Dual-contrast photon-counting micro-CT using iodine and a novel bismuth-based contrast agent.

To characterize for the first timea novel bismuth-based nanoparticular contrast agent developed for preclinical applications. Then, to design and testa multi-contrast protocol for functional cardiac imaging using the new bismuth nanoparticles and a well-established iodine-based contrast agent.A micro-computed tomography scanner was assembled and equipped with a photon-counting detector.

Toward molecular imaging using spectral photon-counting computed tomography?

Molecular imaging is a valuable tool in drug discovery and development, early screening and diagnosis of diseases, and therapy assessment among others. Although many different imaging modalities are in use today, molecular imaging with computed tomography (CT) is still challenging owing to its low sensitivity and soft tissue contrast compared with other modalities. Recent technical advances, particularly the introduction of spectral photon-counting detectors, might allow overcoming these challenges.

Coronary micro-computed tomography angiography in mice.

Coronary computed tomography angiography is an established technique in clinical practice and a valuable tool in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in humans. Imaging of coronaries in preclinical research, i.e.

Potential of contrast agents based on high-Z elements for contrast-enhanced photon-counting computed tomography.

Purpose: In clinics, only iodine- and barium-based contrast agents are currently used for contrast-enhanced x-ray computed tomography (CT). Recently, the introduction of new photon-counting (PC) detectors increased the interest in developing new contrast agents based on heavier elements. These elements may provide more contrast and spectral information compared to iodine and barium thanks to their k-edges at higher energies.

Effects of Detector Sampling on Noise Reduction in Clinical Photon-Counting Whole-Body Computed Tomography.

Objectives: Reconstructing images from measurements with small pixels below the system's resolution limit theoretically results in image noise reduction compared with measurements with larger pixels. We evaluate and quantify this effect using data acquired with the small pixels of a photon-counting (PC) computed tomography scanner that can be operated in different detector pixel binning modes and with a conventional energy-integrating (EI) detector.

Materials And Methods: An anthropomorphic abdominal phantom that can be extended to 3 sizes by adding fat extension rings, equipped with iodine inserts as well as human cadavers, was measured at tube voltages ranging from 80 to 140 kV.