Dr. Martin P. Tornai Profile

Dr. Martin P. Tornai

Associate Professor at Duke Univ Medical Ctr

Area of Expertise:

breast CT , nuclear medicine , SPECT , molecular breast imaging , radiation detectors , x-ray spectroscopy

Websites:

Company Website

Publications (33)

SPIE Journal Paper | 12 September 2023 Open Access

Introduction to the JMI Special Issue on Advances in Breast Imaging

Hilde Bosmans, Robert Marti, Nicholas Marshall, Martin Tornai, Reyer Zwiggelaer, Alistair Mackenzie

JMI, Vol. 10, Issue S2, S22401, (September 2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMI.10.S2.S22401

KEYWORDS: Digital breast tomosynthesis, Breast imaging, Breast, Cancer detection, Breast cancer, Artificial intelligence, Animal model studies, Mammography, Ultrasonography, Evolutionary algorithms

Read Abstract +

DOWNLOAD PAPER

Proceedings Article | 22 May 2020 Paper

High sensitivity dedicated dual-breast PET/MR imaging: concept and preliminary simulations

Martin Tornai, Suranjana Samanta, Stanislaw Majewski, Mark Williams, Timothy Turkington, Alan Register, Jianyong Jiang, Segei Dolinsky, Joseph O'Sullivan, Yuan-Chuan Tai

Proceedings Volume 11513, 1151318 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2563650

KEYWORDS: Positron emission tomography, Breast, Sensors, Monte Carlo methods, Imaging systems, Magnetic resonance imaging, Biopsy, Scanners, Chest, Breast imaging

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 24 April 2019 Open Access

Special Section Guest Editorial: Advances in Breast Imaging

Elizabeth Krupinski, Sue Astley, Robert Marti, Martin Tornai, Reyer Zwiggelaar

JMI, Vol. 6, Issue 03, 031401, (April 2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMI.6.3.031401

KEYWORDS: Digital breast tomosynthesis, Breast imaging, Breast cancer, Breast, Cancer, Digital mammography, Computer simulations, Mammography, Radiology, Optical filters

Read Abstract +

DOWNLOAD PAPER

SPIE Journal Paper | 31 July 2017

Implementation and CT sampling characterization of a third-generation SPECT–CT system for dedicated breast imaging

Jainil Shah, Steve Mann, Randolph McKinley, Martin Tornai

JMI, Vol. 4, Issue 03, 033502, (July 2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMI.4.3.033502

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 1 October 2015 Open Access

The Spectrum of Medical Imaging in the 2015 International Year of Light

Maryellen Giger, Martin Tornai

JMI, Vol. 2, Issue 03, 030101, (October 2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMI.2.3.030101

KEYWORDS: Medical imaging, Electromagnetism, Visible radiation, Magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray computed tomography, Positron emission tomography, Breast, Imaging systems, Algorithm development, Reconstruction algorithms

DOWNLOAD PAPER

SPIE Journal Paper | 21 September 2015

Characterization of simulated incident scatter and the impact on quantification in dedicated breast single-photon emission computed tomography

Steve Mann, Martin Tornai

JMI, Vol. 2, Issue 03, 033504, (September 2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMI.2.3.033504

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Breast, Monte Carlo methods, Directed energy weapons, Heart, Liver, Single photon emission computed tomography, Imaging systems, Cameras, Photons

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 20 March 2015 Paper

Initial evaluation of a modified dual-energy window scatter correction method for CZT-based gamma cameras for breast SPECT

Steve Mann, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 9413, 94132X (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2082195

KEYWORDS: Directed energy weapons, Sensors, Single photon emission computed tomography, Cameras, Breast, Calibration, Cadmium, Zinc, Detector arrays, Imaging systems

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 18 March 2015 Paper

Three dimensional dose distribution comparison of simple and complex acquisition trajectories in dedicated breast CT using radiochromic film

Jainil Shah, Steve Mann, Randolph McKinley, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 9412, 94121K (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2082081

KEYWORDS: Breast, Chest, X-rays, Nipple, 3D acquisition, X-ray computed tomography, Calibration, Imaging systems, Tungsten, Ionization

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 19 March 2014 Paper

Comparison of the effect of simple and complex acquisition trajectories on the 2D SPR and 3D voxelized differences for dedicated breast CT imaging

Jainil Shah, Steve Mann, Randolph McKinley, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 9033, 90332L (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2043764

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Breast, X-ray computed tomography, 3D acquisition, 3D image processing, Data acquisition, Signal attenuation, 3D metrology, Sensors, Reconstruction algorithms

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 19 March 2014 Paper

Design of a nested SPECT-CT system with fully suspended CT sub-system for dedicated breast imaging

Jainil Shah, Steve Mann, Randolph McKinley, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 9033, 90335O (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2043739

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, X-ray computed tomography, Single photon emission computed tomography, Chest, Computed tomography, Breast, 3D image processing, X-rays, Sensors, SolidWorks

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 19 March 2014 Paper

MTF characterization in 2D and 3D for a high resolution, large field of view flat panel imager for cone beam CT

Jainil Shah, Steve Mann, Martin Tornai, Michelle Richmond, George Zentai

Proceedings Volume 9033, 90333V (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2043727

KEYWORDS: Modulation transfer functions, Sensors, Imaging systems, 3D metrology, 3D image processing, Image resolution, Tungsten, Breast, X-ray computed tomography, Spatial resolution

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 7 March 2014 Paper

Coded aperture x-ray scatter tomography

Andrew Holmgren, Kenneth MacCabe, Martin Tornai, David Brady

Proceedings Volume 9020, 90200L (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2048267

KEYWORDS: Sensors, X-rays, Coded apertures, Fluctuations and noise, Tomography, 3D image reconstruction, Scattering, Signal detection, 3D image processing, X-ray detectors

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 17 March 2011 Paper

Detailed characterization of 2D and 3D scatter-to-primary ratios of various breast geometries using a dedicated CT mammotomography system

Jainil Shah, Jan Pachon, Priti Madhav, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 7961, 796158 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.878809

KEYWORDS: Breast, 3D metrology, X-ray computed tomography, X-ray sources, Beam shaping, Signal attenuation, 3D acquisition, Tissues, Chest, Nipple

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 17 March 2011 Paper

Characterization of image quality for 3D scatter-corrected breast CT images

Jan Pachon, Jainil Shah, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 7961, 796159 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.878808

KEYWORDS: Optical spheres, Breast, Signal to noise ratio, Image quality, Signal attenuation, Computed tomography, Reconstruction algorithms, 3D image processing, Medical imaging, Connective tissue

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 22 March 2010 Paper

Investigating the dose distribution in the uncompressed breast with a dedicated CT mammotomography system

Dominic Crotty, Samuel Brady, D'Vone Jackson, Greta Toncheva, Colin Anderson, Terry Yoshizumi, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 7622, 762229 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.845433

KEYWORDS: Breast, Calibration, Nipple, Imaging systems, X-ray computed tomography, Mammography, Tomography, Tissues, X-rays, Monte Carlo methods

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 19 March 2010 Paper

Development of in vivo characterization of breast tissues through absolute attenuation coefficients using dedicated cone-beam CT

Priti Madhav, Christina Li, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 7622, 762209 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.845064

KEYWORDS: Signal attenuation, Breast, Tissues, X-ray computed tomography, X-rays, In vivo imaging, X-ray imaging, Sensors, Imaging systems, Scatter measurement

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 14 March 2009 Paper

Initial investigation of novel trajectories to improve chest wall imaging in a dedicated breast computed tomography system

Dominic Crotty, Randolph McKinley, Priti Madhav, Spencer Cutler, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 7258, 72585L (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.812500

KEYWORDS: Breast, Imaging systems, Chest, Optical spheres, Head, X-rays, Image quality, X-ray computed tomography, Computer aided design, Visualization

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 28 March 2007 Paper

A contrast-detail comparison of computed mammotomography and digital mammography

Randolph McKinley, Martin Tornai, Carey Floyd, Ehsan Samei

Proceedings Volume 6510, 65101D (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.713032

KEYWORDS: Optical spheres, Breast, Mammography, Digital mammography, Sensors, X-ray detectors, Computing systems, Rhodium, Tissues, Imaging systems

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 21 March 2007 Paper

Investigating novel patient bed designs for use in a hybrid dual-modality dedicated 3D breast imaging system

Dominic Crotty, Priti Madhav, Randolph McKinley, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 6510, 65101H (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.713764

KEYWORDS: Imaging systems, Breast, Computer aided design, Single photon emission computed tomography, Chest, Sensors, X-ray computed tomography, 3D image processing, X-rays, Solid modeling

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 21 March 2007 Paper

Evaluation of lesion distortion at various CT system tilts in the development of a hybrid system for dedicated mammotomography

Priti Madhav, Dominic Crotty, Randolph McKinley, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 6510, 65101F (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.713541

KEYWORDS: Breast, Imaging systems, Modulation transfer functions, Distortion, Single photon emission computed tomography, Optical spheres, Spherical lenses, 3D image processing, Reconstruction algorithms, 3D acquisition

Read Abstract +

A hybrid SPECT-CT system for dedicated 3D breast imaging (mammotomography) is currently under development. Each imaging system will be placed on top of a single rotation stage and moved in unison azimuthally, with the SPECT system additionally capable of polar and radial motions. In this initial prototype, the CT system will initially be positioned at a fixed polar tilt. Using a phantom with three tungsten wires, the MTF of the CT system was measured in 3D for different CT system tilts. A phantom with uniformly arranged 0.5cm diameter acrylic spheres was suspended in air in the CT field of view, and also placed at multiple locations and orientations inside an oil-filled breast phantom to evaluate the effect of CT system tilt on lesion visibility and distortion. Projection images were collected using various simple circular orbits with fixed polar tilts ranging between ±15°, and complex 3D saddle trajectories including combined polar and azimuthal motions at maximum polar tilt angles. Reconstructions were performed using an iterative reconstruction algorithm on 4x4 binned projection images with 0.508mm3 voxels. There was minor variation in the MTF in the imaged volume for the CT system at all trajectories, potentially due to the use of an iterative reconstruction algorithm. Results from the spherical cross phantoms indicated that there was more reconstruction inaccuracy and geometric distortion in the reconstructed slices with simple circular orbits with fixed tilt in contrast to complex 3D trajectories. Line profiles further showed a cupping artifact in planes farther away from the flat plane of the x-ray cone beam placed at different tilts. However, this cupping artifact was not seen for images acquired with complex 3D trajectories. This indicated that cupping artifacts can also be caused by undersampled cone beam data. These findings generally indicate that despite insufficient sampling with the cone beam imaging geometry, it is possible to place the CT system at a stationary polar tilt with the CT tube positioned upward such that a patient can be comfortably placed above the system and allow complete sampling near the top of the pendant, uncompressed breast and chest wall. However, a complex 3D trajectory allows for more complete sampling of the entire image volume.

Proceedings Article | 14 March 2007 Paper

Analysis of patient bed positioning in SPECT-CT imaging for dedicated mammotomography

Kristy Perez, Priti Madhav, Dominic Crotty, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 6510, 651037 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.713822

KEYWORDS: Breast, Imaging systems, Single photon emission computed tomography, Computed tomography, X-ray computed tomography, 3D image processing, Solids, Image resolution, Reconstruction algorithms, Breast imaging

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 10 March 2006 Paper

Initial comparison of registration and fusion of SPECT-CmT mammotomography images

Esther Dura, Priti Madhav, Spencer Cutler, Timothy Turkington, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 6144, 614438 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.654477

KEYWORDS: Image registration, Single photon emission computed tomography, Breast, Image fusion, Visualization, Signal attenuation, 3D image processing, Image segmentation, Mammography, Image resolution

Read Abstract +

A hybrid, dual modality single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and x-ray computed mammotomography (CmT) scanner for dedicated breast and axillary imaging is under development. CmT imaging provides high resolution anatomical images, whereas SPECT provides functional images albeit with coarser resolution. As is being seen clinically in whole body imaging, integration of the images is expected to enhance (visually) and improve (with attenuation correction of SPECT) information provided by either modality for the detection, characterization and potentially staging of breast cancer. The registration of these images considers variations in object positions between the different modalities and imaging parameters (pixel size, conditions of acquisition, scan limitations). Automatic methods can be used which find the geometric transformations of the different imaging modalities involved. Here we demonstrate the initial stages of iterative 2-dimensional registration and fusion of SPECT with parallel beam geometry and CmT with offset cone-beam acquisition geometry for mammotomography with images acquired and reconstructed independently on each system. Two registration algorithms are considered: the first is an intrinsic correlation, Mutual Information (MI) method based on intrinsic image content; the second is a rigid body transform method, Iterative Closest Point (ICP) method based on identification of fiducial markers visible to both emission (SPECT) and transmission (CmT) imaging modalities. Experiments include use of a geometric resolution/frequency phantom imaged under different conditions, and two different anthropomorphic breast phantom sizes (325 and 935mL). Initial results with the geometric phantom demonstrate that MI can be misled by highly symmetric features, and ICP using control points is more accurate to within fractions of a voxel. Initial breast phantom studies indicate that object size and SPECT resolution limitations may contribute to registration errors.

Proceedings Article | 2 March 2006 Paper

Investigation of emission contamination in the transmission image of a dual modality computed mammotomography system

Dominic Crotty, Caryl Brzymialkewicz, Randolph McKinley, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 6142, 614237 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.654580

KEYWORDS: Breast, Contamination, Sensors, X-rays, Image transmission, X-ray detectors, Signal to noise ratio, X-ray imaging, Imaging systems, Photons

Read Abstract +

A dual modality SPECT/CT computed mammotomography (CmT) system for dedicated functional/structural breast imaging is under development. In simultaneous, dual-modality imaging, contamination of the transmission (x-ray) image by emission photons from the uncompressed, pendant breast and torso is an important consideration in the design of hybrid imaging hardware. The lack of a collimator on the transmission image detector implies increased geometric efficiency of primary and scattered emission photons from the breast and neighboring torso region that potentially increase transmission image noise. This study investigates the nature and extent of this cross contamination. Projection and tomographic x-ray images are obtained with and without emission activity in a realistic anthropomorphic torso and various breast phantoms, and also with and without lead shielding on the torso for a variety of x-ray exposure times. Results for emission-source contamination of transmission images are quantified in terms of a mean and standard deviation of regions of interest. There was an observed trend of increased contamination with increasing emission radioactivity in the projection images when the x-ray detector was located immediately beneath the torso phantom, but no discernible effect when the detector was lateral to (and beneath) the torso. Torso shielding mitigated this contamination somewhat. Indeed, in reconstructed CmT data, there was both a decrease in SNR and concomitant decrease in mean attenuation coefficient with increasing emission radioactivity contamination. These results are consistent with the expected increased noise due to a uniform emission irradiation of the detector and hence the resulting apparent increase in detected x-ray transmission events (which yield a lower reconstructed attenuation coefficient value). Despite the emission contamination in both projection and reconstructed images, the contamination is uncorrelated, and indeed no reconstruction artifacts were observed under the various measured conditions. This indicates that a simple contamination correction may be possible to the projection data prior to reconstruction.

Proceedings Article | 2 March 2006 Paper

A novel method to characterize the MTF in 3D for computed mammotomography

Priti Madhav, Randolph McKinley, Ehsan Samei, James Bowsher, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 6142, 61421Y (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.653393

KEYWORDS: Modulation transfer functions, 3D metrology, Tungsten, Imaging systems, 3D image processing, Breast, Reconstruction algorithms, Image resolution, Sensors, Computed tomography

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 2 March 2006 Paper

Preliminary investigation of dose for a dedicated mammotomography system

Randolph McKinley, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 6142, 614208 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.654095

KEYWORDS: Breast, Signal to noise ratio, Mammography, Image quality, X-rays, Imaging systems, Tissues, X-ray imaging, Image resolution, Computing systems

Read Abstract +

We use a previously reported, optimized quasi-monochromatic beam technique together with unique complex acquisition trajectories made possible with a novel, dedicated cone-beam transmission computed mammotomography (CmT) system to investigate effects of low dose imaging of pendant, uncompressed breasts. Investigators have used a guideline of dose for CmT type applications as that used for dual-view mammography (4-6 mGy for average breast size). This dose is somewhat arbitrary, and it may be possible to reduce this significantly without sacrificing image quality using our quasi-monochromatic x-ray beam, 3D complex acquisition orbits, and iterative reconstruction techniques. A low-scatter acrylic resolution phantom in various media, a breast phantom with sponge and oil-filled lesions, and a cadaver breast are used to evaluate the effect of lowered dose on resolution and image artifacts. Complex saddle acquisition trajectories (necessary to overcome cone-beam distortion) are carried out for total exposures of 96, 300, and 600 mAs over 240 projections. These exposures relate approximately to 1/10^th, 1/3^rd, and 2/3^rd of the standard dual view mammography dose for an average sized 50% adipose/glandular breast. Iterative reconstruction uses an OSTR algorithm with 0.125 mm³ voxels. Image artifacts increased as dose was reduced but did not appear to greatly degrade image quality except at the lowest contrast tested (1% absolute contrast). As expected, noise increased as dose was reduced. However, this did not appear to affect resolution for rods in air (high contrast), nor rods in oil (20% absolute contrast). Resolution was reduced for rods in water (1% absolute contrast) due to increased prevalence of image artifacts as well as increased noise. Breast phantom imaging of soft lesions in a highly glandular breast (6% absolute contrast) clearly yielded the 60uL and all larger volume lesions. Preliminary biological breast tissue results illustrate excellent subjective image quality at all dose levels tested. Results indicate that our quasi-monochromatic beam together with complex orbit capability and iterative reconstruction has the potential to provide sufficient image quality for practical 3D mammotomography of uncompressed breasts at significantly lower dose than dual view mammography. This is nominally a 2-fold improvement over other approaches using circular orbits and broader spectral x-ray beams. While simple image filtering (post-reconstruction smoothing) could improve noise quality, improvements in image artifact correction and scatter correction are required to more accurately determine the lower limits on dose. A contrast-detail study is also warranted with a greater variety of lesion sizes and contrasts.

Proceedings Article | 2 March 2006 Paper

Experimental spectral measurements of heavy K-edge filtered beams for x-ray computed mammotomography

Dominic Crotty, Randolph McKinley, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 6142, 61421V (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.654611

KEYWORDS: Breast, Optical filters, X-rays, Cerium, Optical simulations, Tissues, Sensors, Imaging systems, Signal attenuation, Mammography

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 20 April 2005 Paper

Design and development of a fully 3D dedicated x-ray computed mammotomography system

Martin Tornai, Randolph McKinley, Caryl Bryzmialkiewicz, Priti Madhav, Spencer Cutler, Dominic Crotty, James Bowsher, Ehsan Samei, Carey Floyd

Proceedings Volume 5745, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.595636

KEYWORDS: Breast, Imaging systems, X-rays, Computing systems, X-ray detectors, X-ray imaging, Sensors, Reconstruction algorithms, Prototyping, Distortion

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 20 April 2005 Paper

Investigation of cone-beam acquisitions implemented using a novel dedicated mammotomography system with unique arbitrary orbit capability

Randolph McKinley, Caryl Bryzmialkiewicz, Priti Madhav, Martin Tornai

Proceedings Volume 5745, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.596089

KEYWORDS: Breast, Distortion, Chest, Imaging systems, Computing systems, 3D image reconstruction, 3D acquisition, 3D image processing, Breast imaging, Sensors

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 14 April 2005 Paper

Anthropomorphic breast phantoms for preclinical imaging evaluation with transmission or emission imaging

Martin Tornai, Randolph McKinley, Caryl Bryzmialkiewicz, Spencer Cutler, Dominic Crotty

Proceedings Volume 5746, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.596094

KEYWORDS: Breast, Imaging systems, Chest, Radiography, Image compression, Tissues, Signal attenuation, X-rays, Photography, Minerals

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 6 May 2004 Paper

Measurements of an optimized beam for x-ray computed mammotomography

Randolph McKinley, Ehsan Samei, Caryl Brzymialkiewicz, Martin Tornai, Carey Floyd

Proceedings Volume 5368, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.536033

KEYWORDS: Breast, Signal to noise ratio, Cerium, Sensors, X-rays, Mammography, Imaging systems, Tomography, Lead, Image quality

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 5 June 2003 Paper

Optimizing beam quality for x-ray computed mammotomography

Randolph McKinley, Martin Tornai, Ehsan Samei, Marques Bradshaw

Proceedings Volume 5030, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.480231

KEYWORDS: Breast, X-rays, Signal to noise ratio, Optical filters, Tissues, Signal attenuation, Cerium, Image quality, X-ray imaging, Sensors

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 3 July 2001 Paper

Physical phantom evaluation of EM-IntraSPECT (EMIS) algorithm for nonuniform attenuation correction in cardiac imaging

Andrzej Krol, James Bowsher, David Feiglin, George Gagne, Bradford Hellwig, Martin Tornai, Frank Thomas

Proceedings Volume 4322, (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.430966

KEYWORDS: Signal attenuation, Electromagnetic coupling, Expectation maximization algorithms, Heart, Lung, Single photon emission computed tomography, Cardiac imaging, Chest, Radiology, Tomography

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 8 September 1995 Paper

Small-area fiber-coupled scintillation camera for imaging beta-ray distributions intraoperatively

Lawrence MacDonald, Martin Tornai, Craig Levin, J. Park, Muzaffer Atac, David Cline, Eric Hoffman

Proceedings Volume 2551, (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.218645

KEYWORDS: Scintillators, Sensors, Optical fibers, Tumors, Tissues, Surgery, Scintillation, Signal detection, Calibration, Brain

Read Abstract +

Showing 5 of 33 publications

View contact details

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE

Is this your profile? Update it now.

Sign into your SPIE.org account

Don’t have a profile and want one?

Create an account on SPIE.org

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years