Simulation of Breast Anatomy: Bridging the Radiology-Pathology Scale Gap

We have developed an efficient simulation of breast anatomy over a range of spatial scales, covering tissue details seen in both radiology and pathology images. The simulation is based on recursive partitioning using octrees, and is performed in two stages. First, the macro- and meso-scale anatomical features are simulated: breast outline, skin, and the matrix of tissue compartments and subcompartments, outlined by Cooper's ligaments. These compartments are labeled as adipose or fibroglandular, according to the desired overall glandularity and the realistic distribution of dense tissue. Second, pathology images are generated to match selected region within the breast, by filling the region with simulated cells (adipocytes, ductal epithelium and myoepithelium, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts) and collagen fibers. Matched synthetic images can support discovery and virtual trials of image-based biomarkers for specific pathology findings. Our proof-of-concept is presented and further optimizations of the simulation discussed.