Affiliations: Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology,
Columbia University, New York, NY, USA | Departments of Pathology and Physiology and
Pharmacology, SUNY – Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA | Institut für Medizinische Physik und Lasermedizin,
Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Note: [] Corresponding author. Departments of Biomedical Engineering and
Radiology, Columbia University, ET 351 Mudd Building, MC8904, 500 W. 120
Street, New York, NY 10027-6623, USA. Tel.: +1 212 854 5080; Fax: +1 212 854
8725; E-mail: ahh2004@columbia.edu
Abstract: Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is emerging as a viable new
biomedical imaging modality. Using near-infrared (NIR) light, this technique
probes absorption as well as scattering properties of biological tissues. First
commercial instruments are now available that allow users to obtain
cross-sectional and volumetric views of various body parts. Currently, the main
applications are brain, breast, limb, joint, and fluorescence/bioluminescence
imaging. Although the spatial resolution is limited when compared with other
imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-ray
computerized tomography (CT), DOT provides access to a variety of physiological
parameters that otherwise are not accessible, including sub-second imaging of
hemodynamics and other fast-changing processes. Furthermore, DOT can be
realized in compact, portable instrumentation that allows for bedside
monitoring at relatively low cost. In this paper, we present an overview of
current state-of-the -art technology, including hardware and
image-reconstruction algorithms, and focus on applications in brain and joint
imaging. In addition, we present recent results of work on optical tomographic
imaging in small animals.
