Stefan Schaller

Subsecond multi-slice computed tomography: basics and applications

The recent advent of multislice-scanning is the first real quantum leap in computed tomography since the introduction of spiral CT in the early 90s. We discuss basic theoretical considerations important for the design of multislice scanners. Then, specific issues, like the design of the detector and spiral interpolation schemes are addressed briefly for the SOMATOM PLUS 4 Volume Zoom. The theoretical concepts are validated with phantom measurements. We finally show the large potential of the new technology for clinical applications. The concurrent acquisition of multiple slices results in a dramatic reduction of scan time for a given scan technique. This allows scanning volumes previously inaccessible. Similarly, given volumes can be scanned at narrower collimation, i.e. higher axial resolution in a given time. From data acquired at narrow collimation, both high-resolution studies and standard images can be reconstructed in the so-called Combi-Mode. This on the one hand reduces dose exposure to the patient because repeated scanning of a patient is no longer required. On the other hand, standard reconstructions benefit from narrow collimation as Partial Volume Artifacts are drastically suppressed. The rotational speed of 0.5 s of the SOMATOM PLUS 4 Volume Zoom furthermore opens up a whole range of new applications in cardiac CT. For the first time, virtually motion-free images can be acquired even for large volumes in a single breathhold by the combination of fast rotation and ECG triggering, respectively gating. We explain the underlying concepts and present initial results. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the impact of the new technique on image display and postprocessing.

Advanced single-slice rebinning in cone-beam spiral CT.

To achieve higher volume coverage at improved z-resolution in computed tomography(CT), systems with a large number of detector rows are demanded. However, handling an increased number of detector rows, as compared to today’s four-slice scanners, requires to accounting for the cone geometry of the beams. Many so-called cone-beam reconstruction algorithms have been proposed during the last decade. None met all the requirements of the medical spiral cone-beam CT in regard to the need for high image quality, low patient dose and low reconstruction times. We therefore propose an approximate cone-beam algorithm which uses virtual reconstruction planes tilted to optimally fit 180° spiral segments, i.e., the advanced single-slice rebinning (ASSR) algorithm. Our algorithm is a modification of the single-slice rebinning algorithm proposed by Noo et al. [Phys. Med. Biol. 44, 561–570 (1999)] since we use tilted reconstruction slices instead of transaxial slices to approximate the spiral path. Theoretical considerations as well as the reconstruction of simulated phantom data in comparison to the gold standard 180°LI (single-slice spiral CT) were carried out. Image artifacts, z-resolution as well as noise levels were evaluated for all simulated scanners. Even for a high number of detector rows the artifact level in the reconstructed images remains comparable to that of 180°LI. Multiplanar reformations of the Defrise phantom show none of the typical cone-beam artifacts usually appearing when going to larger cone angles. Imagenoise as well as the shape of the respective slice sensitivity profiles are equivalent to the single-slice spiral reconstruction,z-resolution is slightly decreased. The ASSR has the potential to become a practical tool for medical spiral cone-beam CT. Its computational complexity lies in the order of standard single-slice CT and it allows to use available 2D backprojection hardware.

Spiral interpolation algorithm for multislice spiral CT. I. Theory

This paper presents the adaptive axial interpolator (AAI), a novel spiral interpolation approach for multislice spiral computed tomography (CT) implemented in a clinical multislice CT scanner, the SOMATOM Volume Zoom (Siemens Medical Systems, Forchheim, Germany). The method works on parallel-beam data generated from the acquired fan-beam data by azimuthal rebinning. Spiral interpolation is performed by distance-dependent weighting; i.e., for each ray, its distance to the image plane is evaluated and serves as an argument to a freely selectable weighting function, resulting in a weight factor. A normalization step is applied to the weight factors to ensure that the sum of all corresponding weights (i.e., the weights applied to rays that contribute to the same ray in the interpolated sinogram) is 1. By selection of appropriate weighting functions and suitable adjustment of the tube current, it is possible to keep the slice sensitivity profiles (SSP) as well as the pixel noise constant for all pitch values in the relevant range. Also, a large range of slice-thickness can be reconstructed from a given collimation. The method is, thus, very versatile. Further advantages are that it uses the entire applied dose for imaging and allows for efficient implementation using a table lookup approach.

Weighted FBP-a simple approximate 3D FBP algorithm for multislice spiral CT with good dose usage for arbitrary pitch

A new 3D reconstruction scheme, weighted filtered backprojection (WFBP) for multirow spiral CT based on an extension of the two-dimensional SMPR algorithm is described and results are presented. In contrast to other 3D algorithms available, the algorithm makes use of all available data for all pitch values. The algorithm is a FBP algorithm: linear convolution of the parallel data along the row direction followed by a 3D backprojection. Data usage for arbitrary pitch values is maintained through a weighting scheme which takes into account redundant data. If proper row weighting is applied, the image quality is superior to the image quality of the SMPR algorithm.

A retrospectively ECG-gated multislice spiral CT scan and reconstruction technique with suppression of heart pulsation artifacts for cardio-thoracic imaging with extended volume coverage

Abstract. A method for cardio-thoracic multislice spiral CT imaging with ECG gating for suppression of heart pulsation artifacts is introduced. The proposed technique offers extended volume coverage compared with standard ECG-gated spiral scan and reconstruction approaches for cardiac applications: Thin-slice data of the entire thorax can be acquired within one breath-hold period using a four-slice CT system. The extended volume coverage is enabled by a modified approach for ECG-gated image reconstruction. For a CT system with 0.5-s gantry rotation time, images are reconstructed with 250-ms image temporal resolution. Instead of selecting scan data acquired in exactly the same phase of the cardiac cycle for each image as in standard ECG-gated reconstruction techniques, the patients ECG signal is used to omit scan data acquired during the systolic phase of highest cardiac motion. With this approach cardiac pulsation artifacts in CT studies of the aorta, of paracardiac lung segments, and of coronary bypass grafts can be effectively reduced.

Exact Radon rebinning algorithm for the long object problem in helical cone-beam CT

This paper addresses the long object problem in helical cone-beam computed tomography. The authors present the PHI-method, a new algorithm for the exact reconstruction of a region-of-interest (ROI) of a long object from axially truncated data extending only slightly beyond the ROI. The PHI-method is an extension of the Radon-method, published by Kudo et al. in Phys. in Med. and Biol., vol. 43, p. 2885-909 (1998). The key novelty of the PHI-method is the introduction of a virtual object f/sub /spl phi//(x) for each value of the azimuthal angle /spl phi/ in the image space, with each virtual object having the property of being equal to the true object f(x) in some ROI /spl Omega//sub m/. The authors show that, for each /spl phi/, one can calculate exact Radon data corresponding to the two-dimensional (2-D) parallel-beam projection of f/sub /spl phi//(x) onto the meridian plane of angle /spl phi/. Given an angular range of length /spl pi/ of such parallel-beam projections, the ROI /spl Omega//sub m/ can be exactly reconstructed because f(x) is identical to f/sub /spl phi//(x) in /spl Omega//sub m/. Simulation results are given for both the Radon-method and the PHI-method indicating that (1) for the case of short objects, the Radon- and PHI-methods produce comparable image quality, (2) for the case of long objects, the PHI-method delivers the same image quality as in the short object case, while the Radon-method fails, and (3) the image quality produced by the PHI-method is similar for a large range of pitch values.

Implementation of a cone-beam reconstruction algorithm for the single-circle source orbit with embedded misalignment correction using homogeneous coordinates.

We present an efficient implementation of an approximate cone-beam image reconstruction algorithm for application in tomography, which accounts for scanner mechanical misalignment. The implementation is based on the algorithm proposed by Feldkamp et al. and is directed at circular scan paths. The algorithm has been developed for the purpose of reconstructing volume data from projections acquired in an experimental x-ray micro-tomography (microCT) scanner. To mathematically model misalignment we use matrix notation with homogeneous coordinates to describe the scanner geometry, its misalignment, and the acquisition process. For convenience analysis is carried out for x-ray CT scanners, but it is applicable to any tomographic modality, where two-dimensional projection acquisition in cone beam geometry takes place, e.g., single photon emission computerized tomography. We derive an algorithm assuming misalignment errors to be small enough to weight and filter original projections and to embed compensation for misalignment in the backprojection. We verify the algorithm on simulations of virtual phantoms and scans of a physical multidisk (Defrise) phantom.

Mikro-CT : Technologie und Applikationen zur Erfassung von Knochenarchitektur

ZusammenfassungDie Stärke und Bruchfestigkeit von Knochen wird durch seine trabekuläre und kortikale Struktur bestimmt. Mit zweidimensionalen Meßverfahren wie der Histomorphometrie kann die dreidimensionale Natur des Trabekelnetzwerkes nicht adäquat erfaßt werden. Isotrope 3D Datensätze können mit dem neuen bildgebenden Verfahren der µCT erzeugt werden. Die Frage nach geeigneten Strukturparametern zur Beschreibung des trabekulären Netzwerkes ist allerdings letztendlich noch nicht gelöst. In diesem Beitrag beschreiben wir Technologie und Anwendungen der µCT, welche für das Gebiet der Osteologie relevant sind. Als wichtigste technische Faktoren in diesem Kontext sind derzeit zu nennen: 1. Eine räumliche Auflösung von 5–10 µm kann erzielt werden. 2. Probengröße und Auflösung hängen ca. über einen Faktor 1000 zusammen: Bei einer zu erzielenden Auflösung von 10 µm ist die maximale Probengröße auf etwa 1 cm begrenzt. 3. Die Scanzeiten liegen im Bereich von Minuten bis Stunden. Im Bereich der Osteologie wird die µCT derzeit auf 5 Gebieten eingesetzt: 1. Zur Suche und Optimierung von Parametern, die die dreidimensionale Trabekelstruktur charakterisieren. 2. Die Anwendung von Finite-Elemente Methoden zur Bestimmung der biomechanischen Wertigkeit der stereologischen Parameter. 3. Der Einsatz in der präklinischen Forschung zu in-vivo Verlaufskontrollen in kleinen Labortieren. 4. Die Validierung von Analysemethoden, die in hochauflösenden in-vivo Verfahren zur Osteoporosediagnostik angewendet werden. 5. Die dreidimensionale Quantifizierung von Modeling- und Remodelingprozessen.SummaryThe strength and fracture resistance of bone is determined by the structure of the trabecular network and the cortical shell. While standard 2D techniques like histomorphometry are inadequate to assess the 3D nature of the trabecular network, isotropic 3D datasets of this network can be acquired with the new imaging modality of µCT. However, so far the quantitative analysis of the generated datasets, in particular the extraction of appropriate parameters describing the bone structure, has not been finally solved. In this article we describe the technology and applications of µCT systems relevant in the field of osteology. The most important technical features of current µCT systems in this context are: 1. A spatial resolution down to 5–10 µm can be achieved. 2. The maximum sample size is related to the desired resolution by a factor of approximately 1000, that is, a resolution of 10 µm limits the maximum sample size to approximately 1 cm. 3. Scan times for µCT systems vary between minutes and hours.Currently five areas for the application of µCT systems in osteology can be identified: 1. The search of parameters characterizing the 3D trabecular structure. 2. The application of finite element models to determine the biochemical competence of the structural parameters. 3. The use of µCT in preclinical trials to study drug effects in small animals. 4. The validation of analysis methods used in high-resolution in-vivo imaging systems. 5. The 3D quantification of modeling and remodeling processes.

Image reconstruction and performance evaluation for ECG-gated spiral scanning with a 16-slice CT system

We present an image reconstruction approach and a performance evaluation for ECG-gate cardiac spiral scanning with recently introduced 16-slice CT equipment. We present an extension of the Adaptive Cardio Volume (ACV) reconstruction approach for ECG-gated multislice spiral scanning. We discuss the image z reformation introduced to control the spiral slice width of the final images and give an overview of the reformation functions chosen. We investigate image quality and discuss the maximum number of slices that can be reconstructed without severe cone-beam artifacts. Slice sensitivity profiles (SSPs) and transverse resolution are evaluated as a function of the patients heart rate. We demonstrate the influence of slice width on the visualization of stents and plaques and show the impact of reduced gantry rotation time (0.42 s) on temporal resolution. Deviating from general purpose spiral scanning cone-beam reconstruction is not required for ECG-gated cardiac CT with up to 16 slices. Using the ACV approach with image reformation, SSPs are well defined and independent of the patients heart rate. With 0.75 mm collimated slice width, the measured full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the smallest reconstructed slice is about 0.83 mm. Using this slice width and overlapping image reconstruction, cylindrical holes 0.6-0.7 mm in diameter can be resolved in a z-resolution phantom. Adequate visualization of the coronary arteries requires reconstruction slice widths not larger than 1.5 mm. Visualization of stents and severe calcifications is significantly improved with sub-mm slice width. Experimental evidence for the theoretically predicted temporal resolution and for the variation of temporal resolution depending on the position in the field of measurement (FOM) is presented. With 0.42 s gantry rotation temporal resolution reaches its optimum of 105 ms in the center of the FOM at 81 bpm. First scans on human subjects demonstrate the potential to expand the range of heart rates accessible to routine clinical examinations. A 16-slice platform can cover the heart with sub-mm slices within short breath-hold times, allowing for improved cardiac imaging due to isotropic sub-mm spatial resolution.

Novel approximate approach for high-quality image reconstruction in helical cone-beam CT at arbitrary pitch

We present a novel approximate image reconstruction technique for helical cone-beam CT, called the Advanced Multiple Plane Reconstruction (AMPR). The method is an extension of the ASSR algorithm presented in Medical Physics vol. 27, no. 4, 2000 by Kachelriess et al. In the ASSR, the pitch is fixed to a certain value and dose usage is not optimum. These limitations have been overcome in the AMPR algorithm by reconstructing several image planes from any given half scan range of projection angles. The image planes are tilted in two orientations so as to optimally use the data available on the detector. After reconstruction of several sets of tilted images, a subsequent interpolation step reformats the oblique image planes to a set of voxels sampled on a cartesian grid. Using our novel approach on a scanner with 16 slices, we can achieve image quality superior to what is currently a standard for four-slice scanners. Dose usage in the order of 95% for all pitch values can be achieved. We present simulations of semi-antropomorphic phantoms using a standard CT scanner geometry and a 16 slice design.