Dose management in CT is an increasingly important issue as the number of CT scans per capita continues to rise. One proposed approach for enhanced dose management is to allow the spatial pattern of x-ray fluence delivered to the patient to change dynamically as the x-ray tube rotates about the patient. The changes in incident fluence could be guided using a patient model and optimization method in order to deliver user-defined image quality criteria while minimizing dose. This approach is referred to as fluence field modulated CT (FFMCT). In this work, a framework and optimization method was developed for evaluating the dose and image quality benefits of FFMCT, both in simulated and experimental data. Modulated fluence profiles were optimized for different objects and image quality criteria using a simulated annealing algorithm. Analysis involved comparing predicted image quality maps and dose outcomes to those using conventional methods. Results indicated that image quality distributions using FFMCT agreed better with prescribed image qualities than conventional techniques allow. Dose reductions ranged depending on the task and object of interest. Simulation studies using a simulated anthropomorphic phantom of the chest suggest an average dose reduction of at least 20% compared to conventional techniques is possible, where local dose reductions may be greater than 60%. Across different imaging tasks and objects, integral dose reductions ranged from 20-50% when compared to a conventional bowtie filter. The results of this study suggest that given a suitable collimator approach, FFMCT could reap significant benefits in terms of reducing dose and optimizing image quality. Though the tradeoff between image quality and imaging dose may not be eliminated, it may be better managed using an FFMCT approach.

abstract: Computed tomography (CT) is one of the essential imaging modalities for medical diagnosis. Since its introduction in 1972, CT technology has been improved dramatically, especially in terms of its acquisition speed. However, the main principle of CT which consists in acquiring only density information has not changed at all until recently. Different materials may have the same CT number, which may lead to uncertainty or misdiagnosis. Dual-energy CT (DECT) was reintroduced recently to solve this problem by using the additional spectral information of X-ray attenuation and aims for accurate density measurement and material differentiation. However, the spectral information lies in the difference between two low and high energy images or measurements, so that it is difficult to acquire the accurate spectral information due to amplification of high pixel noise in the resulting difference image. In this work, a new model and an image enhancement technique for DECT are proposed, based on the fact that the attenuation of a high density material decreases more rapidly as X-ray energy increases. This fact has been previously ignored in most of DECT image enhancement techniques. The proposed technique consists of offset correction, spectral error correction, and adaptive noise suppression. It reduced noise, improved contrast effectively and showed better material differentiation in real patient images as well as phantom studies. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Bioengineering 2011

No description available.

In X-ray computed tomography, motion of the object (breathing, for example) while X-ray projections are acquired for tomographic reconstruction leads to mo- tion artifacts in the reconstructed image. Object motion (such as that of breathing lungs) during acquisition of a computed tomography scan causes artifacts in the reconstructed image due to the reason that the source and detectors require a finite amount of time to rotate around the object while acquiring measurements even as the object is changing with time. With traditional reconstruction algorithms, the object is assumed to be stationary while data is acquired. However, in the case of dynamic tomography, the projection data that is acquired is not consistent, as it is data measured from an object that is deformed at each view angle of measurement. In this work, we propose a method for estimation of general (non-rigid) small motion for dynamic tomography from motion-corrupted projection data. For a static object, the Helgason-Ludwig consistency conditions impose some structure on the moments of the projections. However in the case of dynamic object (result- ing in motion-corrupted projections) this is violated. In the proposed method, we estimate motion parameters of the general motion model from the moments of the dynamic projections. The dynamic object can be modeled as f (g(x, t)) where g is a time-dependent warping function. The non-linear problem of solving a system involving composition of functions is dealt with in the Fourier transform space where it simplifies into a problem involving multiplicatively separable functions. The system is then linearized to solve for object motion. We assume a general basis function in our model. For numerical simulations, we use polynomial and B-spline basis functions as special cases of the basis functions. Simulation is performed by applying known deformations to the Shepp-Logan phantom, to a head slice of the Visible Human phantom and a thorax slice of the Zubal phantom. Simulations are performed for projections generated by parallel- beam and fan-beam geometry. Simulation for fan-beam geometry are performed by rebinning the motion corrupted fan beam projections to parallel beam projections, followed by the proposed motion estimation method. Simulation for the Visible Human phantom and the thorax slice of the Zubal phantom are performed for fan- beam geometry. Poisson noise is also added to the generated dynamic projections before motion estimation is performed. To solve the ill-posed problem of motion estimation by the proposed method, we use a Tikhonov type regularization that involves minimizing an objective function that is the sum of a data discrepancy term, a term that penalizes temporal variation of motion, and another term to penalize large magnitudes of motion. Using the estimated motion, the original image has been reconstructed from the motion corrupted projection data, with the knowledge of the underlying motion which is estimated by the proposed algorithm, by an algebraic technique similar to the dynamic SART algorithm from the literature. Here, a SART-type coefficient matrix is computed using ray tracing with rays whose paths are warped according to the estimated motion. The dynamic image at t = 0 is then reconstructed with using the computed dynamic SART matrix.

Purpose: Patient centred care and the ‘patient voice’ are core components of UK healthcare policy and practice guidance. This study explores how care is perceived and experienced within the high technology environment of CT. Methods and Materials: A two-phase approach of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and adapted Grounded Theory (GT) methodology using semi structured interviews, was used to obtain primary data from CT radiographers and patients. Recruitment and data collection were performed at a 1200 bed teaching hospital over a 6-month period. Results: The radiographer patient relationship and the radiographer’s role in providing care within CT are complex and multifaceted. Both patients and radiographer’s perceive CT imaging to be an integral part of the overall patient care and treatment pathway. As such, the act of being imaged is perceived as a care process and while image acquisition is recognised as a task orientated and technical process, the human element of providing care is cognitive, dynamic and responsive to individual need. Importantly, patient confidence in the care received was influenced by the radiographer’s ability to build a trusting relationship and display technical competence and this in turn facilitated active compliance resulting in a technically accurate examination. Despite previous literature suggesting that the technical environment created a barrier to patient care, patients within this study confirmed that radiographers provide care commensurate to the nursing ideals represented by the 6C’s (Care; Compassion; Competence; Communication; Courage; Commitment). Conclusions: A co-constructed model of care encompassing both technical components and patient-centeredness has been identified. This model promotes a new vision of patient centred care based on care perceptions within the high technology environment of CT.

No description available.

Resumo: O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar as diferenças no espaço aéreo faríngeo em crianças com diferentes padrões faciais. Foram avaliadas as tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico de 98 indivíduos em crescimento, com idade média de 8,9 anos, divididas por sexo e faixa etária, e subdivididas de acordo com o padrão de crescimento (horizontal, vertical normal e produtores) e tipo de má oclusão (Classe I e Classe II). Utilizando um programa tridimensional, foram analisados o volume, área sagital, menor área de seção transversal e as dimensões ântero-posteriores da faringe superior e inferior. As dimensões ântero-posterior da faringe superior e inferior foi significativamente menor em indivíduos com Classe II em crianças na faixa etária entre 9 a 11 anos e a faringe superior em foi significativamente menor em crianças na faixa etária entre 5 e 7 anos com padrão de crescimento vertical. Porém, quando a faringe foi avaliada tridimensionalmente, não foram encontradas diferenças nas demais dimensões sugerindo que diferenças no padrão vertical e no tipo de má oclusão ântero-posterior (Classe I e II) não influenciam as dimensões da faringe. Não foi encontrado dimorfismo sexual. A região de maior constrição da faringe esteve presente mais freqüentemente na orofaringe (86%). Embora as dimensões lineares possam variar entre os diferentes padrões faciais, quando avaliadas tridimensionalmente, elas não foram influenciadas pelas diferentes morfologias faciais / Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the differences in pharyngeal airway space in children with different facial patterns. Cone-beam computed tomography records of 98 growing patients with mean age of 8.9 years divided by sex and age groups and subdivided according to growth pattern (horizontal, normal and vertical growers) and type of malloclusion (Class I and Class II) were evaluated .Using a 3-dimensional virtual program the volume, sagital area, smallest cross section area, anteroposterior dimensions of superior and inferior pharynx were obtained. The anteroposterior linear dimensions of superior and inferior pharynx in children with 9 to11 years was significant smaller in patients with Class II relationship but in 3D evaluation differences were not found suggesting that anteroposterior malocclusion do not influence pharynx dimensions. The anteroposterior linear dimensions of superior , pharynx in children with 5 to7 years was significant smaller in patients with vertical growth pattern when compared to normal growers, but in 3D evaluation differences were not found suggesting that vertical pattern do not influence pharynx dimensions. No sexual dimorphism was found. The most constricted region of pharynx were mostly found at oropharynx(96%).Although linear dimensions can vary among different facial patterns, the 3-dimensional dimensions weren't influenced by different facial morphologies / Orientador: Luiz Cesar de Moraes / Coorientador: Weber José da Silva Ursi / Banca: Jefferson Luis OshiroTanaka / Banca: Edmundo Medici Filho / Mestre

Computed Tomography (CT) is a medical imaging modality which acquires anatomical data via the unique x-ray attenuation of materials. Yet, some clinically important materials remain difficult to distinguish with current CT technology. Spectral CT is an emerging technology which acquires multiple CT datasets for specific x-ray spectra. These spectra provide a fingerprint that allow materials to be distinguished that would otherwise look the same on conventional CT. The unique characteristics of spectral CT data motivates research into novel visualization techniques. In this thesis, we aim to provide the foundation for visualizing spectral CT data. Our initial investigation of similar multi-variate data types identified intermixing as a promising visualization technique. This promoted the development of a generic, modular and extensible intermixing framework. Therefore, the contribution of our work is a framework supporting the construction, analysis and storage of algorithms for visualizing spectral CT studies. To allow evaluation, we implemented the intermixing framework in an application called MARSCTExplorer along with a standard set of volume visualization tools. These tools provide user-interaction as well as supporting traditional visualization techniques for comparison. We evaluated our work with four spectral CT studies containing materials indistinguishable by conventional CT. Our results confirm that spectral CT can distinguish these materials, and reveal how these materials might be visualized with our intermixing framework.

This dissertation presents the results of an investigation into the performance characteristics of a unique hemispherical SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) imaging system capable of producing three-dimensional (3D) tomographic images of the human brain. The system is completely stationary and collects all necessary views of the patient simultaneously, with no system motion. The imager consists of twenty small (10cm x 10cm crystal area), digital gamma cameras arranged in a hemispherical pattern around the patient's head and a hemispherical lead aperture. The hemispherical aperture is positioned between the cameras and the head and contains a large number of pinholes; in this way each camera sees a number of overlapping pinhole projections of the radioactive distribution within the patient's brain. The initial investigation of the performance characteristics of a 3D SPECT system of this design were carried out using a computer simulation in which effects due to radiometry, finite pinhole size, finite detector resolution, photon noise, and object attenuation were included. We used a digital 3D brain phantom as the test object and an iterative search algorithm to perform the reconstructions. The simulations were used to compare the performance of a variety of system configurations. Based upon the results of the simulation study, we constructed a laboratory prototype of the 3D SPECT system, which we used to further characterize the expected performance of a clinical imaging system of the same design. Prior to collecting SPECT data we calibrated the imaging system, which required that we efficiently measure and store the spatially variant system response function. These calibration data were then included in the reconstructions of the SPECT phantoms that we imaged. A number of different SPECT phantoms were imaged to demonstrate the system performance. We measured a reconstructed spatial resolution of 4.8mm full-width at half-maximum and a full-system sensitivity of 36cps/μCi, where both values were measured for a point source in air located at the center of the field of view. We also describe an analysis that we performed to determine the equivalent, non-multiplexed system sensitivity; using this method, we found that the equivalent sensitivity was 79% of the measured value for the system configuration and the particular task that we investigated.

The properties and imaging performance of the computed tomographicimaging spectrometer (CTIS) have been investigated with Fourierand wavelet crosstalk matrices. These matrices and theircorresponding datacube reconstruction algorithms explicitly usedsensitivity equations describing the CTIS imaging system. Theseequations derived from Franhofer diffraction theory of thecomputed generated hologram (CGH) disperser, serve as themathematical model of the CTIS.The Fourier crosstalk matrix (FCTM) was primarily used to analyzethe CTIS imaging system. The FCTM describes which spatial andspectral frequencies contribute to object cube data entering thesystem and whether or not these frequencies give distinctcontributions with respect to each other. Furthermore, since theCTIS is a limited angle tomographic imaging system the missingcone of frequencies which is a feature of this instrument isclearly shown using the FCTM. Subsequently, Fourier-basedestimates of the reconstructed object cube (i.e. the datacube)will be missing this frequency information even if the CTIS is aperfect optical system.The wavelet crosstalk matrix (WCTM) was used primarily for efficient datacubereconstruction only. The datacube reconstruction calculations areprimarily proof-of-concept and reproduce the Fourier results withsome absence of Fourier related artifacts. The waveletdecomposition of the object cube is useful for studying multipleobjects in a parallel processing environment withoutreconstructing the entire datacube, thus reducing overall complexity.Datacube reconstructions of actual astronomical observations withthe CTIS, using the techniques of this research, were consistentwith previous independent datacube estimates from the same datausing existing conventional techniques. Furthermore these objectsfurnish natural point-spread functions that supplementcomputational simulations of the CTIS by describing actual imagingsystem performance.The computational tools for the study ofthe CTIS imaging system provide the additional bonus of ananalysis of object detectability by the computation of receiveroperator characteristic (ROC) curves. We used a synthetic binarystar to simulate this in the presence of both detector and objectnoise.Some suggestions for future research directions are given.