Physics of Medical Imaging
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the basic physical principles of biomedical images used in the medical application using ionizing radiation (X-rays, artificial radioactivity) and non-ionizing (static magnetic fields, variables, and radiofrequency).
The contents of the course provide to understand the formation of medical images now widely spread both in the diagnostic field and in the planning and verification for the execution of the treatments with linear accelerators for radiotherapy.
The physical quantities can describe the quality of the images produced and the most important imaging modalities currently available with a focus on digital methods and systems using solid state detectors.
Recent developments are presenting imaging technologies defined as "hybrid": the main ones will be described
The final part of the course will briefly address the scenario of the use of artificial intelligence in medical imaging
The contents of the course provide to understand the formation of medical images now widely spread both in the diagnostic field and in the planning and verification for the execution of the treatments with linear accelerators for radiotherapy.
The physical quantities can describe the quality of the images produced and the most important imaging modalities currently available with a focus on digital methods and systems using solid state detectors.
Recent developments are presenting imaging technologies defined as "hybrid": the main ones will be described
The final part of the course will briefly address the scenario of the use of artificial intelligence in medical imaging
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the physical basis of the main application of physics in medicine for diagnostic applications with ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and understand the different physical natures of phenomena and have criteria for assessing the quality of the image. Such knowledge allows him to know the basic elements of medical physics and to be able to deal with in-depth curricula and research in these areas.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Programma in inglese
1- Physical phenomena and related physical quantities used for medical diagnostics
2- Physical principles of imaging:
- Quantitative metrics for imaging quality assessment (MTF-modulation transfer function, Wiener spectrum, NEQ-noise equivalent quanta-, DQE-Detective Quantum Efficiency)
Description of techniques used to produce medical images-physical characteristics of images:
3- X-ray radiodiagnostics
- X-ray imaging
- Projective digital radiography: computed radiography (notes) and direct and indirect digital radiology
- Digital subtractive angiography and rotational techniques in angiography
- Physical principles of computed tomography (CT) and tomographic image reconstruction: data acquisition and processing
4- MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Data acquisition and processing
5- Basics of SPECT, PET and tomography imaging employed
6- Advanced hybrid imaging techniques: current and future scenarios
7- Artificial intelligence in digital imaging; current and future scenarios
See Ariel website: https://atorresintfdm.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
1- Physical phenomena and related physical quantities used for medical diagnostics
2- Physical principles of imaging:
- Quantitative metrics for imaging quality assessment (MTF-modulation transfer function, Wiener spectrum, NEQ-noise equivalent quanta-, DQE-Detective Quantum Efficiency)
Description of techniques used to produce medical images-physical characteristics of images:
3- X-ray radiodiagnostics
- X-ray imaging
- Projective digital radiography: computed radiography (notes) and direct and indirect digital radiology
- Digital subtractive angiography and rotational techniques in angiography
- Physical principles of computed tomography (CT) and tomographic image reconstruction: data acquisition and processing
4- MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Data acquisition and processing
5- Basics of SPECT, PET and tomography imaging employed
6- Advanced hybrid imaging techniques: current and future scenarios
7- Artificial intelligence in digital imaging; current and future scenarios
See Ariel website: https://atorresintfdm.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of X-ray and gamma physics; radiation and matter interaction; basic dosimetry
Teaching methods
Use of digital support, group discussion
Teaching Resources
Diagnostic Radiology Physics. A Handbook for Teachers and Students. IAEA, 2014
Assessment methods and Criteria
Face to face lectures in classroom
Professor(s)
Reception:
send a mail
Via Celoria 16, 5° piano