Background: Digital tomosynthesis has shown potential for increasing specificity and sensitivity compared to radiography for low-dose chest imaging. Prior investigation of the s-DCT system indicated potential, but additional iteration with improved scan speed, power, and angular span was necessary for translation.
Purpose: The study aims to demonstrate and characterize a second-generation stationary digital chest tomosynthesis (s-DCT) scanner with increased x-ray energy, tube current, and larger angular span.
Methods: The second-generation s-DCT system employed a meter-long linear carbon nanotube (CNT) source array integrated with a digital detector and patient imaging table. Tube output, focal spot size, modulation transfer function (MTF), artifact spread function (ASF), and imaging performance were evaluated. A lung phantom with simulated nodules was imaged for clinical task-based demonstration.
Results: The scanner achieved a 6 s scan time, significantly improved from the prior generation's 16 s. The x-ray tube exhibited good current stability, with 20.4 ± 0.6 mA tube current and focal spot size aligned with specifications (IEC 0.8). The MTF confirmed enhanced spatial resolution of 2.4 lp/mm, comparable to commercial chest tomosynthesis systems. The ASF indicated improved depth resolution (5.2 mm, previously 9.5 mm). Phantom imaging showcased visualization of both high and low-attenuation lung nodules.
Conclusion: The second-generation s-DCT system exhibited improved performance in terms of tube power, scan time, and image quality. Enhanced in-plane and depth resolution, along with faster imaging, suggest potential clinical benefits for improved diagnoses. Further clinical validation is warranted to ascertain the system's clinical utility.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mp.17460 | DOI Listing |
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!