Open AccessPhoton-counting CT: Technical Principles and Clinical Prospects
Author(s) -
Martin J. Willemink,
Mats Persson,
Amir Pourmorteza,
Norbert J. Pelc,
Dominik Fleischmann
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
radiology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1527-1315
pISSN - 0033-8419
DOI - 10.1148/radiol.2018172656
Subject(s) - photon counting , detector , medicine , photon , medical physics , contrast (vision) , nuclear medicine , physics , optics , radiology
Photon-counting CT is an emerging technology with the potential to dramatically change clinical CT. Photon-counting CT uses new energy-resolving x-ray detectors, with mechanisms that differ substantially from those of conventional energy-integrating detectors. Photon-counting CT detectors count the number of incoming photons and measure photon energy. This technique results in higher contrast-to-noise ratio, improved spatial resolution, and optimized spectral imaging. Photon-counting CT can reduce radiation exposure, reconstruct images at a higher resolution, correct beam-hardening artifacts, optimize the use of contrast agents, and create opportunities for quantitative imaging relative to current CT technology. In this review, the authors will explain the technical principles of photon-counting CT in nonmathematical terms for radiologists and clinicians. Following a general overview of the current status of photon-counting CT, they will explain potential clinical applications of this technology.