电子射野影像装置用于放射治疗的研究进展

用于放射治疗的电子射野影像装置(EPID)探测器主要有荧光屏摄像机系统、扫描矩阵电离室系统和有源矩阵平板探测器系统.基于非晶硅的有源矩阵平板探测器EPID,由于其具有使用方便、分辨率高、采集效率高及性能稳定等特点,已成为近年来用于放射治疗的主流探测器系统.EPID最初主要用于放射治疗的患者靶区位置和射野的验证,后逐步用于放疗设备本身的质量控制.目前的研究方向主要是用于放射治疗的剂量验证.相信通过深入了解EPID特性,开发相应的算法及软件后,其用于放疗设备的常规质量保证、实现在线位置验证和剂量验证等将成为一种常规方法.     

射野大小对全脑调强放疗计划EPID验证结果的影响

目的:利用电子射野影像系统（EPID）对全脑调强放疗计划进行γ测试,寻找计划设计对测试结果的影响,以此分析如何优化全脑调强计划以及推测EPID在剂量验证方面的局限性。方法:选取67例全脑放疗患者,对其放疗计划用加速器自带的EPID进行计划验证,对于容积旋转调强放疗（VMAT）计划统计并分析X方向射野大小与γ（3 mm/3%）通过率的关系,对于调强放疗（IMRT）对比分析大野调强和分野调强计划γ（3 mm/3%）通过率的差异。结果:VMAT计划验证结果发现X方向小于15 cm的射野γ（3 mm/3%）通过率普遍优于大于等于15 cm的射野,利用SPSS软件进行t检验,发现结果具有统计学意义（t=-3.828, P<0.05）;IMRT验证结果发现,X方向大于等于15 cm的射野会包含两个子野,合野验证时其交叠部分γ（3 mm/3%）通过率较差,而采用分野验证时,由于无交叠则通过率普遍较好。结论:全脑放疗VMAT计划将X方向射野控制在15 cm以内可以提升多叶准直器调节能力,并提高EPID验证的γ（3 mm/3%）通过率;EPID原件对低剂量区的响应偏差会导致全脑IMRT大野调强计划两子野交叠处γ（3 mm/3%）通过率较差,改用分野验证可以显著消除这种影响。     

体部肿瘤精确放疗摆位误差分析

目的:确定体部肿瘤精确放疗时的摆位误差。方法:使用电子射野影像系统EPID对28例体部肿瘤病人精确放疗时所拍摄的378幅射野图像与计划系统生成的数字重建放射片DRR进行比较,并对病人摆位的左右(x)和前后(y)及头脚(z)方向误差进行测量。结果:各方向摆位误差的分布均近似正态分布。胸部的摆位偏差主要发生在y、z方向,腹部和盆腔部的摆位偏差主要发生在x、z方向。结论:体位的随机误差大于系统误差,摆位所带来的偏差主要来源于随机误差。     

基于电子射野影像装置通量变化的影像组学特征进行眼突放射治疗摆位误差探测的初步研究

目的:研究基于电子射野影像装置(EPID)通量变化图像的影像组学特征探测眼突放射治疗摆位误差的可行性。方法:选取8例眼突患者,在人体头部仿真模体中生成验证计划。以无摆位误差状态下采集的EPID通量为基准,生成引入不同摆位误差的EPID通量变化图像。采用pyradiomics工具提取EPID通量变化图像的影像组学特征,验证不同影像组学特征是否可以区分临床显著的摆位误差。结果:在选取的107个特征中,有74个特征与引入摆位误差3个方向上的矢量距离有显著相关性(P<0.05)。在区分临床显著摆位误差的能力方面,传统γ分析的曲线下面积(AUC)值为0.79,而影像组学提取出相关度最高特征单变量的AUC值可以达到0.84,基于岭回归的多个特征的AUC值可以达到0.90。结论:在基于EPID通量变化的摆位误差评估中,基于传统γ分析的方法有一定的局限性,而基于影像组学特征的方法具有比传统γ分析更大的潜力。     

应用MV级CR进行射野验证的临床研究

目的:探讨利用MV级计算机X线摄影(computed radiography,CR)技术拍摄放射治疗病人射野验证片的价值与意义.材料与方法:采用双曝光技术进行放射治疗射野验证片的拍摄,在曝光时加入射野参考坐标十字插板,十字线坐标为实际射野的参考坐标,并根据片中人体解剖标记计算中心移位误差,与模拟机的计划摄片、治疗计划系统生成的DRR(digital reconstructed radiography)进行比较分析,测量摆位误差.结果:15例病人,在首次进行放射治疗前用AGFA高能CR分别拍摄0°和90°验证片,共得到30张验证片.模拟定位片和射野验证片都能较清晰显示照射野形状、大小、治疗中心以及与人体解剖标记之间的关系.由两位医师得出的两组误差数据没有统计学差异(在x、y、z方向上,P>0.05).结论:利用CR技术拍摄放疗病人模拟定位片和射野验证片,成像满意,操作简便,可以有效减少放疗摆位误差,提高摆位的准确性,及时纠正摆位误差,是质量控制和质量保证的有力工具.作为放射治疗病人位置的验证、实现放射治疗科数字化具有积极的意义.     

基于小波融合多野剂量评估计划整体通过率的可行性

目的:评价基于小波方法融合电子射野影像装置(EPID)多野剂量分析计划整体通过率的可行性。方法:选取70例不同部位的容积调强(VMAT)双弧计划,用Varian公司的a Si500-ⅡEPID系统进行剂量验证,将TPS计划和验证结果的通量图导出,用Matlab读取通量图,并基于小波的一层分解重构分别对每个计划的单弧通量图进行融合。用Matlab仿真3%/3 mm标准的γ通过率,并记录双弧计划每个弧的结果和融合后的结果,共3组数据。同时利用PTW Detector729矩阵对计划进行剂量验证作为对照组,与融合后的结果行配对t检验分析。结果:双弧计划每个弧的通过率和融合后的通过率均在95%以上,两种方式不同部位双弧VMAT计划的通过率均无统计学差异(t=1.453~2.129,P0.05)。结论:基于小波融合EPID多野剂量可用于评估VMAT双弧计划整体通过率,其结果有助于更全面保障调强放疗计划验证的准确性。     

基于电子射野影像系统的鼻咽癌调强放疗摆位误差纠正及其应用

目的:通过电子射野影像系统(EPID)测量、分析鼻咽癌调强放射治疗的摆位误差,为计算临床靶区(CTV)到计划靶区(PTV)扩边值提供依据。方法:30例鼻咽癌患者从首次放疗摆位开始拍摄正位、侧位EPID图像,并与数字重建射线影像(DRR)图像进行融合。以DRR图像计划原点为0,EPID图像摆位原点和DRR原点在各方向差值为各方向摆位误差。若摆位误差超出容许范围,分析原因后进行纠正。治疗过程中每例病人每周进行一次摆位验证;根据CTV到PTV外放公式M_(PTV)=2.5Σ+0.7δ,分别计算患者在头脚、前后及左右方向CTV到PTV扩边值。结果:经过EPID纠正,患者在头脚、前后和左右方向的摆位误差绝对值分别减小至纠正前的59.5%、71.2%和73.6%,结果有统计学意义(P=0.000、0.000和0.000)。CTV到PTV前后、左右、头脚扩边值由纠正前的1.66、2.00、3.11 mm减少为纠正后的1.14、1.50、1.96 mm。结论:在鼻咽癌调强放射治疗中利用EPID可确保患者治疗的准确性,减少CTV到PTV扩边值,使靶区周围的正常组织和危及器官得到最大限度的保护。该结果对柳州市柳铁中心医院CTV到PTV扩边值有较好的参考价值,该研究方法可为不同放疗单位计算CTV到PTV扩边值提供参考。     

调强放射治疗射野和剂量的验证

目的：为确保调强放射治疗的精确,利用自制和专用设备对每个射野的位置、形状和野内剂量分布进行验证。方法：用自制的位置验证标记球,贴在病人体表的某个固定位置,和病人一起进行CT扫描,设计计划时将此标记球设为位置验证靶区进行射野位置验证。利用加速器自带的射野影像系统（EPID）和治疗计划系统（TPS）的DRR图比对进行射野形状验证。利用Matrixx二维电离室矩阵和OnmiPro软件进行每个射野的剂量验证。结果：射野位置验证在统一调整系统后,误差结果满意。射野形状验证以3mm为标准,调整前的吻合率约为75％。剂量验证通过率大于等于95％的射野占77％。结论：通过81例鼻咽癌调强放疗的实验证明,利用上述三种方法对调强计划进行验证,可以及时纠正误差,确保计划准确执行。     

非晶硅电子射野影像系统与ArcCHECK在直肠癌容积旋转调强剂量验证中的应用

目的:比较非晶硅电子射野影像系统(a-Si EPID)与旋转照射剂量验证仪器(Arc CHECK)在直肠癌容积旋转调强(VMAT)剂量验证中的应用。方法:随机选取20例直肠癌VMAT病例,分别设计a-Si EPID与Arc CHECK的验证计划,并在UNIQUE加速器上进行验证。采用γ分析方法(3 mm,3%)比较两种不同验证工具的相对剂量与绝对剂量通过率、X和Y方向的profile。结果:Arc CHECK的绝对剂量通过率为(97.73±1.98)%,相对剂量通过率为(96.96±2.34)%;aSi EPID的绝对剂量通过率为(97.58±1.88)%,相对剂量通过率为(98.13±1.47)%。X、Y方向的profile理论值与实测值很相近,理论剂量分布图与实测计算剂量分布图在高低剂量点分布上重合度较高。结论:Arc CHECK和a-Si EPID的验证结果在剂量学上没有明显差异,两者在直肠癌VMAT剂量验证中都是可行的,但a-Si EPID操作简单、使用方便、显示剂量即时,可以更便捷地进行VMAT剂量验证。     

电子射野影像系统用于患者调强放射治疗计划剂量验证分析

目的分析电子射野影像系统(EPID)用于调强放射治疗计划剂量验证的准确性。方法选择2014年南通市第一人民医院住院行放射治疗宫颈癌术后患者10例,年龄45~71岁,中位年龄56岁。采用7野均分(0°、52°、104°、156°、208°、260°、310°7个角度)进行计划设计及剂量分布计算,获取归零野和实际野验证时叶片位移偏移、射野通过率,并将EPID归零野验证结果与PTW电离室矩阵归零野验证的射野通过率结果进行比较。结果EPID归零野和实际野验证获得的叶片偏移1 mm以内百分比数值的绝对值差异不大,但在208°、260°及310°3个角度差异有统计学意义。射野验证通过率在0°、52°时差异无统计学意义,而104°、156°、208°、260°、310°时差异有统计学意义。EPID归零野验证时获得的射野通过率与PTW电离室矩阵的验证结果差异无统计学意义。结论 EPID可以应用于调强计划的验证。     

Use of EPID for leaf position accuracy QA of dynamic multi-leaf collimator (DMLC) treatment

We describe in this paper an alternative method for routine dynamic multi-leaf collimator (DMLC) quality assurance (QA) using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID). Currently, this QA is done at our institution by filming an intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) test field producing a pattern of five 1-mm bands 2 cm apart and performing a visual spot-check for leaf alignment, motion lags, sticking and any other mechanical problems. In this study, we used an amorphous silicon aS500 EPID and films contemporaneously for the DMLC QA to test the practicality and efficacy of EPID vis-à-vis film. The EPID image was transformed to an integrated dose map by first converting the reading to dose using a calibration curve, and then multiplying by the number of averaged frames. The EPID dose map was then back-projected to the central axis plane and was compared to the film measurements which were scanned and converted to dose using a film dosimetry system. We determined the full-width half-maximum (FWHM) of each band for both images, and evaluated the dose to the valley between two peaks. We also simulated mechanical problems by increasing the band gap to 1.5 mm for some leaf pairs. Our results show that EPID is as good as the film in resolving the band pattern of the IMRT test field. Although the resolution of the EPID is lower than that of the film (0.78 mm/pixel vs 0.36 mm/pixel for the film), it is high enough to faithfully reproduce the band pattern without significant distortion. The FWHM of the EPID is 2.84 mm, slightly higher than the 2.01 mm for the film. The lowest dose to the valley is significantly lower for the EPID (15.5% of the peak value) than for the film (28.6%), indicating that EPID is less energy independent. The simulated leaf problem can be spotted by visual inspection of both images; however, it is more difficult for the film without being scanned and contrast-enhanced. EPID images have the advantage of being already digital and their analysis can easily be automated to flag leaf pairs outside tolerance limits of set parameters such as FWHM, peak dose values, peak location, and distance between peaks. This automation is a new feature that will help preempt MLC motion interlocks and decrease machine downtime during actual IMRT treatment. We conclude that since EPID images can be acquired, analyzed and stored much more conveniently than film, EPID is a good alternative to film for routine DMLC QA.     

Clinical experience with EPID dosimetry for prostate IMRT pre-treatment dose verification

The aim of this study was to demonstrate how dosimetry with an amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device (a-Si EPID) replaced film and ionization chamber measurements for routine pre-treatment dosimetry in our clinic. Furthermore, we described how EPID dosimetry was used to solve a clinical problem. IMRT prostate plans were delivered to a homogeneous slab phantom. EPID transit images were acquired for each segment. A previously developed in-house back-projection algorithm was used to reconstruct the dose distribution in the phantom mid-plane (intersecting the isocenter). Segment dose images were summed to obtain an EPID mid-plane dose image for each field. Fields were compared using profiles and in two dimensions with the y evaluation (criteria: 3%/3 mm). To quantify results, the average gamma (gamma avg), maximum gamma (gamma max), and the percentage of points with gamma < 1(P gamma < 1) were calculated within the 20% isodose line of each field. For 10 patient plans, all fields were measured with EPID and film at gantry set to 0 degrees. The film was located in the phantom coronal mid-plane (10 cm depth), and compared with the back-projected EPID mid-plane absolute dose. EPID and film measurements agreed well for all 50 fields, with (gamma avg) =0.16, (gamma max)=1.00, and (P gamma < 1)= 100%. Based on these results, film measurements were discontinued for verification of prostate IMRT plans. For 20 patient plans, the dose distribution was re-calculated with the phantom CT scan and delivered to the phantom with the original gantry angles. The planned isocenter dose (plan(iso)) was verified with the EPID (EPID(iso)) and an ionization chamber (IC(iso)). The average ratio, (EPID(iso)/IC(iso)), was 1.00 (0.01 SD). Both measurements were systematically lower than planned, with (EPID(iso)/plan(iso)) and (IC(iso)/plan(iso))=0.99 (0.01 SD). EPID mid-plane dose images for each field were also compared with the corresponding plane derived from the three dimensional (3D) dose grid calculated with the phantom CT scan. Comparisons of 100 fields yielded (gamma avg)=0.39, gamma max=2.52, and (P gamma < 1)=98.7%. Seven plans revealed under-dosage in individual fields ranging from 5% to 16%, occurring at small regions of overlapping segments or along the junction of abutting segments (tongue-and-groove side). Test fields were designed to simulate errors and gave similar results. The agreement was improved after adjusting an incorrectly set tongue-and-groove width parameter in the treatment planning system (TPS), reducing (gamma max) from 2.19 to 0.80 for the test field. Mid-plane dose distributions determined with the EPID were consistent with film measurements in a slab phantom for all IMRT fields. Isocenter doses of the total plan measured with an EPID and an ionization chamber also agreed. The EPID can therefore replace these dosimetry devices for field-by-field and isocenter IMRT pre-treatment verification. Systematic errors were detected using EPID dosimetry, resulting in the adjustment of a TPS parameter and alteration of two clinical patient plans. One set of EPID measurements (i.e., one open and transit image acquired for each segment of the plan) is sufficient to check each IMRT plan field-by-field and at the isocenter, making it a useful, efficient, and accurate dosimetric tool.     

Verification of multileaf collimator leaf positions using an electronic portal imaging device

An automated method is presented for determining individual leaf positions of the Siemens dual focus multileaf collimator (MLC) using the Siemens BEAMVIEW(PLUS) electronic portal imaging device (EPID). Leaf positions are computed with an error of 0.6 mm at one standard deviation (sigma) using separate computations of pixel dimensions, image distortion, and radiation center. The pixel dimensions are calculated by superimposing the film image of a graticule with the corresponding EPID image. A spatial correction is used to compensate for the optical distortions of the EPID, reducing the mean distortion from 3.5 pixels (uncorrected) per localized x-ray marker to 2 pixels (1 mm) for a rigid rotation and 1 pixel for a third degree polynomial warp. A correction for a nonuniform dosimetric response across the field of view of the EPID images is not necessary due to the sharp intensity gradients across leaf edges. The radiation center, calculated from the average of the geometric centers of a square field at 0 degrees and 180 degrees collimator angles, is independent of graticule placement error. Its measured location on the EPID image was stable to within 1 pixel based on 3 weeks of repeated extensions/retractions of the EPID. The MLC leaf positions determined from the EPID images agreed to within a pixel of the corresponding values measured using film and ionization chamber. Several edge detection algorithms were tested: contour, Sobel, Roberts, Prewitt, Laplace, morphological, and Canny. These agreed with each other to within < or = 1.2 pixels for the in-air EPID images. Using a test pattern, individual MLC leaves were found to be typically within 1 mm of the corresponding record-and-verify values, with a maximum difference of 1.8 mm, and standard deviations of <0.3 mm in the daily reproducibility. This method presents a fast, automatic, and accurate alternative to using film or a light field for the verification and calibration of the MLC.     

Use of an amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device for multileaf collimator quality control and calibration

Multileaf collimator (MLC) calibration and quality control is a time-consuming procedure typically involving the processing, scanning and analysis of films to measure leaf and collimator positions. Faster and more reliable calibration procedures are required for these tasks, especially with the introduction of intensity modulated radiotherapy which requires more frequent checking and finer positional leaf tolerances than previously. A routine quality control (QC) technique to measure MLC leaf bank gain and offset, as well as minor offsets (individual leaf position relative to a reference leaf), using an amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device (EPID) has been developed. The technique also tests the calibration of the primary and back-up collimators. A detailed comparison between film and EPID measurements has been performed for six linear accelerators (linacs) equipped with MLC and amorphous silicon EPIDs. Measurements of field size from 4 to 24 cm with the EPID were systematically smaller than film measurements over all field sizes by 0.4 mm for leaves/back-up collimators and by 0.2 mm for conventional collimators. This effect is due to the gain calibration correction applied by the EPID, resulting in a 'flattening' of primary beam profiles. Linac dependent systematic differences of up to 0.5 mm in individual leaf/collimator positions were also found between EPID and film measurements due to the difference between the mechanical and radiation axes of rotation. When corrections for these systematic differences were applied, the residual random differences between EPID and film were 0.23 mm and 0.26 mm (1 standard deviation) for field size and individual leaf/back-up collimator position, respectively. Measured gains (over a distance of 220 mm) always agreed within 0.4 mm with a standard deviation of 0.17 mm. Minor offset measurements gave a mean agreement between EPID and film of 0.01+/-0.10 mm (1 standard deviation) after correction for the tilt of the EPID and small rotational misalignments between leaf banks and the back-up collimators used as a reference straight edge. Reproducibility of EPID measurements was found to be very high, with a standard deviation of <0.05 mm for field size and <0.1 mm for individual leaf/collimator positions for a 10x10 cm2 field. A standard set of QC images (three field sizes defined both by leaves only and collimators only) can be acquired in less than 20 min and analysed in 5 min.     

千伏级锥形束CT与兆伏级电子摄野影像系统在鼻咽癌影像引导放疗的对比研究

目的:分析千伏级锥形束CT与兆伏级电子射野影像系统用于测量鼻咽癌调强放射治疗的摆位误差,评价两种技术在鼻咽癌调强放疗摆位修正中的应用价值。方法:选取施行IMRT的鼻咽癌患者21例,于放疗实施前先进行EPID正侧位片的拍摄,再进行KV-CBCT的扫描。将EPID拍摄的正侧位片与数字重建射线影像(DRR)配准,得出x、y、z三个线性方向的摆位误差值,同时将扫描的CBCT图像与计划CT图像进行自动的骨性配准,得出x、y、z三个线性方向和绕x轴、y轴和z轴的三个旋转方向的摆位误差值;最终对EPID和CBCT获得的两组数据进行分析比较,分别计算摆位误差以及计划靶体积(planning target volume,PTV)边界;两种技术校正前后的结果进行配对t检验;两种技术的残余误差进行配对t检验结果。结果:CBCT组校正前x、y、z轴的MPTV分别是:3.30 mm、2.58 mm、2.99 mm,校正后分别是1.71 mm、1.71 mm、1.98 mm,t检验有统计学意义(P<0.05);EPID组校正前x、y、z轴的MPTV分别是:2.56 mm、4.02 mm、3.40 mm,校正后为校正前后各个方向0.9 mm、2.37 mm、4.23 mm,t检验有统计学意义(P<0.05)。CBCT与EPID残余误差的数据有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:与EPID相比较,CBCT在校正后能使MPTV缩小至2 mm,大大提高了放疗精度,通过残余误差的比较发现CBCT校正误差的能力优于EPID。     

Improving IMRT quality control efficiency using an amorphous silicon electronic portal imager

An amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device (EPID) has been investigated to determine its usefulness and efficiency for performing linear accelerator quality control checks specific to step and shoot intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Several dosimetric parameters were measured using the EPID: dose linearity and segment to segment reproducibility of low dose segments, and delivery accuracy of fractions of monitor units. Results were compared to ion chamber measurements. Low dose beam flatness and symmetry were tested by overlaying low dose beam profiles onto the profile from a stable high-dose exposure and visually checking for differences. Beam flatness and symmetry were also calculated and plotted against dose. Start-up reproducibility was tested by overlaying profiles from twenty successive two monitor unit segments. A method for checking the MLC leaf calibration was also tested, designed to be used on a daily or weekly basis, which consisted of summing the images from a series of matched fields. Daily images were coregistered with, then subtracted from, a reference image. A threshold image showing dose differences corresponding to > 0.5 mm positional errors was generated and the number of pixels with such dose differences used as numerical parameter to which a tolerance can be applied. The EPID was found to be a sensitive relative dosemeter, able to resolve dose differences of 0.01 cGy. However, at low absolute doses a reproducible dosimetric nonlinearity of up to 7% due to image lag/ghosting effects was measured. It was concluded that although the EPID is suitable to measure segment to segment reproducibility and fractional monitor unit delivery accuracy, it is still less useful than an ion chamber as a tool for dosimetric checks. The symmetry/flatness test proved to be an efficient method of checking low dose profiles, much faster than any of the alternative methods. The MLC test was found to be extremely sensitive to sudden changes in MLC calibration but works best with a composite reference image consisting of an average of five successive days' images. When used in this way it proved an effective and efficient daily check of MLC calibration. Overall, the amorphous silicon EPID was found to be a suitable device for IMRT QC although it is not recommended for dosimetric tests. Automatic procedures for low monitor unit profile analysis and MLC leaf positioning yield considerable time-savings over traditional film techniques.     

Dosimetric IMRT verification with a flat-panel EPID

A convolution-based calibration procedure has been developed to use an amorphous silicon flat-panel electronic portal imaging device (EPID) for accurate dosimetric verification of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatments. Raw EPID images were deconvolved to accurate, high-resolution 2-D distributions of primary fluence using a scatter kernel composed of two elements: a Monte Carlo generated kernel describing dose deposition in the EPID phosphor, and an empirically derived kernel describing optical photon spreading. Relative fluence profiles measured with the EPID are in very good agreement with those measured with a diamond detector, and exhibit excellent spatial resolution required for IMRT verification. For dosimetric verification, the EPID-measured primary fluences are convolved with a Monte Carlo kernel describing dose deposition in a solid water phantom, and cross-calibrated with ion chamber measurements. Dose distributions measured using the EPID agree to within 2.1% with those measured with film for open fields of 2 x 2 cm2 and 10 x 10 cm2. Predictions of the EPID phantom scattering factors (SPE) based on our scatter kernels are within 1% of the SPE measured for open field sizes of up to 16 x 16 cm2. Pretreatment verifications of step-and-shoot IMRT treatments using the EPID are in good agreement with those performed with film, with a mean percent difference of 0.2 +/- 1.0% for three IMRT treatments (24 fields).     

基于非晶硅电子射野影像装置的剂量响应研究

目的：临床条件下研究探讨非晶硅电子射野影像装置（a-Si EPID）的剂量响应特性。方法 ：本实验在Elekta Precise直线加速器上X射线能量分别为6 MV和10 MV,采用PTW电离室、等效固体水和不同厚度铜板条件下实施测量。首先,通过EPID信号和模体中电离室的测量比较,确定出EPID剂量响应的建成厚度。其次,临床条件下利用模体的不同厚度测量分析有关剂量、每脉冲剂量和脉冲重复频率（PRF）函数的EPID信号响应情况。结果：在不增加建成材料、10 cm～60cm空气间隙条件下EPID显示了最大11.6%的过响应信号变化。临床上额外将3 mm铜建成区置于EPID上方,空气间隙大于40 cm条件下EPID响应变化将会降至1%以内。在测量范围内随MU数、PRF和每脉冲剂量变化的EPID信号响应是非线性的,最大信号变化接近于3%。因假峰和图像滞后效应等影响,短时间照射EPID会明显地产生出低剂量响应。结论：采用合适的建成层和实施对每脉冲剂量、PRF等校正,非晶硅EPID剂量响应变化可控制在1%以内,从而建立起较为理想的剂量响应曲线。     

Contrast enhancement of EPID images via difference imaging: a feasibility study

In this study, the feasibility of difference imaging for improving the contrast of electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images is investigated. The difference imaging technique consists of the acquisition of two EPID images (with and without the placement of an additional layer of attenuating medium on the surface of the EPID) and the subtraction of one of these images from the other. The resulting difference image shows improved contrast, compared to a standard EPID image, since it is generated by lower-energy photons. Results of this study show that, firstly, this method can produce images exhibiting greater contrast than is seen in standard megavoltage EPID images and secondly, the optimal thickness of attenuating material for producing a maximum contrast enhancement may vary with phantom thickness and composition. Further studies of the possibilities and limitations of the difference imaging technique, and the physics behind it, are therefore recommended.