3D Finite Element Modeling of Nonrigid Breast Deformation for Feature Registration in -ray and MR Images

Registering features in multiple mammographic views is an important technique to improve breast cancer detection rate. However, nonrigid breast deformation during X-ray imaging poses a severe challenge to the conventional 2D registration methods. We present a method that utilizes a 3D model to facilitate two-view registration by predicting breast deformation. At first, a finite element model of a breast is constructed using its MRIs. The model is capable of simulating both compression and decompression. Feature registration is then accomplished through a series of projections and compression-decompression operations. Experiments using real patient data demonstrate that a mammographic feature can be successfully registered from one view to another.