New types of X-ray computed tomography (CT) with synchrotron radiation: fluorescent X-ray CT and phase-contrast X-ray CT using interferometer.

New types of X-ray computed tomography (CT), fluorescent X-ray CT and phase-contrast X-ray CT are being developed for biomedical research. While fluorescent scanning X-ray CT (FXCT) can detect specific contrast elements, or endogenous iodine, at very low content (less than 400 pg iodine of tissue in a volume of 8 x 10(-6) ml), the phase-contrast X-ray CT (PCCT) is a highly sensitive imaging technique to differentiate between different biological tissue types (based on their specific gravity variation) without the use of a contrast agent. Therefore, we can expect functional diagnosis with FXCT, and high contrast, high resolution biological imaging with PCCT. In this paper, a human thyroid gland imaged by FXCT, and a metastatic human cancerous lesion depicted using PCCT are presented. The latter method used a newly manufactured, large, monolithic, X-ray interferometer, which is described in this paper in detail.     

Evaluation of size,morphology, concentration,and surface effect of gold nanoparticles on X-ray attenuation in computed tomography

Increasing attention has been focused on the use of nanostructures as contrast enhancement agents in medical imaging, especially in computed tomography (CT). To date, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been demonstrated to have great potential as contrast agents for CT imaging. This study was designed to evaluate any effect on X-ray attenuation that might result from employing GNPs with a variety of shapes, sizes, surface chemistries, and concentrations. Gold nanorods (GNRs) and spherical GNPs were synthesized for this application. X-ray attenuation was quantified by Hounsfield unit (HU) in CT. Our findings indicated that smaller spherical GNPs (13 nm) had higher X-ray attenuation than larger ones (60 nm) and GNRs with larger aspect ratio exhibited great effect on X-ray attenuation. Moreover, poly ethylene glycol (PEG) coating on GNRs declined X-ray attenuation as a result of limiting the aggregation of GNRs. We observed X-ray attenuation increased when mass concentration of GNPs was elevated. Overall, smaller spherical GNPs can be suggested as a better alternative to Omnipaque, a good contrast agent for CT imaging. This data can be also considered for the application of gold nanostructures in radiation dose enhancement where nanoparticles with high X-ray attenuation are applied.     

Effects of X-Ray Dose On Rhizosphere Studies Using X-Ray Computed Tomography

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) is a non-destructive imaging technique originally designed for diagnostic medicine, which was adopted for rhizosphere and soil science applications in the early 1980s. X-ray CT enables researchers to simultaneously visualise and quantify the heterogeneous soil matrix of mineral grains, organic matter, air-filled pores and water-filled pores. Additionally, X-ray CT allows visualisation of plant roots in situ without the need for traditional invasive methods such as root washing. However, one routinely unreported aspect of X-ray CT is the potential effect of X-ray dose on the soil-borne microorganisms and plants in rhizosphere investigations. Here we aimed to i) highlight the need for more consistent reporting of X-ray CT parameters for dose to sample, ii) to provide an overview of previously reported impacts of X-rays on soil microorganisms and plant roots and iii) present new data investigating the response of plant roots and microbial communities to X-ray exposure. Fewer than 5% of the 126 publications included in the literature review contained sufficient information to calculate dose and only 2.4% of the publications explicitly state an estimate of dose received by each sample. We conducted a study involving rice roots growing in soil, observing no significant difference between the numbers of root tips, root volume and total root length in scanned versus unscanned samples. In parallel, a soil microbe experiment scanning samples over a total of 24 weeks observed no significant difference between the scanned and unscanned microbial biomass values. We conclude from the literature review and our own experiments that X-ray CT does not impact plant growth or soil microbial populations when employing a low level of dose (<30 Gy). However, the call for higher throughput X-ray CT means that doses that biological samples receive are likely to increase and thus should be closely monitored.     

Atherosclerotic plaque imaging using phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography

Reliable, noninvasive imaging modalities to characterize plaque components are clinically desirable for detecting unstable coronary plaques, which cause acute coronary syndrome. Although recent clinical developments in computed tomography (CT) have enabled the visualization of luminal narrowing and calcified plaques in coronary arteries, the identification of noncalcified plaque components remains difficult. Phase-contrast X-ray CT imaging has great potentials to reveal the structures inside biological soft tissues, because its sensitivity to light elements is almost 1,000 times greater than that of absorption-contrast X-ray imaging. Moreover, a specific mass density of tissue can be estimated using phase-contrast X-ray CT. Ex vivo phase-contrast X-ray CT was performed using a synchrotron radiation source (SPring-8, Japan) to investigate atherosclerotic plaque components of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Samples were also histologically analyzed. Phase-contrast X-ray CT at a spatial resolution of 10-20 mum revealed atherosclerotic plaque components easily, and thin fibrous caps were detected. The specific mass densities of these plaque components were quantitatively estimated. The mass density of lipid area was significantly lower (1.011 +/- 0.001766 g/ml) than that of smooth muscle area or collagen area (1.057 +/- 0.001407 and 1.080 +/- 0.001794 g/ml, respectively). Moreover, the three-dimensional assessment of plaques could provide their anatomical information. Phase-contrast X-ray CT can estimate the tissue mass density of atherosclerotic plaques and detect lipid-rich areas. It can be a promising noninvasive technique for the investigation of plaque components and detection of unstable coronary plaques.     

Spiral computed tomography in the diagnosis of limb osteomyelitis

The results of radiation studies in 121 patients of different age (4 to 75 years) examined for limb osteomyelitis are analyzed. All the patients underwent routine X-ray study and computed tomography (CT), 26 patients had X-ray fistulography; 8, linear tomography; 10, CT fistulography; 6, scintigraphy, and 15, ultrasound study. Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO), chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis (CHO), and atypical (here Garre's sclerosing osteomyelitis and Brodie's abscess) osteomyelitis were ascertained in 10.6, 26.4, and 10.1% of cases, respectively. Posttraumatic osteomyelitis was diagnosed in almost 50% of the patients. CT defined the phase of chronic limb osteomyelitis. Spiral CT has proven to be the most effective technique for diagnosing limb osteomyelitis as compared with routine X-ray study: the accuracy of X-ray study was 81.8%, its sensitivity, 84.9%, and specificity, 60.0% and those of computed tomography were 96.7, 99.1, and 80.0%, respectively.     

Spiral computed tomography in the diagnosis of limb osteomyelitis

The results of radiation studies in 121 patients of different age (4 to 75 years) examined for limb osteomyelitis are analyzed. All the patients underwent routine X-ray study and computed tomography (CT), 26 patients had X-ray fistulography; 8, linear tomography; 10, CT fistulography; 6, scintigraphy, and 15, ultrasound study. Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO), chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis (CHO), and atypical (here Garre's sclerosing osteomyelitis and Brodie's abscess) osteomyelitis were ascertained in 10.6, 26.4, and 10.1% of cases, respectively. Posttraumatic osteomyelitis was diagnosed in almost 50% of the patients. CT defined the phase of chronic limb osteomyelitis. Spiral CT has proven to be the most effective technique for diagnosing limb osteomyelitis as compared with routine X-ray study: the accuracy of X-ray study was 81.8%, its sensitivity, 84.9%, and specificity, 60.0% and those of computed tomography were 96.7, 99.1, and 80.0%, respectively.     

First application of X-ray refraction-based computed tomography to a biomedical object

We have developed X-ray refraction-based computed tomography (CT) that is able to visualize soft tissue in between hard tissue. The experimental system consists of Si(220) diffraction double-crystals and is called the DEI (diffraction-enhanced imaging) method, in which the object is located between the crystals and a CCD camera to acquire data as 360 X-ray images. The X-ray energy used was 17.5 keV. The algorithm used to reconstruct CT images was developed by A. Maksimenko and colleagues. We successfully visualized articular cartilage and the distribution of bone marrow, which are inner structures. Our method has much higher contrast compared to the conventional absorption-based CT system.     

CT 与X线诊断肠梗阻的临床价值探讨

目的：探讨腹部X 线与CT 扫描鉴别急性肠梗阻的准确性,为临床诊断提供参考。方法：选取2011年8 月-2013 年8 月我院 收治的66 例急性肠梗阻患者的临床资料进行回顾分析。所有患者均经手术活检或病理诊断证实为急性肠梗阻。术后患者均行腹 部X 线及CT扫描检查,对两种方法判断肠梗阻的发生、梗阻部位、类型及病因与手术病理结果进行比较,评价并分析两种检查 方法的准确率。结果：66 例肠梗阻患者中,X线检出率为89.39%,CT 检出率为95.45%。X 线诊断小肠梗阻准确率为72.10%,CT 为86.05%;X线诊断结肠梗阻准确率为69.57%,CT 为86.96%。X线诊断肿瘤准确率为69.57%,CT 为86.96%;X线诊断肠粘连 准确率为67.86%,CT 为82.14%;X 线诊断肠套叠准确率为60.00%,CT 为80.00%;X线诊断单纯性机械性肠梗阻准确率为78.72%,CT为82.98%;X线诊断绞窄性肠梗准确率为73.68%,CT 为78.95 %。CT 对肠梗阻部位、病因及类型的诊断准确率高于腹部X 线片,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论：腹部X 线与CT 用于诊断急性肠梗阻具有较高的准确率,但CT 对于肠梗阻部位、梗阻类型及梗阻病因的诊断优于X线片。     

X线片和多层螺旋CT诊断及鉴别周围型肺癌的对比研究

目的:对比X线平片和多层螺旋CT诊断及鉴别周围型肺癌的效果。方法:选取了100例周围型肺癌患者,所有患者入院后先行X线片检查,后进行多层螺旋CT检查。通过观察并记录X线片与多层螺旋CT对周围型肺癌的影像学特征、临床TNM分期的诊断效果,评价X线平片和多层螺旋CT对周围型肺癌的诊断效果。结果:多层螺旋CT对周围型肺癌的肿块、分叶征、支气管气象征、空洞、胸膜凹陷、血管集束征,胸腔积液的检出率均高于X线片(P0.05)。根据外科病理TNM分期结果,多层螺旋CT对周围型肺癌的临床TNM分期诊断符合率为92.0%,X线对周围型肺癌的临床TNM分期诊断符合率为61.0%,多层螺旋CT对周围型肺癌的临床TNM分期诊断符合率明显高于X线(P0.05)。结论:多层螺旋CT对于周围型肺癌各类型影像学征象具有较好的检出率,对周围型肺癌临床TNM分期诊断准确性接近病理诊断结果。     

High-Dynamic-Range CT Reconstruction Based on Varying Tube-Voltage Imaging

For complicated structural components characterized by wide X-ray attenuation ranges, the conventional computed tomography (CT) imaging using a single tube-voltage at each rotation angle cannot obtain all structural information. This limitation results in a shortage of CT information, because the effective thickness of the components along the direction of X-ray penetration exceeds the limitation of the dynamic range of the X-ray imaging system. To address this problem, high-dynamic-range CT (HDR-CT) reconstruction is proposed. For this new method, the tube’s voltage is adjusted several times to match the corresponding effective thickness about the local information from an object. Then, HDR fusion and HDR-CT are applied to obtain the full reconstruction information. An accompanying experiment demonstrates that this new technology can extend the dynamic range of X-ray imaging systems and provide the complete internal structures of complicated structural components.     

Multi-Mounted X-Ray Computed Tomography

Most existing X-ray computed tomography (CT) techniques work in single-mounted mode and need to scan the inspected objects one by one. It is time-consuming and not acceptable for the inspection in a large scale. In this paper, we report a multi-mounted CT method and its first engineering implementation. It consists of a multi-mounted scanning geometry and the corresponding algebraic iterative reconstruction algorithm. This approach permits the CT rotation scanning of multiple objects simultaneously without the increase of penetration thickness and the signal crosstalk. Compared with the conventional single-mounted methods, it has the potential to improve the imaging efficiency and suppress the artifacts from the beam hardening and the scatter. This work comprises a numerical study of the method and its experimental verification using a dataset measured with a developed multi-mounted X-ray CT prototype system. We believe that this technique is of particular interest for pushing the engineering applications of X-ray CT.     

Tuberculosis Contact Investigation Using Interferon-Gamma Release Assay with Chest X-Ray and Computed Tomography

Between September 2009 and January 2010, 6 members of the Japanese Eastern Army, who had completed the same training program, were diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB) on different occasions. The Ministry of Defense conducted a contact investigation of all members who had come into contact with the infected members. The purpose of this study was to verify the efficacy of the TB screening protocol used in this investigation. A total of 884 subjects underwent interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) and chest X-ray. The 132 subjects who were IGRA positive or with X-ray findings suggestive of TB subsequently underwent chest computer tomography (CT). Chest CT was performed for 132 subjects. Based on CT findings, 24 (2.7%) subjects were classified into the active TB group, 107 (12.1%) into the latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) group, and 753 (85.2%) into the non-TB group. The first 2 groups underwent anti-TB therapy, and all 3 groups were followed for 2 years after treatment. Although one subject in the active TB group experienced relapse during the follow-up period, no patient in the LTBI or non-TB groups developed TB. IGRA and chest X-ray, followed by chest CT for those IGRA positive or with suspicious X-ray findings, appears to be an effective means of TB contact screening and infection prevention.     

多排螺旋CT对隐匿性肋骨骨折的诊断价值及最佳复查时间研究

目的:探讨多排螺旋CT对隐匿性肋骨骨折的诊断价值及最佳复查时间。方法:选取2017年7月到2018年7月期间在我院接受治疗的胸部外伤患者95例,在首次检查时均接受了X线平片和多排螺旋CT检查,比较首次检查时X线平片和多排螺旋CT的检出率,比较首次检查时X线平片和多排螺旋CT对不同类型骨折的诊断情况,比较各个时间段复查病例的肋骨骨折数与首次检查时的差异。结果:95例患者中最终86例确诊存在肋骨骨折,首次检查时多排螺旋CT的检出率为95.35%(82/86),高于X线平片的82.56%(71/86)(P0.05)。86例患者最终确定共存在骨折289处,首次检查时X线平片共检出246处,多排螺旋CT共检出274处,多排螺旋CT对线性骨折、凹陷性骨折的检出率高于X线平片(P0.05)。伤后11-20d、伤后41-50d、伤后51-60d的复查肋骨骨折数与首次检查肋骨骨折数比较无统计学差异(P0.05),伤后21-30d、伤后31-40d的复查肋骨骨折数高于首次检查肋骨骨折数(P0.05)。结论:多排螺旋CT对隐匿性肋骨骨折有较高的诊断价值,首次诊断时的检出率明显高于X线平片,伤后21-40d这个时间段是进行复查的较佳时间段,可获得较好效果。     

Principles and applications of dual source CT

This article describes the technical principles and clinical applications of dual source CT. A dual source CT (DSCT) is a CT system with two x-ray tubes and two detectors at an angle of approximately 90°. Both measurement systems acquire CT scan data simultaneously at the same anatomical level of the patient (same z-position). DSCT provides temporal resolution of approximately a quarter of the gantry rotation time for cardiac, cardio-thoracic and pediatric imaging. Successful imaging of the heart and the coronary arteries at high and variable heart rates has been demonstrated. DSCT systems can be operated at twice the spiral pitch of single source CT systems (up to pitch 3.2). The resulting high table speed is beneficial for pediatric applications and fast CT angiographic scans, e. g. of the aorta or the extremities. Operating both X-ray tubes at different tube potential (kV) enables the acquisition of dual energy data and the corresponding applications such as monoenergetic imaging and computation of material maps. Spectral separation can be improved by different filtration of the X-ray beams of both X-ray tubes. As a downside, DSCT systems have to cope with some challenges, among them the limited size of the second measurement system, and cross-scattered radiation.     

支气管扩张症的X线平片、CT和HRCT对照分析

目的:对支气管扩张的X线平片、CT和HRCT表现做一对比分析,以提高诊疗水平。方法:取病理证实支扩20例,分别摄有胸正侧位片,常规CT扫描和HRCT扫描。HRCT选薄层,大矩阵和高分辨率算法。结果:显示X光平片漏诊率高(8/20),特异性低(3/20)。CT较平片显示肺“盲区”效果好,有粘液嵌塞者,常规CT像上有时不易与血管性病变鉴别,HRCT可显示部分含气的支气管腔存在。结论:HRCT扫描诊断支扩特异性高,可与支气管造影相媲美,它不仅显示支扩范围、程度和部位。还能显示小叶中央性改变。常规CT较平片显示率高。     

Computerized tomography and skeletal density of coral skeletons

In this paper I describe and discuss the use of medical X-ray computerized tomography (CT) in the study of coral skeletons. CT generates X-ray images along freely chosen sections through the skeleton and offers, as well, the possibility of density measurements based on X-ray attenuation. This method has been applied to measure the skeletal density of the Caribbean reef-building coral Montastrea annularis, from Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles. The observed, non-linear increase of skeletal density with depth can be attributed to decreasing photo-synthetic rates with increasing water depth. A comparison with extension rate measurements shows the inverse relationship between extension rate and skeletal density. CT proves to be aquick and non-destructive method to reveal growth structures (density banding) since it measures skeletal density.     

Roentgenological picture of pneumonia caused by Legionella: on the materials of outbreak in town Verkhnyaya Pyshma

Chest X-ray is the most common and widely used diagnostic procedure. Chest X-ray is frequently performed not only due to lungs diseases but also in other organs' diseases which indirectly affects lungs. At present computer tomography (CT) which has high resolution becomes to be more and more important. As in other diagnostic method, the main aim of CT is to confirm or reject the presence of disease. During outbreak of pneumonia in town Verkhnyaya Pyshma (Sverdlovsk region), all patients with suspected legionellosis underwent chest X-ray in front and lateral views. In several cases, computer tomography was performed.     

64排螺旋CT对粗隆间骨折Evans分型的影响研究

目的:探讨64排螺旋CT对粗隆间骨折Evans分型的影响,为临床使用提供参考依据。方法:2015年3月至2017年3月,三甲医院高年资创伤骨科主任医师2名,医师1、医师2分别按照术前X线、术前64排螺旋CT平扫和三位重建结果对128例新鲜闭合单侧粗隆间骨折患者进行Evans分型,分别记为X线分型、CT分型。本院术者依据围术期X线、CT及术中所见骨折情况进行Evans分型(逆粗隆间骨折定义为Ⅴ型)作为最终分型。记录分型结果,计算并对比准确率、误诊率。结果:(1)剔除5例,90.09%(123/128)的患者完成研究。(2)分型结果:X线分型中,3例(最终分型Ⅲ型2例,Ⅳ型1例)无法定型;Ⅰ型正确1例,改为Ⅱ型1例;Ⅱ型正确18例,改为Ⅰ型2例,改为Ⅲ型3例,Ⅳ型2例;Ⅲ型正确45例,改为Ⅱ型7例,改为Ⅳ型1例;Ⅳ型正确19例,改为Ⅱ型3例,改为Ⅲ型15例。CT分型中,Ⅰ型正确3例,Ⅱ型正确29例,Ⅲ型正确64例,改为Ⅳ型1例,Ⅳ型正确22例,Ⅴ型正确3例。(3)CT分型的总准确率、总误诊率优于X线分型(99.19%vs67.48%、0.81%vs30.08%,P0.05)。(4)Ⅰ型、Ⅱ型、Ⅲ型、Ⅳ型骨折进行CT分型,准确率高于X线分型(P0.05),误诊率低于X线分型(P0.05);Ⅴ型骨折,两种分型准确率、误诊率相等。结论:64排螺旋CT平扫及三维重建是粗隆间骨折Evans分型较为可靠的辅助检查,可考虑推广运用。     

Pin-photodiode array for the measurement of fan-beam energy and air kerma distributions of X-ray CT scanners

PurposePatient dose estimation in X-ray computed tomography (CT) is generally performed by Monte Carlo simulation of photon interactions within anthropomorphic or cylindrical phantoms. An accurate Monte Carlo simulation requires an understanding of the effects of the bow-tie filter equipped in a CT scanner, i.e. the change of X-ray energy and air kerma along the fan-beam arc of the CT scanner. To measure the effective energy and air kerma distributions, we devised a pin-photodiode array utilizing eight channels of X-ray sensors arranged at regular intervals along the fan-beam arc of the CT scanner.MethodsEach X-ray sensor consisted of two plate type of pin silicon photodiodes in tandem – front and rear photodiodes – and of a lead collimator, which only allowed X-rays to impinge vertically to the silicon surface of the photodiodes. The effective energy of the X-rays was calculated from the ratio of the output voltages of the photodiodes and the dose was calculated from the output voltage of the front photodiode using the energy and dose calibration curves respectively.ResultsThe pin-photodiode array allowed the calculation of X-ray effective energies and relative doses, at eight points simultaneously along the fan-beam arc of a CT scanner during a single rotation of the scanner.ConclusionsThe fan-beam energy and air kerma distributions of CT scanners can be effectively measured using this pin-photodiode array.     

CT影像和X线平片在脊柱爆裂型骨折诊断中的对比分析

目的分析X线平片与CT影像在脊柱爆裂骨折诊断中的应用价值。方法选取2015年7月~2016年7月我院收治的脊柱爆裂骨折患者70例为研究对象,按随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组,对照组患者予以X线平片进行诊断,观察组患者予以CT影像进行诊断,对比分析两组患者的检出率、检出时间以及检查费用情况。结果对照组患者的检出率为65.71%,检出时间(9.21±0.13)min,检查费用(115±25.20)元;观察组患者的检出率为88.57%,检出时间(2.32±0.30)min,检查费用(628±52.6)元。两组比较差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。结论脊柱爆裂型骨折患者行CT影像学诊断的临床价值明显优于X线平片,值得作为脊柱爆裂型骨折的首选检查方法。