CT Image Contrast of High-Z Elements: Phantom Imaging Studies and Clinical Implications.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To quantify the computed tomographic (CT) image contrast produced by potentially useful contrast material elements in clinically relevant imaging conditions.

Materials and methods

Equal mass concentrations (grams of active element per milliliter of solution) of seven radiodense elements, including iodine, barium, gadolinium, tantalum, ytterbium, gold, and bismuth, were formulated as compounds in aqueous solutions. The compounds were chosen such that the active element dominated the x-ray attenuation of the solution. The solutions were imaged within a modified 32-cm CT dose index phantom at 80, 100, 120, and 140 kVp at CT. To simulate larger body sizes, 0.2-, 0.5-, and 1.0-mm-thick copper filters were applied. CT image contrast was measured and corrected for measured

SUBMITTER: FitzGerald PF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4770942 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature