Yueh Z. Lee MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

C. Brandon frederick, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Xin Qian, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sha X. Chang, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jianping Lu, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Otto Zhou PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The need for rotational coverage by CT has limited truly portable cross-sectional imaging of the head. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the application of tomosynthesis for breast and chest applications. The goal of this study was to explore the utility of solid state tomosynthesis in head imaging applications using simulations and preliminary phantom studies based on an existing solid state carbon nanotube multi-pixel x-ray source.  

Simulated tomosynthesis data sets from sample head CT image sets with positive findings, including large and small intraparenchymal hemorrhages, intracranial calcifications, a displaced skull fracture and a normal data set were created using custom software. A two-dimensional, square-shaped, arrangement of 52 sources was simulated with a 40 cm detector, corresponding to a prototype tomosynthesis system. Images were reconstructed onto a 256 x 256 x 256 volume with 1 mm voxel widths. These images were interpreted by two board certified neuroradiologists to determine if the primary finding could be identified. Images were presented in a coronal plane using ImageJ.

The primary findings were readily identified in all simulated images by the neuroradiologists. All major findings were visible in the coronal plane by the neuroradiologists. Major artifacts included blurring in the anterior/posterior directions and inhomogeneous attenuation. These were identified as secondary to the limited sampling in the tangential direction.

A portable head-CT system would have great utility “in the field”, "in transit", and for ICU settings. Solid-state tomosynthesis devices can provide useful diagnostic information for head and brain imaging applications, allowing truly transportable/mobile devices. This initial simulation work demonstrates the potential utility of the technique.

This preliminary work demonstrates that useful clinical information can be obtained based on the geometry from an existing, solid-state two-dimensional carbon nanotube based tomosynthesis system.

Lee, Y, frederick, C, Qian, X, Chang, S, Lu, J, Zhou, O, Stationary Tomosynthesis Imaging of the Head and Brain: A Simulation Study.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9003146.html