Thermoacoustic CT with radio waves: A medical imaging paradigm

The authors evaluated images obtained with a prototypic thermoacoustic comp uted tomographic (CT) scanner constructed for use at 434 MHz, a promising r adio frequency for detecting breast cancer. In one excised porcine kidney, acoustic energy emanating from the kidney was detected with transducers. Th e resultant electric signals were used to create a three-dimensional data s et. Two-dimensional images reconstructed in multiple planes were compared w ith state-of-the-art T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. The ren al outline, parenchyma, and collecting system were clearly delineated on th e thermoacoustic CT images.