Preface ix
Acknowledgments xiii
1. The Invention of the Computed Tomography Scanner and the Nobel Prize 1
Introduction 2
What Is Computed Tomography? 2
Invention of the Computed Tomography Scanner: Contribution of the Pioneers 2
Godfrey Newbold Hounsfield 3
Allan MacLeod Cormack 4
Physical Principles and Technology of Computed Tomography: A Brief Overview 4
Major Processes of Computed Tomography Imaging 5
The Evolution of Computed Tomography Detectors 7
Photon- Counting Detectors: Current State of Computed Tomography Imaging 8
References 9
2. Conventional Computed Tomography: Essential Physics and Technology 13
Introduction 14
Radiation Attenuation Considerations in Computed Tomography: Essential Physics 15
Attenuation and Computed Tomography Numbers 17
Multislice Computed Tomography: Principles and Technology 19
Slip- Ring Technology 21
X- Ray Tubes for Multislice Computed Tomography Scanners 21
Interpolation: An Essential Concept for Multislice Computed Tomography Imaging 22
Image Reconstruction Algorithms in a Nutshell 22
Detector Technology: Key Features 28
Limitations of Energy Integrating Detectors: Image Quality Considerations 30
References 31
3. Photon- Counting Computed Tomography: Physical Principles and Technology 33
Introduction 34
Historical Perspectives 36
Photon- Counting Detectors for Computed Tomography Imaging – Early Preclinical Works 37
Computed Tomography Detectors: Physical Principles and Technology 38
Energy- Integrating Detectors 39
Photon- Counting Detectors 43
Photon- Counting Detectors: Physical Principles and Technology 44
Basic Structure and Function of a Photon- Counting Detector 44
Image Reconstruction in Photon- Counting Computed Tomography 51
Advantages of Photon- Counting Computed Tomography at a Glance 51
Technical Limitations of Photon- Counting Detectors 52
References 55
4. Advantages of Photon Counting Computed Tomography 59
Introduction 59
Advantages of Photon- Counting Detectors 60
Higher/Improved Spatial Resolution 60
Electronic Noise Removal 63
Energy Weighting/Improved Contrast Resolution 65
Increased Dose Efficiency 66
Correction of Beam- Hardening Artifacts 68
Material- Specific Imaging/Multienergy Acquisition 68
References 70
5. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Considerations 75
Introduction 76
What Is Quality Assurance/Quality Control? 76
Three Major Components of a Quality Control Program 77
Performance Criteria 78
The American College of Radiology Quality Control Manual for Computed Tomography 78
The American College of Radiology Computed Tomography Phantom 79
Establishing a Quality Control Program for a Clinical Photon Counting Detector Computed Tomography System 80
A Word About Virtual Monoenergetic Images 82
QC Testing 84
Results 84
References 88
6. Clinical Applications of Photon-Counting Computed Tomography: A Brief Overview 91
Introduction 92
Clinical Applications of Photon-Counting Computed Tomography 94
Chest Imaging 95
Temporal Bone Imaging 95
Abdominal Imaging 97
Musculoskeletal Imaging 98
Cardiovascular Imaging 103
Conclusion 107
References 107
Index 111
