Objective. To introduce the optimization of a customized GPU-based simultaneous algebraic
reconstruction technique (cSART) in the field of phase-contrast breast computed
tomography (bCT). The presented algorithm features a 3D bilateral regularization filter that
can be tuned to yield optimal performance for clinical image visualization and tissues
segmentation. Approach. Acquisitions of a dedicated test object and a breast specimen were
performed at Elettra, the Italian synchrotron radiation (SR) facility (Trieste, Italy) using a large …

Iterative CT reconstruction algorithms coupled with edge-preserving filters are attracting a
growing interest in the field of biomedical X-ray imaging. In many cases the application of
such algorithms results in an improved reconstruction quality when compared with filtered
back-projection (FBP). Iterative algorithms commonly entail a decrease of image noise or,
equivalently, an increase of contrast-to-noise ratio, while preserving image detail.
Conversely, they modify the shape of noise power spectrum, producing a shift towards lower …