We are interested in x-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging of the coronary arteries, commonly referred to as coronary CT angiography (CTA). Specifically, we suggest an innovative, low-cost solution to the problem of performing accurate coronary CTA within a single heartbeat. This solution is the result of combining the latest advances in image reconstruction theory with careful system design considerations. More specifically, we propose to mitigate artifacts occurring with circular CB tomography of the entire heart, using (i) a new concept of scans, called staggered circular scans, that use several x-ray sources together to obtain CB data on parallel circular trajectories for the net effect of reducing the cone angle without requiring axial motion, (ii) innovative reconstruction algorithms that draw on recent advances in image reconstruction theory. Staggered circular scans are defined with an index K that gives the number of x-ray sources involved. We will focus our effort on the following aims: (1) Development, implementation and validation of a preferred reconstruction algorithm for accurate coronary CTA using staggered circular scans of index K = 2, K = 3 and K = 4. (2) Comparative evaluation of staggered circular scans against each other and against the conventional circular data acquisition. (3) Demonstration of robustness for real data. (4) Feasibility demonstration of accurate general body imaging with a scanner designed to perform staggered circular scans.

Public Health Relevance

NARRATIVE This proposal aims at allowing a leap forward in technology so that cardiac CT imaging can be achieved consistently (i.e., independently of the patient heart's condition) with high accuracy, low scanner cost, and a dose comparable to that of a conventional CT scan. The patients will therefore receive a lower radiation dose with an improved diagnostic, and the population of patients that can be imaged will be widened.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21EB009168-02
Application #
7880625
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SBIB-J (90))
Program Officer
Lopez, Hector
Project Start
2009-07-01
Project End
2012-06-30
Budget Start
2010-07-01
Budget End
2012-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$186,244
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Utah
Department
Radiation-Diagnostic/Oncology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009095365
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
Country
United States
Zip Code
84112
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Wunderlich, Adam; Noo, Frédéric (2013) New Theoretical Results on Channelized Hotelling Observer Performance Estimation with Known Difference of Class Means. IEEE Trans Nucl Sci 60:182-193
Wunderlich, Adam; Noo, Frederic (2012) On Efficient Assessment of Image-Quality Metrics Based on Linear Model Observers. IEEE Trans Nucl Sci 59:568-578
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Wunderlich, Adam; Noo, Frédéric (2012) A nonparametric procedure for comparing the areas under correlated LROC curves. IEEE Trans Med Imaging 31:2050-61
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Wunderlich, Adam; Noo, Frédéric (2011) Confidence intervals for performance assessment of linear observers. Med Phys 38 Suppl 1:S57
Yu, Zhicong; Wunderlich, Adam; Dennerlein, Frank et al. (2011) Line plus arc source trajectories and their R-line coverage for long-object cone-beam imaging with a C-arm system. Phys Med Biol 56:3447-71

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