Breathe New Life Into Your Chest CT Exams: Using Advanced Acquisition and Postprocessing Techniques

Nikkole M. Weber, Chi Wan Koo, Lifeng Yu, Brian J. Bartholmai, Ahmed F. Halaweish, Cynthia H. McCollough, Joel G. Fletcher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Chest computed tomography (CT) imaging enables detailed visualization of the pulmonary structures and diseases. This article reviews how continued innovation and improvements in modern CT system hardware and software now facilitate a wider range of image acquisition options and generate unique qualitative and quantitative information that can benefit patients Results: Dual energy imaging utilizes two x-ray energies to highlight differences in tissue properties and increase iodine signal to improve diagnosis or reduce metal artifacts. Ultra-low dose imaging can be performed by using additional x-ray beam filtration, such as a tin filter, combined with iterative reconstruction algorithms to benefit lung cancer screening or pediatric imaging. Ultra-fast pitch spiral acquisition improves temporal resolution and reduces motion artifacts. Higher spatial resolution acquisition and reconstruction methods permit improved visualization of small structures. Radiomic analysis of chest CT image features permits risk stratification of pulmonary nodules and masses and reliable measures of change in pulmonary architecture and disease. Conclusions: Multiple new CT acquisition and reconstruction techniques, along with advanced post processing methods permit detailed analysis of changes in pulmonary architecture and function, and an expanded ability to adapt chest CT to the unique needs of different patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)152-160
Number of pages9
JournalCurrent Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Volume48
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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