voice.
  • the notification unit 31 is configured to notify the determination result of the breast determination unit 24 and corresponds to a notification unit of the present invention.
  • the display unit 36 displays the tomographic image P generated by the tomographic image generation unit 22.
  • the storage unit 37 stores all of the detection signal output from the detector ring 12, the coincidence counting data generated by the coincidence counting unit 21, the data generated by the operation of each unit such as the tomographic image P, and the parameters referred to in the operation of each unit. It is something to remember.
  • the radiation tomography apparatus 9 includes a main control unit 41 that controls each unit in an integrated manner.
  • the main control unit 41 is constituted by a CPU, and realizes the respective units 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 by executing various programs.
  • each above-mentioned part may be divided
  • the console 35 receives various inputs from the surgeon such as whether the breast B involved in the examination is left or right, and corresponds to the input means of the present invention.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention is configured to obtain information indicating the left and right distinction of the breast B from two different systems of the operator's input and the breast discriminating unit 24.
  • the operation of the image photographing device will be described with reference to FIG.
  • the subject M is placed on the top 10 (subject placement step S1).
  • one of the left and right breasts B of the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 12.
  • the operator inputs to the apparatus whether the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12 is left or right through the console 35 (left / right input step S2).
  • the left / right distinction input by the surgeon is one piece of additional information embedded in the tomographic image P.
  • the detector ring control unit 19 instructs the detector ring 12 to start detection of ⁇ rays related to the determination of the breast B, and the detector ring 12 In response to this instruction, starts detecting single ⁇ rays (single ⁇ ray detection step S3). This single gamma ray detection is completed in one second, for example.
  • the detector ring 12 When the detection of the single ⁇ -ray is completed, the detector ring 12 sends the detection result to the comparison unit 23.
  • the comparison unit 23 compares the count number of ⁇ rays on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12, and sends the comparison result to the breast discrimination unit 24.
  • the breast discriminating unit 24 discriminates whether the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12 is left or right based on the comparison result (breast discrimination step S4).
  • the discrimination result of the breast discrimination unit 24 is sent to the notification unit 31.
  • the notification unit 31 notifies the operator of the determination result through the display unit 36 or the like.
  • the notification unit 31 is also sent with information indicating the left / right distinction input by the surgeon in the left / right input step S2.
  • the notification unit 31 issues a warning that urges the possibility that the operator's input is incorrect (warning step S5).
  • This warning style is more conspicuous for the surgeon than the notification performed by the normal notification unit 31, and the specific means is not particularly limited. In this way, the notification unit 31 notifies that the operator's input is different from the determination result of the breast determination unit 24.
  • the detector ring control unit 19 instructs the detector ring 12, the filter unit 20, and the coincidence counting unit 21 to start detecting ⁇ rays related to the imaging of the breast B.
  • 12, 20, and 21 start coincidence counting of ⁇ rays (simultaneous counting step S6).
  • This coincidence operation takes about 30 minutes, for example.
  • the tomographic image generation unit 22 generates a tomographic image P of the breast B based on the result of the coincidence counting and displays it on the display unit 36, the operation of the apparatus according to the first embodiment is completed (tomographic image). Display step S7).
  • the detector ring control unit 19 causes the detector ring 12 to start detecting ⁇ -rays related to radiopharmaceutical imaging after the discrimination of the breast discrimination unit 24 is completed. That is, the above-described coincidence counting step S6 is automatically executed without requiring an operator's input. However, if a warning is issued to alert the operator to the possibility that the input is incorrect, the apparatus will not move to the coincidence counting step S6 unless the operator gives an instruction to continue shooting. The instrument ring controller 19 does not start coincidence counting.
  • the image inspection apparatus for breast examination it is possible to easily and accurately determine which of the left and right breasts B is being imaged.
  • the radiopharmaceutical is also distributed in the trunk of the subject M.
  • the apparatus of the present invention compares the radiation counts on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12, and the trunk of the subject M is biased to the right side of the detector ring 12 or on the left side. I try to know if it is biased.
  • the position of the trunk of the subject M can be distinguished, it can be accurately determined whether the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12 is left or right.
  • the right and left of the breast B can be determined by the detector ring 12 that is originally required for imaging. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a special member, and the left and right of the breast B can be distinguished easily.
  • the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration and can be modified as follows.
  • the tomographic image generation unit 22 embeds the right and left distinction of the breast B input by the operator through the console 35 as one of the additional information in the tomographic image P. Is not limited to this configuration.
  • the tomographic image generation unit 22 may recognize whether the breast B related to imaging is left or right based on the determination result of the breast determination unit 24.
  • the comparison unit 23 when ⁇ R> ⁇ L, the comparison unit 23 is configured such that ⁇ -ray incidence is biased to the right side of the detector ring 12 when ⁇ R ⁇ R 1/2 > ⁇ L + ⁇ L 1/2 is satisfied.
  • the present invention is not limited to this configuration.
  • the comparison unit 23 may be configured to compare whether ⁇ R ⁇ k ⁇ ⁇ R 1/2 is greater than ⁇ L + k ⁇ ⁇ L 1/2 . If a value greater than 1 is set to k, the degree of underestimation of ⁇ R and the degree of overestimation of ⁇ L increase, and the count numbers are compared under more severe conditions. In this way, it is possible to provide an apparatus in which erroneous determination of the breast B is further suppressed. Such a situation is the same even when ⁇ L> ⁇ R.
  • a specific example of the coefficient k is 3, for example.
  • the entire region of the detector ring 12 is used for single ⁇ -ray detection, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.
  • the radiation detectors 1 positioned at the right and left ends of the detector ring 12 are used for single gamma ray detection, and the radiation detectors 1 positioned at the upper and lower ends of the detector ring 12 are used.
  • a configuration not used for single gamma ray detection can also be adopted. With such a configuration, there is a possibility that the left-right bias when detecting gamma rays derived from the trunk can be more clearly distinguished. In this case, it is desirable that the number of radiation detectors 1 that perform single ⁇ -ray detection is the same on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12.
  • the energy window when performing counting at the time of single ⁇ -ray detection.
  • an energy window including 511 kev is set, and about 511 kev derived from the radiopharmaceutical Only ⁇ rays having the following energy may be detected.
  • the energy window may be set to include energy lower than 511 kev. Since ⁇ rays emitted from the trunk are derived from radiopharmaceuticals, they have energy of 511 kev. However, since such ⁇ rays pass through the shielding plate 13, the top plate 10, the gantry 11, and the like before going to the detector ring 12, energy is lower than when it is generated. According to the present invention, the energy window may be provided in consideration of such circumstances.
  • the present invention may be implemented with the C-shaped detector ring 12 instead.
  • the comparison unit 23 can perform an accurate comparison by comparing the number of counts of ⁇ rays per radiation detector on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12. Such a configuration is effective even in the case of the O-shaped detector ring 12 when the radiation detector 1 that performs single ⁇ -ray detection is different on the left and right.
  • the present invention is suitable for medical use.
  • Detector ring 19 Detector ring control part (detector ring control means) 22 Tomographic image generation unit (image generation means) 23 Comparison part (comparison means) 24 Breast discrimination unit (discrimination means) 31 Notification unit (notification means) 36 Console (input means)

Abstract

This invention provides an image capture device for use in breast examinations, said image capture device being capable of easily and accurately identifying whether a breast being imaged is a left breast or a right breast. When imaging a radiopharmaceutical in a breast, said radiopharmaceutical is also distributed in the subject's torso. Making use of that fact, this device compares radioactivity counts between the left and right sides of a detector ring (12) so as to determine whether more of the subject's torso is on the right side of the detector ring (12) or the left side thereof. As long as the location of the subject's torso can be distinguished, an accurate identification can be made as to whether a breast placed inside the detector ring (12) is a left breast or a right breast.

Description

乳房検査用画像撮影装置Breast examination imaging device
　本発明は、被検体から放射される消滅放射線のペアを検出して、被検体内の放射線薬剤分布のイメージングを行う乳房検査用画像撮影装置に係り、特に、がん検診用の乳房検査用画像撮影装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus for breast examination that detects a pair of annihilation radiation emitted from a subject and images a radiopharmaceutical distribution in the subject, and in particular, an image for breast examination for cancer screening. The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus.
　医療機関には、放射線薬剤の分布をイメージングする放射線断層撮影装置が配備されている。この様な放射線断層撮影装置の具体的な構成について説明する。従来の放射線断層撮影装置は、放射線を検出する放射線検出器が円環状に並んで構成される検出器リングが備えられている。この検出器リングは、被検体内の放射性薬剤から照射される互いに反対方向となっている一対の放射線（消滅放射線のペア）を検出する（例えば、特許文献１，特許文献２参照）。 Medical institutions are equipped with radiation tomography devices that image the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals. A specific configuration of such a radiation tomography apparatus will be described. A conventional radiation tomography apparatus includes a detector ring in which radiation detectors that detect radiation are arranged in an annular shape. This detector ring detects a pair of radiations (an annihilation radiation pair) that are opposite to each other and are irradiated from a radiopharmaceutical in the subject (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
　この様な放射線断層撮影装置の一種として、乳房検査用の放射線断層撮影装置がある。この乳房検査用画像撮影装置について具体的に説明する。図９は、従来の乳房検査用画像撮影装置について説明する図である。従来の乳房検査用画像撮影装置５１では、検査に際し、被検体Ｍの乳房Ｂの片側が検出器リング６２に導入される。この状態で、検出器リング６２は、被検体Ｍから照射される消滅放射線のペアを検出する。 One type of radiation tomography apparatus is a radiation tomography apparatus for breast examination. This breast examination image photographing apparatus will be specifically described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a conventional image examination apparatus for breast examination. In the conventional breast examination image photographing apparatus 51, one side of the breast B of the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 62 during the examination. In this state, the detector ring 62 detects a pair of annihilation radiation irradiated from the subject M.
　検出器リング６２は、乳房Ｂから発せられた消滅放射線のペアの発生源を特定して、この位置情報を基に放射性薬剤の分布が生成される。放射性薬剤は、正常組織と比べがん組織により多く集積する性質があるので、放射性薬剤の分布図を診断すれば、乳がんの検診が行える。 The detector ring 62 identifies the source of a pair of annihilation radiation emitted from the breast B, and a radiopharmaceutical distribution is generated based on this position information. Radiopharmaceuticals have the property of accumulating more in cancer tissues than in normal tissues. Therefore, if a radiopharmaceutical distribution map is diagnosed, breast cancer can be screened.
　放射性薬剤の分布をイメージングするには、検出器リング６２に被検体の左右の乳房の内の１つが導入される。被検体の右乳房についての放射性薬剤の分布を知りたければ、検出器リング６２に被検体の右乳房が導入されることになる。 In order to image the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical, one of the left and right breasts of the subject is introduced into the detector ring 62. If it is desired to know the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical with respect to the right breast of the subject, the right breast of the subject is introduced into the detector ring 62.
特開２０１２－１０７７２号公報JP 2012-10772 A 特開２００８－９９９３０号公報JP 2008-99930 A
　しかしながら、従来構成の乳房検査用画像撮影装置には、次のような問題点がある。
　すなわち、従来構成の乳房検査用画像撮影装置は、左右うちどちらの乳房のイメージングを行っているか簡便かつ正確に知る方法がない。従来装置によれば、術者が検出器リング６２に導入される乳房が左右どちらかであるかを識別して、その結果を装置に入力するようになっている。この様な人的入力に頼る構成としてしまうと、入力ミスにより乳房の左右を取り違えてイメージングがなされてしまう。すると最悪の場合は、左右の乳房を取り違えたまま診断を行ってしまう医療ミスにもつながりかねない。 However, the conventional imaging apparatus for breast examination has the following problems.
In other words, the breast examination image capturing apparatus having the conventional configuration does not have a method for easily and accurately knowing which of the left and right breasts is being imaged. According to the conventional apparatus, the surgeon identifies whether the breast introduced into the detector ring 62 is left or right, and inputs the result to the apparatus. If such a configuration that relies on human input is used, imaging may be performed by mistaking the left and right sides of the breast due to an input error. Then, in the worst case, it may lead to a medical mistake that makes a diagnosis with the left and right breasts mixed up.
　そこで従来構成として、乳房を検出器リング６２に導入した被検体の腕の位置を検出するセンサを備えるものが考え出されている。このようなセンサを設けるようにすれば、乳房の取り違えを十分に抑制することができるように思われる。しかし、この様な構成では装置にセンサを設けるスペースを確保しなければならず、それだけ装置の設計が制限されてしまう。また、センサが不調であったり誤動作があった場合、または想定とは大きく外れた体型の被検体の乳房を撮影しようとする場合などでは、センサが左右の乳房を取り違えてしまうことも起こりえる。 Therefore, as a conventional configuration, a device having a sensor for detecting the position of the arm of the subject whose breast is introduced into the detector ring 62 has been devised. If such a sensor is provided, it seems that the mistake of the breast can be sufficiently suppressed. However, in such a configuration, it is necessary to secure a space for providing the sensor in the apparatus, and the design of the apparatus is limited accordingly. Also, when the sensor is malfunctioning or malfunctions, or when trying to photograph the breast of a subject whose body shape is significantly different from what is assumed, the sensor may mistake the left and right breasts.
　本発明は、この様な事情に鑑みてなされたものであって、その目的は、左右うちどちらの乳房のイメージングを行っているか簡便かつ正確に判別が可能な乳房検査用画像撮影装置を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image capturing apparatus for breast examination that can easily and accurately determine which of the left and right breasts is being imaged. There is.
　本発明は上述の課題を解決するために次のような構成をとる。
　すなわち、本発明に係る乳房検査用画像撮影装置は、放射線を検出する検出器が弧状に配列されて構成される検出器リングと、放射線のカウント数を検出器リングの左右で比較する比較手段と、比較手段の比較結果に従い、検出器リングに導入された乳房が左右のどちらであるかを判別する判別手段とを備えていることを特徴とするものである。 The present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above-described problems.
That is, an image capturing apparatus for breast examination according to the present invention includes a detector ring configured by detectors that detect radiation arranged in an arc, and a comparison unit that compares radiation counts on the left and right of the detector ring. According to the comparison result of the comparison means, there is provided discrimination means for discriminating whether the breast introduced into the detector ring is left or right.
　［作用・効果］本発明に係る乳房検査用画像撮影装置によれば、左右うちどちらの乳房のイメージングを行っているか簡便かつ正確に判別できる。乳房の放射性薬剤のイメージングを行う場合、放射性薬剤は被検体の体幹部にも分布している。この様な事情を利用して本発明の装置は、放射線のカウント数を検出器リングの左右で比較して、被検体の体幹部が検出器リングの右側に偏っているかそれとも左側に偏っているかを知るようにしている。被検体の体幹部の位置さえ区別できれば検出器リングに導入された乳房が左右のどちらであるかが正確に判別できる。
　しかも、本発明の構成によれば、もともとイメージングに必要な検出器リングで乳房の左右の判断ができる。したがって、特別な部材を設ける必要がなく簡便に乳房の左右を区別することができる。 [Operation / Effect] According to the image capturing apparatus for breast examination according to the present invention, it is possible to easily and accurately determine which of the left and right breasts is being imaged. When imaging radiopharmaceuticals in the breast, the radiopharmaceutical is also distributed in the trunk of the subject. Taking advantage of such circumstances, the device of the present invention compares the radiation counts on the left and right sides of the detector ring, and determines whether the trunk of the subject is biased to the right or left of the detector ring. Like to know. As long as the position of the trunk of the subject can be distinguished, it can be accurately determined whether the breast introduced into the detector ring is left or right.
Moreover, according to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to determine the right and left of the breast with the detector ring that is originally required for imaging. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a special member, and the right and left of the breast can be distinguished easily.
　また、上述の乳房検査用画像撮影装置において、比較手段の動作に係る放射線の検出は、放射性薬剤のイメージングに係る放射線の検出とは独立して行われればより望ましい。 Further, in the above-described breast examination image capturing apparatus, it is more desirable that the detection of the radiation related to the operation of the comparison means is performed independently of the detection of the radiation related to the imaging of the radiopharmaceutical.
　［作用・効果］上述の構成は、本発明の装置をより具体的に説明している。比較手段の動作に係る放射線の検出が放射性薬剤のイメージングに係る放射線の検出とは独立して行われれば、放射性薬剤のイメージング開始前に乳房の左右の取り違えに術者が気が付く様にすることができる。 [Operation / Effect] The above configuration more specifically describes the apparatus of the present invention. If the detection of the radiation related to the operation of the comparison means is performed independently of the detection of the radiation related to the radiopharmaceutical imaging, the operator may be aware of a mistake in the left and right breasts before starting the radiopharmaceutical imaging. it can.
　また、上述の乳房検査用画像撮影装置において、検出器リングを制御する検出器リング制御手段を備え、検出器リング制御手段は、判別手段の判別が終了するのを待って、放射性薬剤のイメージングに係る放射線の検出を検出器リングに開始させればより望ましい。 The above-described image examination apparatus for breast examination includes detector ring control means for controlling the detector ring, and the detector ring control means waits for the discrimination of the discrimination means to be completed before imaging radiopharmaceuticals. More preferably, the detection of such radiation is initiated by the detector ring.
　［作用・効果］上述の構成は、本発明の装置をより具体的に説明している。判別手段の判別の後、自動で検出器リングに対し放射性薬剤のイメージングに係る放射線の検出を開始させる様にすれば、操作性に優れた装置が提供できる。 [Operation / Effect] The above configuration more specifically describes the apparatus of the present invention. If the detection of the radiation related to radiopharmaceutical imaging is automatically started with respect to the detector ring after the determination by the determination means, an apparatus with excellent operability can be provided.
　また、上述の乳房検査用画像撮影装置において、判別手段の判別結果を通知する通知手段を備えていればより望ましい。 Further, it is more desirable that the above-described image examination apparatus for breast examination includes notifying means for notifying the discrimination result of the discriminating means.
　［作用・効果］上述の構成は、本発明の装置をより具体的に説明している。判別手段の判別結果を通知する通知手段を備えていれば、検出器リングに導入されている乳房が左右のどちらであるか術者に確実に通知することができる。 [Operation / Effect] The above configuration more specifically describes the apparatus of the present invention. If the notification means for notifying the determination result of the determination means is provided, it is possible to reliably notify the operator whether the breast introduced into the detector ring is left or right.
　また、上述の乳房検査用画像撮影装置において、術者に検査に係る乳房が左右のいずれかであるかを入力させる入力手段を備え、通知手段は、術者の入力と判別手段の判別結果とが異なる旨を通知すればより望ましい。 Further, in the above-described image inspection apparatus for breast examination, the imaging apparatus includes an input unit that allows an operator to input whether the breast to be examined is left or right, and the notification unit includes the operator's input and the determination result of the determination unit. It is more desirable to notify that they are different.
　［作用・効果］上述の構成は、本発明の装置をより具体的に説明している。通知手段は、術者の入力と判別手段の判別結果とが異なる旨を通知すれば、術者の入力ミスを防止する安全性の高い装置が提供できる。 [Operation / Effect] The above configuration more specifically describes the apparatus of the present invention. If the notification means notifies that the operator's input is different from the determination result of the determination means, it is possible to provide a highly safe apparatus for preventing an operator's input error.
　また、上述の乳房検査用画像撮影装置において、検出器リングの出力に基づいて放射性薬剤のイメージングを行う画像生成手段を更に備え、画像生成手段は、イメージングに係る乳房が左右のいずれであるかを判別手段の判別結果に基づいて認識すればより望ましい。 Further, the above-described breast examination imaging apparatus further includes image generation means for imaging the radiopharmaceutical based on the output of the detector ring, and the image generation means determines whether the breast for imaging is left or right. It is more desirable to recognize based on the discrimination result of the discrimination means.
　［作用・効果］上述の構成は、本発明の装置をより具体的に説明している。イメージングに係る乳房が左右のいずれであるかを判別手段の判別結果に基づいて認識すれば、術者の入力に頼らないで、イメージングの係る乳房が左右のいずれかであるかを表示できる装置を提供できる。 [Operation / Effect] The above configuration more specifically describes the apparatus of the present invention. A device that can display whether the breast related to imaging is left or right without depending on the operator's input if it recognizes whether the breast related to imaging is left or right based on the discrimination result of the discrimination means Can be provided.
　本発明に係る乳房検査用画像撮影装置によれば、左右うちどちらの乳房のイメージングを行っているか簡便かつ正確に判別できる。乳房の放射性薬剤のイメージングを行う場合、放射性薬剤は被検体の体幹部にも分布している。この様な事情を利用して本発明の装置は、放射線のカウント数を検出器リングの左右で比較して、被検体の体幹部が検出器リングの右側に偏っているかそれとも左側に偏っているかを知るようにしている。被検体の体幹部の位置さえ区別できれば検出器リングに導入された乳房が左右のどちらであるかが正確に判別できる。 The breast examination imaging apparatus according to the present invention can easily and accurately determine which of the left and right breasts is being imaged. When imaging radiopharmaceuticals in the breast, the radiopharmaceutical is also distributed in the trunk of the subject. Taking advantage of such circumstances, the device of the present invention compares the radiation counts on the left and right sides of the detector ring, and determines whether the trunk of the subject is biased to the right or left of the detector ring. Like to know. As long as the position of the trunk of the subject can be distinguished, it can be accurately determined whether the breast introduced into the detector ring is left or right.
実施例１に係る放射線断層撮影装置の全体構成を説明する機能ブロック図である。1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a radiation tomography apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 実施例１に係る検出器リングの構成を説明する平面図である。FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a detector ring according to the first embodiment. 実施例１に係る放射線検出器の構成を説明する斜視図である。1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a radiation detector according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 実施例１に係る被検体の体幹部に放射性薬剤が集中する様子を説明する模式図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a radiopharmaceutical concentrates on the trunk of a subject according to Example 1. 実施例１に係る乳房を区別する原理を説明する模式図である。It is a schematic diagram explaining the principle which distinguishes the breast which concerns on Example 1. FIG. 実施例１に係る比較部の動作を説明する模式図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation of a comparison unit according to the first embodiment. 実施例１に係る放射線断層撮影装置の動作を説明するフローチャートである。3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the radiation tomography apparatus according to Embodiment 1. 本発明の１変形例を説明する平面図である。It is a top view explaining one modification of the present invention. 従来構成に係る装置を説明する断面図である。It is sectional drawing explaining the apparatus which concerns on a conventional structure.
　以下、発明を実施するための形態について、本発明の実施例に基づいて説明する。 Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention will be described based on examples of the present invention.
　以下、本発明に係る放射線断層撮影装置の実施例について図面を参照しながら説明する。実施例１におけるγ線は本発明の放射線の一例である。なお、実施例１の構成は、乳房検査用画像診断装置乳房検査用となっている。すなわち、実施例１の放射線断層撮影装置は、乳房Ｂに分布する放射性薬剤のイメージングを行って断層画像を生成する。 Embodiments of a radiation tomography apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The gamma rays in Example 1 are an example of the radiation of the present invention. The configuration of the first embodiment is for breast examination image diagnostic apparatus for breast examination. That is, the radiation tomography apparatus according to the first embodiment performs imaging of a radiopharmaceutical distributed in the breast B to generate a tomographic image.
　＜放射線断層撮影装置の全体構成＞
　図１は、実施例１に係る放射線断層撮影装置の具体的構成を説明する機能ブロック図である。実施例１に係る放射線断層撮影装置９は、被検体Ｍの乳房Ｂをｚ方向から導入させる開口部を備えたガントリ１１と、ガントリ１１の内部に設けられた被検体Ｍの乳房Ｂをｚ方向から導入させるリング状の検出器リング１２とを備えている。検出器リング１２に設けられた開口部は、ｚ方向に伸びた円筒形（正確には、正１０角柱）となっている。したがって、検出器リング１２自身もｚ方向に伸びている。なお、検出器リング１２の開口部の領域が、放射線断層撮影装置９の断層画像Ｐが生成できる撮影視野となっている。ｚ方向は、検出器リング１２の中心軸の伸びる方向に沿っている。検出器リング１２は、放射線を検出する後述の放射線検出器が弧状に配列されて構成される。 <Overall configuration of radiation tomography apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the radiation tomography apparatus according to the first embodiment. The radiation tomography apparatus 9 according to the first embodiment includes a gantry 11 having an opening for introducing the breast B of the subject M from the z direction, and the breast B of the subject M provided inside the gantry 11 in the z direction. And a ring-shaped detector ring 12 to be introduced. The opening provided in the detector ring 12 has a cylindrical shape (more precisely, a regular decagonal prism) extending in the z direction. Therefore, the detector ring 12 itself extends in the z direction. Note that the area of the opening of the detector ring 12 is an imaging field in which a tomographic image P of the radiation tomography apparatus 9 can be generated. The z direction is along the direction in which the central axis of the detector ring 12 extends. The detector ring 12 is configured by arranging a later-described radiation detector for detecting radiation in an arc shape.
　天板１０は、腹ばいの状態となった被検体Ｍを載置する目的で設けられている。天板１０には、被検体Ｍの乳房Ｂを挿通する穴がｚ方向に貫通するように設けられており、乳房Ｂは、この穴を通じて乳房Ｂを検出器リング１２の内部に導入される。ガントリ１１の開口部は、鉛直上向きに設けられており、乳房Ｂは、この開口部に鉛直下向きの方向から導入されることになる。 The top plate 10 is provided for the purpose of placing the subject M in a stomach-like state. The top plate 10 is provided with a hole through which the breast B of the subject M is inserted in the z direction. The breast B is introduced into the detector ring 12 through the hole. The opening of the gantry 11 is provided vertically upward, and the breast B is introduced into this opening from the vertically downward direction.
　ガントリ１１は、支持台２５に載置されている。この支持台２５は、被検体Ｍから見てガントリ１１の裏側に位置している。遮蔽プレート１３は、タングステンや鉛等で構成される（図１参照）。放射性薬剤は、被検体Ｍの乳房Ｂ以外の部分にも存在するので、そこからも消滅γ線ペアが発生している。この様な関心部位以外から発生する消滅γ線ペアが検出器リング１２に入射すると、断層画像撮影の邪魔となる。そこで、検出器リング１２のｚ方向における被検体Ｍに近い側の一端を覆うようにリング状でγ線を吸収する遮蔽プレート１３が設けられているのである。遮蔽プレート１３は、天板１０と検出器リング１２とに挟まれる位置に配置されている。 The gantry 11 is placed on the support base 25. The support base 25 is located on the back side of the gantry 11 when viewed from the subject M. The shielding plate 13 is made of tungsten, lead, or the like (see FIG. 1). Since the radiopharmaceutical is also present in a portion other than the breast B of the subject M, an annihilation γ-ray pair is also generated therefrom. When such an annihilation γ-ray pair generated from a region other than the region of interest enters the detector ring 12, it interferes with tomographic imaging. Therefore, a shielding plate 13 that absorbs γ rays in a ring shape is provided so as to cover one end of the detector ring 12 on the side close to the subject M in the z direction. The shielding plate 13 is disposed at a position sandwiched between the top plate 10 and the detector ring 12.
　検出器リング１２の構成について説明する。検出器リング１２は、８個の放射線検出器１がｚ方向（中心軸方向）に垂直な平面上の仮想円に配列されることで、１つの単位リング１２ａが形成される。この単位リング１２ａがｚ方向に３個配列されて検出器リング１２が構成される（具体的には、図２参照）。 The configuration of the detector ring 12 will be described. In the detector ring 12, eight united radiation detectors 1 are arranged in a virtual circle on a plane perpendicular to the z direction (center axis direction) to form one unit ring 12a. Three unit rings 12a are arranged in the z direction to form the detector ring 12 (specifically, refer to FIG. 2).
　放射線検出器１の構成について簡単に説明する。図３は、実施例１に係る放射線検出器の構成を説明する斜視図である。放射線検出器１は、図３に示すように放射線を光に変換するシンチレータ２と、光を検出する光電子増倍管から構成される光検出器３とを備えている。そして、シンチレータ２と光検出器３との介在する位置には、光を授受するライトガイド４が備えられている。 The configuration of the radiation detector 1 will be briefly described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the radiation detector according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the radiation detector 1 includes a scintillator 2 that converts radiation into light, and a photodetector 3 that includes a photomultiplier tube that detects light. A light guide 4 for transmitting and receiving light is provided at a position where the scintillator 2 and the photodetector 3 are interposed.
　シンチレータ２は、シンチレータ結晶が３次元的に配列されて構成されている。シンチレータ結晶は、Ｃｅが拡散したＬｕ２（１－Ｘ）Ｙ２ＸＳｉＯ５（以下、ＬＹＳＯとよぶ）によって構成されている。そして、光検出器３は、どのシンチレータ結晶が光を発したかという光の発生位置を特定することができるようになっているとともに、光の強度や、光の発生した時刻をも特定することができる。また、実施例１の構成のシンチレータ２は、採用しうる態様の例示にすぎない。したがって、本発明の構成は、これに限られるものではない。 The scintillator 2 is configured by scintillator crystals arranged three-dimensionally. The scintillator crystal is composed of Lu 2 (1-X) Y 2X SiO 5 (hereinafter referred to as LYSO ) in which Ce is diffused. The light detector 3 can specify the light generation position of which scintillator crystal emits light, and also specifies the light intensity and the time when the light is generated. Can do. The scintillator 2 having the configuration of the first embodiment is merely an example of an aspect that can be adopted. Therefore, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this.
　検出器リング制御部１９は、γ線の検出開始または検出終了の指示を検出器リング１２に対して行う。検出器リング１２は、検出器リング制御部１９の指示に従い、消滅γ線ペアの検出や後述の乳房Ｂの左右判別に係るγ線検出を開始したり終了したりする。検出器リング制御部１９は、本発明の検出器リング制御手段に相当する。 The detector ring control unit 19 instructs the detector ring 12 to start or end detection of γ rays. The detector ring 12 starts and ends γ-ray detection related to detection of an extinguished γ-ray pair and right / left discrimination of the breast B, which will be described later, in accordance with an instruction from the detector ring control unit 19. The detector ring control unit 19 corresponds to the detector ring control means of the present invention.
　同時計数部２１（図１参照）には、後述のフィルタ部２０を経由して検出器リング１２から出力された検出信号が送られてきている。検出器リング１２に同時に入射した２つのγ線は、被検体内の放射性薬剤に起因する消滅γ線ペアである。同時計数部２１は、検出器リング１２を構成するシンチレータ結晶のうちの２つの組み合わせ毎に消滅γ線ペアが検出された回数をカウントし、この結果を断層画像生成部２２に送出する。同時計数部２１による検出信号の同時性の判断は、クロックによって検出信号に付与された時刻情報が用いられる。断層画像生成部２２は、本発明の画像生成手段に相当する。 A detection signal output from the detector ring 12 is sent to the coincidence counting unit 21 (see FIG. 1) via a filter unit 20 described later. The two gamma rays simultaneously incident on the detector ring 12 are annihilation gamma ray pairs caused by the radiopharmaceutical in the subject. The coincidence counting unit 21 counts the number of times the annihilation γ-ray pair is detected for each two combinations of scintillator crystals constituting the detector ring 12, and sends the result to the tomographic image generating unit 22. The determination of the coincidence of the detection signal by the coincidence unit 21 uses time information given to the detection signal by a clock. The tomographic image generation unit 22 corresponds to the image generation means of the present invention.
　フィルタ部２０は、検出器リング１２における無用なデータを同時計数部２１に送出させない目的で設けられている。フィルタ部２０は、同時計数部２１の負荷を軽減するように検出信号を間引くことができる。　断層画像生成部２２は、同時計数部２１より出力される同時計数データを基に、検出器リング１２の開口部をある平面で裁断したときの断層画像Ｐを生成する。このように、断層画像生成部２２は、検出器リング１２の出力に基づいて放射性薬剤のイメージングを行う。 The filter unit 20 is provided for the purpose of not sending unnecessary data in the detector ring 12 to the coincidence counting unit 21. The filter unit 20 can thin out the detection signal so as to reduce the load on the coincidence counting unit 21. The tomographic image generation unit 22 generates a tomographic image P when the opening of the detector ring 12 is cut along a certain plane based on the coincidence counting data output from the coincidence counting unit 21. As described above, the tomographic image generation unit 22 performs imaging of the radiopharmaceutical based on the output of the detector ring 12.
　断層画像生成部２２は、術者が操作卓３５を通じて入力した乳房Ｂの左右の別を付加情報の一つとして断層画像Ｐに埋め込む。表示部３６は、断層画像Ｐを表示する際に、この埋め込まれた情報を読み取って、乳房Ｂの左右の別を表す表示を放射性薬剤の分布像に重畳表示することができる。 The tomographic image generation unit 22 embeds the right and left distinction of the breast B input by the operator through the console 35 as one of additional information in the tomographic image P. When displaying the tomographic image P, the display unit 36 can read the embedded information and superimpose and display a display representing the left and right of the breast B on the distribution image of the radiopharmaceutical.
　＜乳房Ｂの左右判別に係る構成＞
　続いて、本発明の最も特徴的な構成について説明する。本発明の装置によれば、被検体内の放射性薬剤の分布をイメージングする前に、被検体Ｍの左右の乳房Ｂのうちどちらが検出器リング１２に導入されているか判別する手段を備えている。このような左右の判別に関係する構成は、図１における検出器リング１２，比較部２３，および乳房判別部２４である。以降各部の動作の詳細について説明する。比較部２３は、本発明の比較手段に相当し、乳房判別部２４は、本発明の判別手段に相当する。 <Configuration related to right and left discrimination of breast B>
Next, the most characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described. According to the apparatus of the present invention, there is provided means for determining which of the left and right breasts B of the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 12 before imaging the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical in the subject. The configuration related to such left / right discrimination is the detector ring 12, the comparison unit 23, and the breast discrimination unit 24 in FIG. Hereinafter, details of the operation of each unit will be described. The comparison unit 23 corresponds to the comparison unit of the present invention, and the breast determination unit 24 corresponds to the determination unit of the present invention.
　検出器リング１２は、上述のように消滅γ線ペアを検出する機能を有しているわけであるが、自身に導入されている乳房Ｂが左右のどちらであるかを検出する機能も有している。このような左右判別に係るγ線の検出を行う場合、検出器リング１２は、放射線検出器１の各々に入射するγ線を単純にカウントする。したがって、左右判別に係る検出においては、検出器リング１２を構成する放射線検出器の各々についてのγ線のカウント数が検出器リング１２の検出結果となり、検出結果は具体的には、放射線検出器各々のカウント数を示した例えばテーブルとなる。この様な検出器リング１２の検出方法は、乳房Ｂにおける放射性薬剤分布のイメージング時の放射線のペアの検出とは異なる方式となっており、比較部２３の動作に係るγ線の検出は放射性薬剤のイメージングに係るγ線の検出とは独立して行われる。この検出をシングルγ線検出と呼ぶことにする。 The detector ring 12 has a function of detecting an annihilation gamma ray pair as described above, but also has a function of detecting whether the breast B introduced to itself is left or right. ing. When detecting such γ rays related to the left / right discrimination, the detector ring 12 simply counts γ rays incident on each of the radiation detectors 1. Therefore, in the detection related to the left / right discrimination, the count number of γ rays for each of the radiation detectors constituting the detector ring 12 becomes the detection result of the detector ring 12, and the detection result is specifically the radiation detector. For example, it is a table showing each count number. Such a detection method of the detector ring 12 is a method different from the detection of a radiation pair at the time of imaging the radiopharmaceutical distribution in the breast B, and the detection of γ rays related to the operation of the comparison unit 23 is a radiopharmaceutical. This is performed independently of the detection of γ rays related to the imaging. This detection will be referred to as single gamma ray detection.
　こうして検出器リング１２が出力したシングルγ線検出の検出結果は、左右の乳房Ｂのどちらが検出器リング１２に導入されているかを示しているのでこれについて説明する。図４は、被検体Ｍに投与された放射性薬剤の分布を示している。被検体Ｍに放射性薬剤を投与すると、放射性薬剤はイメージングしたい乳房Ｂのみならず、被検体Ｍの体幹部にも局在する。このような乳房Ｂにない放射性薬剤は、被検体Ｍの内臓や脳など図４の網掛けで示す脊椎の付近（被検体Ｍの中心軸）により多く存在している傾向がある。このような体幹部に位置する放射性薬剤からも消滅γ線ペアが発生している。これらγ線のペアのうち両方が検出器リング１２に入射することはまれだとしても、一方のみが遮蔽プレート１３を透過して検出器リング１２に入射することはよくある。 The detection result of the single γ-ray detection output from the detector ring 12 in this way indicates which of the left and right breasts B is introduced into the detector ring 12 and will be described. FIG. 4 shows the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical administered to the subject M. When a radiopharmaceutical is administered to the subject M, the radiopharmaceutical is localized not only in the breast B to be imaged but also in the trunk of the subject M. Such radiopharmaceuticals not present in the breast B tend to be present more in the vicinity of the spine (center axis of the subject M) such as the internal organs and brains of the subject M shown by the shaded area in FIG. An annihilation gamma ray pair is also generated from a radiopharmaceutical located in such a trunk. Even though both of these gamma ray pairs are rarely incident on the detector ring 12, only one is often transmitted through the shielding plate 13 and incident on the detector ring 12.
　図５左側は、被検体Ｍの乳房Ｂのうち被検体Ｍに向かって左にある乳房Ｂが検出器リング１２に導入されている場合を示している。このとき、検出器リング１２を右半分と左半分の領域に分け、いずれの領域により多くのγ線が入射するかを考えてみる。このときの本発明の検出器リング１２の左右は、被検体の左右に対応して定義される。図５左側の場合、検出器リング１２には、被検体Ｍの中心軸に近い被検体Ｍに向かって右側の斜線で示す領域に多くのγ線が入射し、中心軸から遠い左側の領域にはさほどγ線は入射しない。 The left side of FIG. 5 shows a case where the breast B on the left side of the breast B of the subject M toward the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 12. At this time, the detector ring 12 is divided into a right half region and a left half region, and it is considered which region receives more γ rays. The left and right sides of the detector ring 12 of the present invention at this time are defined corresponding to the left and right sides of the subject. In the case of the left side of FIG. 5, many γ rays are incident on the detector ring 12 in the region indicated by the oblique line on the right side toward the subject M close to the central axis of the subject M, and in the left region far from the central axis. Not so much γ rays are incident.
　図５右側は、被検体Ｍの乳房Ｂのうち被検体Ｍに向かって右にある乳房Ｂが検出器リング１２に導入されている場合を示している。このとき、検出器リング１２を右半分と左半分の領域に分け、いずれの領域により多くのγ線が入射するかを考えてみる。図５右側の場合、被検体Ｍの中心軸に近い被検体Ｍに向かって左側の斜線で示す領域に多くのγ線が入射し、中心軸から遠い右側の領域にはさほどγ線は入射しない。つまり、検出器リング１２の右半分と左半分とでどちらがγ線を多く検出するかは、検出器リング１２に導入された乳房Ｂの左右に応じて変わるということになる。 The right side of FIG. 5 shows a case where the breast B located on the right side of the breast B of the subject M toward the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 12. At this time, the detector ring 12 is divided into a right half region and a left half region, and it is considered which region receives more γ rays. In the case of the right side of FIG. 5, many γ rays are incident on the left hatched area toward the subject M close to the central axis of the subject M, and not much γ rays are incident on the right area far from the central axis. . That is, which of the right half and the left half of the detector ring 12 detects more γ rays depends on the left and right of the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12.
　検出器リング１２からシングルγ線検出の検出結果を受け取った比較部２３は、検出器リング１２の右半分と左半分とでγ線のカウント数を比較する。すなわち、比較部２３は、検出器リング１２を構成する放射線検出器１のうち、被検体Ｍに向かって右側にあるものが出力したγ線のカウント数の合計値であるΣＲと、左側にあるものが出力したγ線のカウント数の合計値であるΣＬとを算出し比較する。図５の説明によればΣＲとΣＬとの大小関係が検出器リング１２に導入された乳房Ｂの左右の別を表していることになる。 The comparison unit 23 that has received the detection result of the single γ-ray detection from the detector ring 12 compares the count number of γ-rays between the right half and the left half of the detector ring 12. That is, the comparison unit 23 is on the left side with ΣR, which is the total value of the counts of γ rays output from the radiation detector 1 constituting the detector ring 12 on the right side toward the subject M. Calculate and compare ΣL, which is the total value of the γ-ray counts output by the device. According to the description of FIG. 5, the magnitude relationship between ΣR and ΣL represents the left and right distinction of the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12.
　ところで、ΣＲとΣＬとの大小関係はどの程度の信頼性をもって乳房Ｂの左右の別を表しているのであろうか。というのも、体幹部由来のγ線をカウントしようとすると、検出器リング１２に入射した乳房由来のγ線もカウントしてしまう。また、被検体Ｍの中心軸に放射線薬剤が集まるというのも必ずそうなるとは限らず、図５で説明した理想通りとはならないこともある。図６は、この様な問題点について検討している。図６においては、ΣＲ＞ΣＬの状態を表している。このとき、検出器リング１２を構成する放射線検出器１の各々が出力したカウント数を見ていくと、右側に位置する検出器由来のカウント数は全体的に左側に位置する検出器由来のカウント数よりも高くはなっている。しかし、個別のカウント数自体は検出器の間で揺らいでおり、この差が果たして有意な差であるのかが問題となる。 By the way, how reliable is the magnitude relationship between ΣR and ΣL that distinguishes the left and right of breast B? This is because if the gamma rays derived from the trunk are to be counted, gamma rays derived from the breast incident on the detector ring 12 are also counted. Further, the collection of radiopharmaceuticals at the central axis of the subject M is not necessarily so, and may not be the ideal described in FIG. FIG. 6 examines such a problem. FIG. 6 shows a state of ΣR> ΣL. At this time, when looking at the count number output from each of the radiation detectors 1 constituting the detector ring 12, the count number derived from the detector located on the right side is the count derived from the detector located on the left side as a whole. It is higher than the number. However, the individual count number itself fluctuates between detectors, and it is a problem whether this difference is a significant difference.
　本発明においては、この問題を統計処理を施して解決している。すなわち、比較部２３は、ΣＲ＞ΣＬの場合、ΣＲ－ΣＲ１／２＞ΣＬ＋ΣＬ１／２が成り立てば、γ線の入射が検出器リング１２の右側に偏っているものと取り扱うようにしている。同様に、比較部２３は、ΣＬ＞ΣＲの場合、ΣＬ－ΣＬ１／２＞ΣＲ＋ΣＲ１／２が成り立てば、γ線の入射が検出器リング１２の右側に偏っているものと取り扱うようにしている。ΣＲ１／２，ΣＬ１／２は、ルートＮなどと呼ばれる統計上の指標で、加算すると合計値を過大評価した値が得られ、減算すると合計値を過小評価した値が得られる。過小評価したΣＲが過大評価したΣＬよりも大きければ、統計的にある程度信頼をおいてΣＲはΣＬよりも有意に大きかったということができるわけである。比較部２３は、この様にしてγ線のカウント数を検出器リング１２の左右で比較する。 In the present invention, this problem is solved by performing statistical processing. That is, when ΣR> ΣL, the comparison unit 23 treats that the incidence of γ rays is biased to the right side of the detector ring 12 if ΣR−ΣR 1/2 > ΣL + ΣL 1/2 holds. . Similarly, when ΣL> ΣR, the comparison unit 23 treats that the incidence of γ rays is biased to the right side of the detector ring 12 when ΣL−ΣL 1/2 > ΣR + ΣR 1/2 is established. Yes. ΣR 1/2 and ΣL 1/2 are statistical indicators called root N or the like, and when added, a value that overestimates the total value is obtained, and when subtracted, a value that underestimates the total value is obtained. If the underestimated ΣR is larger than the overestimated ΣL, it can be said that ΣR was significantly larger than ΣL with some statistical confidence. In this way, the comparison unit 23 compares the count number of γ rays on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12.
　比較部２３は、検出器リング１２の左右で見られるγ線のカウント数の比較結果を乳房判別部２４に送出する。乳房判別部２４は、比較結果がγ線の入射が検出器リング１２の右側に偏っていることを表す場合は、検出器リング１２に被検体Ｍの左乳房が導入されているものと判別し、比較結果がγ線の入射が検出器リング１２の左側に偏っていることを表す場合は、検出器リング１２に被検体Ｍの右乳房が導入されているものと判別する。このようにして、乳房判別部２４は、比較部２３の比較結果に従い、検出器リング１２に導入された乳房Ｂが左右のどちらであるかを判別する。 The comparison unit 23 sends the comparison result of the γ-ray counts seen on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12 to the breast discrimination unit 24. The breast discriminating unit 24 discriminates that the left breast of the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 12 when the comparison result indicates that the incidence of γ rays is biased to the right side of the detector ring 12. When the comparison result indicates that the incidence of γ rays is biased to the left side of the detector ring 12, it is determined that the right breast of the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 12. In this manner, the breast discriminating unit 24 discriminates whether the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12 is left or right according to the comparison result of the comparing unit 23.
　通知部３１には、乳房判別部２４の判別結果が送られてきている。通知部３１は、判別結果を術者に通知する。通知部３１の具体的態様としては、表示部３６を通じて行ってもよいし、音声を通じて行ってもよい。通知部３１は、乳房判別部２４の判別結果を通知する構成であり、本発明の通知手段に相当する。 The notification result of the breast determination unit 24 is sent to the notification unit 31. The notification unit 31 notifies the operator of the determination result. As a specific aspect of the notification unit 31, the notification unit 31 may be performed through the display unit 36 or may be performed through voice. The notification unit 31 is configured to notify the determination result of the breast determination unit 24 and corresponds to a notification unit of the present invention.
　表示部３６は、断層画像生成部２２が生成した断層画像Ｐを表示させるものである。記憶部３７は、検出器リング１２が出力する検出信号、同時計数部２１が生成する同時計数データ、断層画像Ｐ等、各部の動作によって生じるデータ、および各部の動作に際して参照されるパラメータの一切を記憶するものである。 The display unit 36 displays the tomographic image P generated by the tomographic image generation unit 22. The storage unit 37 stores all of the detection signal output from the detector ring 12, the coincidence counting data generated by the coincidence counting unit 21, the data generated by the operation of each unit such as the tomographic image P, and the parameters referred to in the operation of each unit. It is something to remember.
　なお、放射線断層撮影装置９は、各部を統括的に制御する主制御部４１を備えている。この主制御部４１は、ＣＰＵによって構成され、各種のプログラムを実行することにより、各部１９，２０，２１，２２，２３，２４を実現している。なお、上述の各部はそれらを担当する制御装置に分割されて実現されてもよい。操作卓３５は、検査に係る乳房Ｂが左右のいずれかであるかの入力など術者の各種入力を受け付けるものであり、本発明の入力手段に相当する。本発明に係る装置は、術者の入力と乳房判別部２４との異なる２系統から乳房Ｂの左右の別を示す情報を得るように構成されている。 The radiation tomography apparatus 9 includes a main control unit 41 that controls each unit in an integrated manner. The main control unit 41 is constituted by a CPU, and realizes the respective units 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 by executing various programs. In addition, each above-mentioned part may be divided | segmented and implement | achieved by the control apparatus which takes charge of them. The console 35 receives various inputs from the surgeon such as whether the breast B involved in the examination is left or right, and corresponds to the input means of the present invention. The apparatus according to the present invention is configured to obtain information indicating the left and right distinction of the breast B from two different systems of the operator's input and the breast discriminating unit 24.
　＜画像撮影装置の動作＞
　続いて、図７を参照しつつ画像撮影装置の動作について説明する。実施例１に係る放射線断層撮影装置９で乳房Ｂの断層画像Ｐを取得するにはまず、被検体Ｍが天板１０に載置される（被検体載置ステップＳ１）。このとき、被検体Ｍの左右の乳房Ｂのいずれかが検出器リング１２の内部に導入される。その後、術者は操作卓３５を通じて、検出器リング１２の内部に導入された乳房Ｂが左右のどちらかであるかを装置に入力する（左右入力ステップＳ２）。この術者が入力した左右の別は、断層画像Ｐに埋め込まれる付加情報の一つとなる。 <Operation of image capturing device>
Next, the operation of the image photographing device will be described with reference to FIG. In order to acquire the tomographic image P of the breast B with the radiation tomography apparatus 9 according to the first embodiment, first, the subject M is placed on the top 10 (subject placement step S1). At this time, one of the left and right breasts B of the subject M is introduced into the detector ring 12. Thereafter, the operator inputs to the apparatus whether the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12 is left or right through the console 35 (left / right input step S2). The left / right distinction input by the surgeon is one piece of additional information embedded in the tomographic image P.
　術者が操作卓３５を通じて撮影動作の開始を指示すると、検出器リング制御部１９は、検出器リング１２に、乳房Ｂの判別に係るγ線の検出を開始させる指示を行い、検出器リング１２はこの指示を受けてシングルγ線の検出を開始させる（シングルγ線検出ステップＳ３）。このシングルγ線の検出は例えば１秒で終了する。 When the surgeon instructs the start of the imaging operation through the console 35, the detector ring control unit 19 instructs the detector ring 12 to start detection of γ rays related to the determination of the breast B, and the detector ring 12 In response to this instruction, starts detecting single γ rays (single γ ray detection step S3). This single gamma ray detection is completed in one second, for example.
　シングルγ線の検出が終了すると、検出器リング１２は、検出結果を比較部２３に送出する。比較部２３は、γ線のカウント数を検出器リング１２の左右で比較し、比較結果を乳房判別部２４に送出する。乳房判別部２４は、比較結果に基づいて検出器リング１２に導入されている乳房Ｂが左右のいずれであるかを判別する（乳房判別ステップＳ４）。 When the detection of the single γ-ray is completed, the detector ring 12 sends the detection result to the comparison unit 23. The comparison unit 23 compares the count number of γ rays on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12, and sends the comparison result to the breast discrimination unit 24. The breast discriminating unit 24 discriminates whether the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12 is left or right based on the comparison result (breast discrimination step S4).
　乳房判別部２４の判別結果は、通知部３１に送出される。通知部３１は、判別結果を表示部３６などを通じて術者に通知する。また、通知部３１には、左右入力ステップＳ２において術者が入力した左右の別を示す情報が送られている。通知部３１は、乳房判別部２４の判別結果が術者の入力と矛盾している場合、術者の入力が誤っている可能性を喚起する警告を発する（警告ステップＳ５）。この警告の様式は、通常の通知部３１が行う通知よりも術者にとって目立つものとなっており、具体的手段は特に限定されない。このようにして、通知部３１は、術者の入力と乳房判別部２４の判別結果とが異なる旨を通知する。 The discrimination result of the breast discrimination unit 24 is sent to the notification unit 31. The notification unit 31 notifies the operator of the determination result through the display unit 36 or the like. The notification unit 31 is also sent with information indicating the left / right distinction input by the surgeon in the left / right input step S2. When the determination result of the breast determination unit 24 is inconsistent with the operator's input, the notification unit 31 issues a warning that urges the possibility that the operator's input is incorrect (warning step S5). This warning style is more conspicuous for the surgeon than the notification performed by the normal notification unit 31, and the specific means is not particularly limited. In this way, the notification unit 31 notifies that the operator's input is different from the determination result of the breast determination unit 24.
　通知部３１が行う通知が終了すると、検出器リング制御部１９は、検出器リング１２，フィルタ部２０，同時計数部２１に乳房Ｂのイメージングに係るγ線の検出を開始させる指示を行い、各部１２，２０，２１はこの指示を受けてγ線の同時計数を開始させる（同時計数ステップＳ６）。この同時計数動作は例えば３０分程度かかる。断層画像生成部２２が、この同時計数の結果を基に乳房Ｂの断層画像Ｐが生成し、これが表示部３６に表示されると、実施例１に係る装置の動作は終了となる（断層画像表示ステップＳ７）。 When the notification performed by the notification unit 31 is completed, the detector ring control unit 19 instructs the detector ring 12, the filter unit 20, and the coincidence counting unit 21 to start detecting γ rays related to the imaging of the breast B. In response to this instruction, 12, 20, and 21 start coincidence counting of γ rays (simultaneous counting step S6). This coincidence operation takes about 30 minutes, for example. When the tomographic image generation unit 22 generates a tomographic image P of the breast B based on the result of the coincidence counting and displays it on the display unit 36, the operation of the apparatus according to the first embodiment is completed (tomographic image). Display step S7).
　なお、検出器リング制御部１９は、乳房判別部２４の判別が終了するのを待って、放射性薬剤のイメージングに係るγ線の検出を検出器リング１２に開始させる。すなわち、上述の同時計数ステップＳ６は、術者の入力を要せず自動で実行されるようになっている。ただし、術者の入力が誤っている可能性を喚起する警告が発せられた場合、術者が撮影続行の指示を行わなければ、装置は、同時計数ステップＳ６に移行せず、これに伴い検出器リング制御部１９は同時計数を開始させない。 The detector ring control unit 19 causes the detector ring 12 to start detecting γ-rays related to radiopharmaceutical imaging after the discrimination of the breast discrimination unit 24 is completed. That is, the above-described coincidence counting step S6 is automatically executed without requiring an operator's input. However, if a warning is issued to alert the operator to the possibility that the input is incorrect, the apparatus will not move to the coincidence counting step S6 unless the operator gives an instruction to continue shooting. The instrument ring controller 19 does not start coincidence counting.
　以上のように、本発明に係る乳房検査用画像撮影装置によれば、左右のうちどちらの乳房Ｂのイメージングを行っているか簡便かつ正確に判別できる。乳房Ｂの放射性薬剤のイメージングを行う場合、放射性薬剤は被検体Ｍの体幹部にも分布している。この様な事情を利用して本発明の装置は、放射線のカウント数を検出器リング１２の左右で比較して、被検体Ｍの体幹部が検出器リング１２の右側に偏っているかそれとも左側に偏っているかを知るようにしている。被検体Ｍの体幹部の位置さえ区別できれば検出器リング１２に導入された乳房Ｂが左右のどちらであるかが正確に判別できる。
　しかも、本発明の構成によれば、もともとイメージングに必要な検出器リング１２で乳房Ｂの左右の判断ができる。したがって、特別な部材を設ける必要がなく簡便に乳房Ｂの左右を区別することができる。 As described above, according to the image inspection apparatus for breast examination according to the present invention, it is possible to easily and accurately determine which of the left and right breasts B is being imaged. When imaging the radiopharmaceutical of the breast B, the radiopharmaceutical is also distributed in the trunk of the subject M. Taking advantage of such circumstances, the apparatus of the present invention compares the radiation counts on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12, and the trunk of the subject M is biased to the right side of the detector ring 12 or on the left side. I try to know if it is biased. As long as the position of the trunk of the subject M can be distinguished, it can be accurately determined whether the breast B introduced into the detector ring 12 is left or right.
Moreover, according to the configuration of the present invention, the right and left of the breast B can be determined by the detector ring 12 that is originally required for imaging. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a special member, and the left and right of the breast B can be distinguished easily.
　本発明は上述の構成に限られず下記のように変形実施が可能である。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration and can be modified as follows.
　（１）上述の構成では、断層画像生成部２２は、術者が操作卓３５を通じて入力した乳房Ｂの左右の別を付加情報の一つとして断層画像Ｐに埋め込むようにしていたが、本発明はこの構成に限られない。断層画像生成部２２がイメージングに係る乳房Ｂが左右のいずれであるかを乳房判別部２４の判別結果に基づいて認識するようにしてもよい。 (1) In the above-described configuration, the tomographic image generation unit 22 embeds the right and left distinction of the breast B input by the operator through the console 35 as one of the additional information in the tomographic image P. Is not limited to this configuration. The tomographic image generation unit 22 may recognize whether the breast B related to imaging is left or right based on the determination result of the breast determination unit 24.
　（２）上述の構成では、比較部２３は、ΣＲ＞ΣＬの場合、ΣＲ－ΣＲ１／２＞ΣＬ＋ΣＬ１／２が成り立てば、γ線の入射が検出器リング１２の右側に偏っているものと取り扱うようにしていたが、本発明はこの構成に限られない。比較部２３が例えば、ΣＲ－ｋ×ΣＲ１／２がΣＬ＋ｋ×ΣＬ１／２よりも大きいかどうかを比較するように構成してもよい。１より大きな値をｋに設定すれば、ΣＲの過小評価の度合いとΣＬの過大評価の度合いが大きくなり、より厳しい条件でカウント数の比較が行われるようになる。この様にすれば、より乳房Ｂの誤判定が抑制された装置が提供できる。この様な事情は、ΣＬ＞ΣＲの場合でも同様である。係数ｋの具体例としては、例えば３が挙げられる。 (2) In the above-described configuration, when ΣR> ΣL, the comparison unit 23 is configured such that γ-ray incidence is biased to the right side of the detector ring 12 when ΣR−ΣR 1/2 > ΣL + ΣL 1/2 is satisfied. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the comparison unit 23 may be configured to compare whether ΣR−k × ΣR 1/2 is greater than ΣL + k × ΣL 1/2 . If a value greater than 1 is set to k, the degree of underestimation of ΣR and the degree of overestimation of ΣL increase, and the count numbers are compared under more severe conditions. In this way, it is possible to provide an apparatus in which erroneous determination of the breast B is further suppressed. Such a situation is the same even when ΣL> ΣR. A specific example of the coefficient k is 3, for example.
　（３）上述の構成では、シングルγ線検出に検出器リング１２の全域を用いていたが、本発明はこの構成に限られない。例えば図８の網掛けで示すように、検出器リング１２の右端と左端とに位置する放射線検出器１をシングルγ線検出に用い、検出器リング１２の上下端に位置する放射線検出器１をシングルγ線検出に用いない構成とすることもできる。この様な構成とすれば、体幹部由来のγ線を検出する際の左右の偏りをより明確に区別できる可能性がある。なお、この場合、シングルγ線検出を行う放射線検出器１の個数は、検出器リング１２の左右で同数とする方が望ましい。 (3) In the above-described configuration, the entire region of the detector ring 12 is used for single γ-ray detection, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown by the shaded area in FIG. 8, the radiation detectors 1 positioned at the right and left ends of the detector ring 12 are used for single gamma ray detection, and the radiation detectors 1 positioned at the upper and lower ends of the detector ring 12 are used. A configuration not used for single gamma ray detection can also be adopted. With such a configuration, there is a possibility that the left-right bias when detecting gamma rays derived from the trunk can be more clearly distinguished. In this case, it is desirable that the number of radiation detectors 1 that perform single γ-ray detection is the same on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12.
　（４）上述の構成では、シングルγ線検出時のカウントを行う際のエネルギーウィンドウについては何ら記載はなかったが、例えば、５１１ｋｅｖを含んだエネルギーウィンドウを設定して、放射性薬剤に由来する５１１ｋｅｖ程度のエネルギーを持ったγ線のみを検出するようにしてもよい。エネルギーウィンドウを設定した場合、検出器リング１２が出力するエネルギーウィンドウから外れたエネルギーを有するγ線の検出結果は、フィルタ部２０により破棄されることになる。
　また、エネルギーウィンドウを５１１ｋｅｖよりも低いエネルギーを含むように設定してもよい。体幹部から出射したγ線は、放射性薬剤由来なので、５１１ｋｅｖのエネルギーを有している。しかし、このようなγ線は、検出器リング１２に向かうまでに遮蔽プレート１３や天板１０，ガントリ１１等を通過するので、エネルギーが発生時よりも低下してしまう。本発明によれば、エネルギーウィンドウをこの様な事情を考慮して設けるようにしてもよい。 (4) In the above-described configuration, there was no description about the energy window when performing counting at the time of single γ-ray detection. For example, an energy window including 511 kev is set, and about 511 kev derived from the radiopharmaceutical Only γ rays having the following energy may be detected. When the energy window is set, the detection result of the γ rays having energy deviating from the energy window output from the detector ring 12 is discarded by the filter unit 20.
Further, the energy window may be set to include energy lower than 511 kev. Since γ rays emitted from the trunk are derived from radiopharmaceuticals, they have energy of 511 kev. However, since such γ rays pass through the shielding plate 13, the top plate 10, the gantry 11, and the like before going to the detector ring 12, energy is lower than when it is generated. According to the present invention, the energy window may be provided in consideration of such circumstances.
　（５）上述の構成では、Ｏ形状の検出器リング１２を有していたが、これに代えてＣ形状の検出器リング１２で本発明を実施してもよい。
　また、γ線のカウント数を検出器リング１２の左右で比較する際に、検出器リング１２がＣ形状の場合などのように検出器リング１２の左右で放射線検出器１の個数が異なれば、シングルγ線のカウント数の合計値を検出器リング１２の左右で比較しても、偏りを正確に把握できないのではないかとも思われる。従って本変形例では、比較部２３は、放射線検出器１個当たりのγ線のカウント数を検出器リング１２の左右で比較することで正確な比較を行えるようにしている。この様な構成は、Ｏ形状の検出器リング１２であっても、シングルγ線検出を行う放射線検出器１が左右で違う場合にも有効である。 (5) Although the O-shaped detector ring 12 is provided in the above-described configuration, the present invention may be implemented with the C-shaped detector ring 12 instead.
Further, when the count number of γ rays is compared between the left and right sides of the detector ring 12, if the number of the radiation detectors 1 is different on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12 as in the case where the detector ring 12 has a C shape, Even if the total number of counts of single γ-rays is compared between the left and right sides of the detector ring 12, it may not be possible to accurately grasp the bias. Therefore, in the present modification, the comparison unit 23 can perform an accurate comparison by comparing the number of counts of γ rays per radiation detector on the left and right sides of the detector ring 12. Such a configuration is effective even in the case of the O-shaped detector ring 12 when the radiation detector 1 that performs single γ-ray detection is different on the left and right.
　以上のように、本発明は、医用に適している。 As described above, the present invention is suitable for medical use.
１２   検出器リング
１９   検出器リング制御部（検出器リング制御手段）
２２   断層画像生成部（画像生成手段）
２３   比較部（比較手段）
２４   乳房判別部（判別手段）
３１   通知部（通知手段）
３６   操作卓（入力手段） 12 Detector ring 19 Detector ring control part (detector ring control means)
22 Tomographic image generation unit (image generation means)
23 Comparison part (comparison means)
24 Breast discrimination unit (discrimination means)
31 Notification unit (notification means)
36 Console (input means)

Claims (6)

  1. 　放射線を検出する検出器が弧状に配列されて構成される検出器リングと、
    　放射線のカウント数を前記検出器リングの左右で比較する比較手段と、
    　前記比較手段の比較結果に従い、前記検出器リングに導入された乳房が左右のどちらであるかを判別する判別手段とを備えていることを特徴とする乳房検査用画像撮影装置。     A detector ring configured with detectors for detecting radiation arranged in an arc; and
    Comparing means for comparing the radiation count on the left and right of the detector ring;
    An imaging apparatus for breast examination, comprising: discrimination means for discriminating whether the breast introduced into the detector ring is left or right according to the comparison result of the comparison means.
  2. 　請求項１に記載の乳房検査用画像撮影装置において、
    　前記比較手段の動作に係る放射線の検出は、放射性薬剤のイメージングに係る放射線の検出とは独立して行われることを特徴とする乳房検査用画像撮影装置。     The image capturing apparatus for breast examination according to claim 1,
    An image capturing apparatus for breast examination, wherein the detection of the radiation related to the operation of the comparison means is performed independently of the detection of the radiation related to the imaging of the radiopharmaceutical.
  3. 　請求項２に記載の乳房検査用画像撮影装置において、
    　前記検出器リングを制御する検出器リング制御手段を備え、
    　前記検出器リング制御手段は、前記判別手段の判別が終了するのを待って、放射性薬剤のイメージングに係る放射線の検出を前記検出器リングに開始させることを特徴とする乳房検査用画像撮影装置。     The image capturing apparatus for breast examination according to claim 2,
    Detector ring control means for controlling the detector ring;
    The detector ring control means waits for the discrimination of the discrimination means to be completed, and causes the detector ring to start detecting radiation related to radiopharmaceutical imaging.
  4. 　請求項１ないし請求項３のいずれかに記載の乳房検査用画像撮影装置において、
    　前記判別手段の判別結果を通知する通知手段を備えていることを特徴とする乳房検査用画像撮影装置。     The image capturing apparatus for breast examination according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
    An image photographing apparatus for breast examination, characterized by comprising notifying means for notifying the discrimination result of the discrimination means.
  5. 　請求項４に記載の乳房検査用画像撮影装置において、
    　術者に検査に係る乳房が左右のいずれかであるかを入力させる入力手段を備え、
    　前記通知手段は、術者の入力と前記判別手段の判別結果とが異なる旨を通知することを特徴とする乳房検査用画像撮影装置。     The image capturing apparatus for breast examination according to claim 4,
    Comprising input means for allowing the operator to input whether the breast to be examined is left or right;
    The breast imaging image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies that an operator's input is different from a determination result of the determining unit.
  6. 　請求項１ないし請求項５のいずれかに記載の乳房検査用画像撮影装置において、
    　前記検出器リングの出力に基づいて放射性薬剤のイメージングを行う画像生成手段を更に備え、
    　前記画像生成手段は、イメージングに係る乳房が左右のいずれであるかを前記判別手段の判別結果に基づいて認識することを特徴とする乳房検査用画像撮影装置。
          The image capturing apparatus for breast examination according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
    Further comprising image generating means for imaging the radiopharmaceutical based on the output of the detector ring;
    An image photographing apparatus for breast examination, wherein the image generating means recognizes whether a breast related to imaging is left or right based on a determination result of the determining means.
PCT/JP2013/084368 2013-12-20 2013-12-20 Image capture device for use in breast examinations WO2015092940A1 (en)

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CN105078488A (en) * 2015-07-31 2015-11-25 上海联影医疗科技有限公司 Mammography system
CN105286796A (en) * 2015-10-30 2016-02-03 上海联影医疗科技有限公司 Photographic method of mammary gland photographing system and mammary gland photographing system

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JP2007195801A (en) * 2006-01-27 2007-08-09 Toshiba Corp Mammography
JP2007271452A (en) * 2006-03-31 2007-10-18 Shimadzu Corp Mammography system
JP2013092453A (en) * 2011-10-26 2013-05-16 Shimadzu Corp Radiographic device for breast medical examination

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JP2007195801A (en) * 2006-01-27 2007-08-09 Toshiba Corp Mammography
JP2007271452A (en) * 2006-03-31 2007-10-18 Shimadzu Corp Mammography system
JP2013092453A (en) * 2011-10-26 2013-05-16 Shimadzu Corp Radiographic device for breast medical examination

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105078488A (en) * 2015-07-31 2015-11-25 上海联影医疗科技有限公司 Mammography system
CN105286796A (en) * 2015-10-30 2016-02-03 上海联影医疗科技有限公司 Photographic method of mammary gland photographing system and mammary gland photographing system

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