Photon-counting CT: Technical principles and clinical prospects

Martin J. Willemink*, Mats Persson, Amir Pourmorteza, Norbert J. Pelc, Dominik Fleischmann

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
16 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)293-312
Number of pages20
JournalRadiology
Volume289
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2018

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods
  • Photons
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed/instrumentation

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