New Contrast Media for K-Edge Imaging With Photon-Counting Detector CT

作者：Gregor Jošt, Michael C. McDermott, Ralf Gutjahr, Tristan Nowak, Bernhard Schmidt, Hubertus Pietsch · 发表于：Investigative Radiology · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.1097/rli.0000000000000978 · 被引用次数：77 · 研究领域：Advanced X-ray and CT Imaging、Radiation Dose and Imaging、Medical Imaging Techniques and Applications

ABSTRACT: The recent technological developments in photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) and the introduction of the first commercially available clinical PCD-CT unit open up new exciting opportunities for contrast media research. With PCD-CT, the efficacy of available iodine-based contrast media improves, allowing for a reduction of iodine dosage or, on the other hand, an improvement of image quality in low contrast indications. Virtual monoenergetic image reconstructions are routinely available and enable the virtual monoenergetic image energy to be adapted to the diagnostic task.A key property of PCD-CT is the ability of spectral separation in combination with improved material decomposition. Thus, the discrimination of contrast media from intrinsic or pathological tissues and the discrimination of 2 or more contrasting elements that characterize different tissues are attractive fields for contrast media research. For these approaches, K-edge imaging in combination with high atomic number elements such as the lanthanides, tungsten, tantalum, or bismuth plays a central role.The purpose of this article is to present an overview of innovative contrast media concepts that use high atomic number elements. The emphasis is on improving contrast enhancement for cardiovascular plaque imaging, stent visualization, and exploring new approaches using 2 contrasting elements. Along with the published research, new experimental findings with a contrast medium that incorpo...