Prior image constrained compressed sensing (PICCS) and applications in X-ray computed tomography

A new image reconstruction algorithm, prior image constrained compressed sensing (PICCS), will be reviewed in this paper. PICCS enables accurate image reconstruction with high contrast-to-noise ratio from undersampled projection data sets. Several clinically relevant applications are reviewed to demonstrate how the new algorithm can be utilized to: reduce radiation dose, provide high quality four dimensional cone beam CT images used for image guided radiation therapy, achieve high temporal resolution cardiac cone beam CT for image guided cardiac interventions, enable perfusion measurements with micro CT and significantly improve temporal resolution in diagnostic multi-detector cardiac CT. The computational speed concerns for this iterative algorithm are also discussed and a method to accelerate the reconstruction using commercially available graphic cards is presented. Future research directions using the PICCS algorithm are also briefly discussed.