Exploiting the Potential of Photon-Counting CT in Abdominal Imaging

Abstract

Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) imaging uses a new detector technology to provide added information beyond what can already be obtained with current CT and MR technologies. This review provides an overview of PCCT of the abdomen and focuses specifically on applications that benefit the most from this new imaging technique. We describe the requirements for a successful abdominal PCCT acquisition and the challenges for clinical translation. The review highlights work done within the last year with an emphasis on new protocols that have been tested in clinical practice. Applications of PCCT include imaging of cystic lesions, sources of bleeding, and cancers. Photon-counting CT is positioned to move beyond detection of disease to better quantitative staging of disease and measurement of treatment response.

Advanced Neuroimaging With Photon-Counting Detector CT

“…To date, already several studies have shown advantages of PCD-CT over conventional CT, [6][7][8] including applications for abdominal, vascular, cardiac, or chest imaging and various other fields of radiology may benefit from the new detector technique. [9][10][11][12] In this review, we summarize the current status of PCD-CT with regards to applications focusing on the central nervous system and the head and neck region. We review the existing literature and highlight promising future applications.…”

“…The benefit of these new, technically guided opportunities is subject of intensive ongoing research. To date, already several studies have shown advantages of PCD-CT over conventional CT, 6–8 including applications for abdominal, vascular, cardiac, or chest imaging and various other fields of radiology may benefit from the new detector technique 9–12 . In this review, we summarize the current status of PCD-CT with regards to applications focusing on the central nervous system and the head and neck region.…”

The Future Arrived

“…12 Dr Fides Schwartz from the Duke University Medical Center explores the possibilities and potential of photon-counting detector CT in abdominal imaging. 13 Dr Joachim Wildberger from the Maastricht University discusses the current experience and research on the new horizons in vascular imaging with photon-counting detector CT, 14 whereas Dr Zsarnoczay and colleagues from the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston explore the new options for characterizing the heart and myocardium with photon-counting detector CT. 15 Finally, Dr Gregor Jost and colleagues from the Bayer AG, Berlin detail the current research and future developments on new contrast agents for k-edge imaging tailed to photon-counting detector CT. 16 We are grateful to each author for their contributions, for their dedication, their scientific approach in exploiting the potential of this new technique, and for their ability to explain this new technology to the readers in an understandable fashion and with impressive illustrations. We believe that the review articles of this special issue will serve as long-term references for current and future physicians, physicists, and scientists alike.…”

“…Dr Martine Remy-Jardin from the Heart and Lung Institute, Lille Cedex describes the potential and clinical applications of high-resolution photon-counting detector CT imaging of the chest and lung 12 . Dr Fides Schwartz from the Duke University Medical Center explores the possibilities and potential of photon-counting detector CT in abdominal imaging 13 . Dr Joachim Wildberger from the Maastricht University discusses the current experience and research on the new horizons in vascular imaging with photon-counting detector CT, 14 whereas Dr Zsarnoczay and colleagues from the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston explore the new options for characterizing the heart and myocardium with photon-counting detector CT 15 …”

Photon-Counting Detector CT Angiography for Endoleak Detection After Endovascular Aortic Repair

“…Recently, the first dual-source photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) became available for clinical use 21–25 . With the introduction of PCD-CT, a novel reconstruction algorithm called virtual noniodine (VNI) images, which is based on a decomposition of iodine and calcium as base materials, became clinically available.…”