Method of radiography of a patient's body

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiographic method for a portion of a patient's body height in a standing posture, comprising: performing one or more first vertical scans on the patient's body height portion; performing one or more second vertical scans on the patient's body height portion; performing a computed tomography scan on a second portion (H2) of the patient's body height portion, the second portion being shorter than a first portion (H1) of the patient's body height portion and being determined by at least one of the one or more first vertical scans and at least one of the one or more second vertical scans; performing magnetic resonance imaging on a third portion (H3) of the patient's body height portion, the third portion being shorter than a first portion (H1) of the patient's body height portion and being determined by at least one of the one or more first vertical scans and at least one of the one or more second vertical scans, and / or by the computed tomography scan, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging is performed in a magnetic field of less than 20 millitalas and associated with a cryogenic quantum detector (45).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of radiographic methods for patients' bodies, and related radiographic equipment for performing such radiographic methods for patients' bodies. Background Technology

[0002] To image the inside of a patient's body and diagnose potential disease risks as accurately as possible, a variety of known imaging techniques are available. These include, for example, positron emission tomography (PET), simple bidirectional (anteroposterior and lateral) 2D X-ray imaging, or complex spiral computed tomography (CT), and precision magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All these imaging techniques operate in different spectral domains: gamma rays, X-rays, and magnetic fields. Depending on the patient type, the type of organ located in the area of ​​interest, and the type of malformation or disease to be detected and treated, one or more of these imaging techniques will be used, often sequentially and individually, which is detrimental to medical specialists making rapid, relevant, and reliable diagnoses of patients. There is a need to improve this medical situation. Some of these techniques can be used simultaneously, such as CT and MRI as described in patents US11534122B2 or US11639567B2, or CT and PET as described in patent application US2021 1389399 A1.

[0003] As to whether coupling simple bidirectional (anteroposterior and lateral) 2DX imaging with complex computed tomography is technically attractive, at first glance there seems to be an inherent duality: - On the one hand, this simple bidirectional (anteroposterior and lateral) 2DX imaging, ○ Performed via vertical scan. ■ Completed in a short time, ○ Provides 3D reconstruction, ■ Relatively rough, ■ But it covers a significant portion of the patient's body. ○ At the cost of a low global radiation dose received by the patient, - On the other hand, that kind of complex computed tomography scan, ○ Performed via a spiral horizontal scan. ■ Completed over a long period of time, ○ Provides 3D reconstruction, ■ More refined ■ But it covers a significantly more limited portion of the patient's body. ○ At the cost of high global radiation doses received by patients.

[0004] Therefore, in the prior art, simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging and complex computed tomography are generally considered mutually exclusive alternatives. The choice between the two depends on the application under consideration and the trade-offs to be achieved, especially since both anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging and complex computed tomography operate in the same X-ray spectral field, and the global radiation dose received by the patient should be minimized for medical reasons, performing both simultaneously would be considered both useless and potentially harmful to the patient's health. Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, this invention proposes an alternative way to solve this duality problem by combining simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging with complex computed tomography in a novel manner, thereby enabling: First, a synergistic effect emerges between these two simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging methods and complex computed tomography (CT). Simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging helps to better focus CT on specific regions of interest, while CT improves the quality of 3D reconstructed images from simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging within those specific regions of interest. Both lead to improved diagnosis from each patient imaging session, thereby reducing the number of patient imaging sessions required over a period of time. In practice, computed tomography (CT) scans typically perform scout views to better focus on the region of interest. These scout views can be omitted because the scout views from the first and second vertical scans, or the first and second vertical scans themselves, can replace the usual CT scout views. - Secondly, as a result of the aforementioned synergistic effect and the improvement in diagnosis per patient imaging, it is not only most useful to combine simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging with complex computed tomography during such patient imaging, but also the total radiation dose received by patients over a period of time when performing complete treatment of the disease through multiple consecutive patient imaging sessions should be expected to be reduced, as the total number of patient X-ray imaging sessions over a period of time should be reduced.

[0006] Furthermore, regarding the technical appeal of coupling some form of X-ray imaging with sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging, at first glance, there seems to be an inherent complementarity: - On the one hand, a certain type of X-ray imaging, ○ Specifically designed to enhance the bone structure within the patient's body. - On the other hand, magnetic resonance imaging ○ Specifically designed to enhance the soft tissues in a patient's body. - This allows us to obtain a complete and comprehensive image of the patient's internal body.

[0007] This complementarity seems more attractive at first glance between X-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging because: Both X-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used. ○ To be executed over a long period of time, ■ The patient lies still in a horizontal position. ○ Provides 3D reconstruction, ■ Quite exquisite, ■ However, it covers a rather limited portion of the patient's body, corresponding to a relatively small area of ​​concern within the patient's body. ○ At the cost of both: ■ The patient received a high global radiation dose. ■ The high-level magnetic field generated by the equipment, ■ This results in rare executions in a rather small area of ​​concern within the patient's body.

[0008] However, one important obstacle still needs to be overcome: - Computed tomography (CT) scans require equipment with bulky metal parts, especially those with moving bulky metal parts. Magnetic resonance imaging requires a high magnetic field. Therefore, the coupling between these bulky metal components and the high magnetic field on the other hand may interfere with the proper functioning of the magnetic resonance imaging.

[0009] On the contrary, at first glance, there seems to be an actual duality: - On the one hand, simple bidirectional (anteroposterior and lateral) 2DX imaging, ○ Performed via vertical scan. ■ Completed in a short time, ○ Provides 3D reconstruction, ■ Relatively rough, ■ But it covers a significant portion of the patient's body. - On the other hand, sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging, ○ Performed via horizontal scan. ■ Completed over a long period of time, ○ Provides 3D reconstruction, ■ More refined ■ But it covers a significantly more limited portion of the patient's body.

[0010] Furthermore, the seemingly low compatibility between simple bidirectional (anteroposterior and lateral) 2DX imaging and precision magnetic resonance imaging will be significantly improved by this invention, which proposes: First, a very small magnetic field level is used in conjunction with a highly sensitive detection system to avoid previously harmful coupling between the device's metal components and the surrounding magnetic field, while still accurately detecting changes in this small magnetic field level. Secondly, an attractive synergistic effect emerges between these two simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging techniques and precision magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging helps to better focus precision MRI on specific regions of interest, while precision MRI improves the quality of 3D reconstructed images from simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging within those specific regions of interest. Both result in improved diagnosis from each patient imaging session, thereby reducing the number of patient imaging sessions required over a given period. In practice, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) typically performs a localization image to better focus on the region of interest. This localization image can be canceled because the localization images from the first and second vertical scans, or the first and second vertical scans themselves, can replace the usual MRI localization image.

[0011] Furthermore, this newly proposed combination will result in a significant reduction in the overall weight of radiological equipment integrating anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging and magnetic resonance imaging. In effect, giant magnets weighing one ton or more, which require a magnetic field of one or more Tesla, will no longer be needed.

[0012] This objective is achieved through a radiographic method using at least a portion of the patient's height while the patient is standing, including: - A first 2D image of the first portion of the patient's body height is created by performing one or more first vertical scans on the patient's body height portion using a first radiation source and a first radiation detector. - A second 2D image of the first portion of the patient's body height is created by performing one or more second vertical scans on the patient's body height portion using a second radiation source and a second radiation detector. The first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are executed synchronously. - The first and second 2D images observe a first portion of the patient's body height at different incident angles. This further includes: - Create a patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second portion of the patient's body height, combining at least the first and second 2D images with supplementary data. - A computed tomographic scan is performed on a second portion of the patient's body height, which is shorter than, or at least half the length of, the first portion of the patient's body height. ○ The second portion of the patient's body height is determined by at least one of the one or more first vertical scans and at least one of the one or more second vertical scans. - The supplementary data used to create the patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second portion of the patient's body height, including the computed tomography scan of the second portion of the patient's body height. - Perform magnetic resonance imaging on a third portion of the patient's body height, wherein the third portion of the patient's body height is shorter than, or at least half the length of, the first portion of the patient's body height. ○ The third part of the patient's body height is determined as follows: ■ At least one of the one or more first vertical scans and at least one of the one or more second vertical scans ■ and / or by the aforementioned computed tomography scan, ○ The third portion of the patient's body height overlaps at least with, or preferably is substantially equal to, the second portion of the patient's body height. ○ The magnetic resonance imaging is performed in the following manner: ■ Magnetic field less than 20 millitalas ■ Associated with cryogenic quantum detectors.

[0013] The magnetic field mentioned is the main magnetic field.

[0014] The magnetic field is a statically polarized magnetic field oriented in the vertical direction. This statically polarized magnetic field is less than 20 millitalas, or between 0.1 millitalas and 10 millitalas, or between 0.5 millitalas and 5 millitalas.

[0015] The magnetic field is preferably generated by using a first coil located in a horizontal plane above the patient, meaning it is located at the top of the radiological device according to the radiological method of the invention, and a second coil located in a horizontal plane below the patient, meaning it is located at the bottom of the radiological device according to the radiological method of the invention.

[0016] The computed tomographic scan of the second portion of the patient's body height preferably includes: - A first computed tomography (CT) image produced by a first CT source associated with a first CT detector at different incident angles, advantageously a set of anteroposterior CT images produced by anteroposterior CT sources associated with anteroposterior CT detectors in the anteroposterior region at different incident angles. - Second computed tomography images produced by a second computed tomography source associated with a second computed tomography detector at different incident angles, advantageously a set of lateral computed tomography images produced by a lateral computed tomography source associated with a lateral computed tomography detector in the lateral region at different incident angles.

[0017] In summary, the advantages obtained according to the considered embodiments are: - The aforementioned synergistic effect between these simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging and complex computed tomography and precision magnetic resonance imaging is improved. - and / or the aforementioned reduction in overall weight is more important, as is the reduction in the weight of the aforementioned movable parts, and the reduction in the momentum of the aforementioned movable parts. - and / or the compatibility between the aforementioned simple bidirectional (anteroposterior and lateral) 2DX X-ray imaging and precision magnetic resonance imaging is further improved.

[0018] Preferred embodiments include one or more of the following features, which may be used individually or together, either in partial or complete combination.

[0019] Preferably, the third part of determining the patient's body height is derived by segmenting the computed tomography scan.

[0020] Therefore, the aforementioned synergistic effect between such simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging and complex computed tomography and precision magnetic resonance imaging is improved.

[0021] Preferably, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed after the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan, and after the computed tomography (CT) scan. The MRI is preferably performed after the CT scan. Therefore, the aforementioned synergistic effect between these two simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging and precision magnetic resonance imaging, preferably together with complex computed tomography, results in improved depth, and the use of standard 2D images and / or computed tomography as localization images for magnetic resonance imaging leads to better focusing of the region of interest in magnetic resonance imaging.

[0022] Preferably, the magnetic resonance imaging is performed during the execution of the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan, and preferably, the magnetic resonance imaging is performed simultaneously with the computed tomography scan. Therefore, the aforementioned synergistic effect between these two simple anteroposterior and lateral 2D X-ray imaging and precision magnetic resonance imaging is preferably improved together with complex computed tomography, while maintaining an accurate and permanent correspondence between the 2D images and / or computed tomography on one hand and the magnetic resonance imaging on the other.

[0023] Preferably, the magnetic resonance imaging is performed with a magnetic field between 0.1 mTesla and 10 mTesla or between 0.5 mTesla and 5 mTesla.

[0024] Therefore, the compatibility between the aforementioned simple bidirectional (anteroposterior and lateral) 2DX X-ray imaging and precision magnetic resonance imaging is further improved.

[0025] Preferably, the cryogenic quantum detector is a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) cooled by a cryogenic refrigeration system.

[0026] Therefore, the compatibility between the aforementioned simple bidirectional (anteroposterior and lateral) 2DX X-ray imaging and precision magnetic resonance imaging is further improved.

[0027] Preferably, the superconducting quantum interference device is a low-critical-temperature superconducting quantum interference device.

[0028] Therefore, the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal detected by the superconducting quantum interference device is further improved.

[0029] Preferably, to detect changes in the magnetic field, a flux converter arranged upstream of the superconducting quantum interference device and a primary detection antenna arranged upstream of the flux converter are used.

[0030] Therefore, the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal detected by the superconducting quantum interference device is further improved.

[0031] Preferably, the magnetic resonance imaging is performed using a magnetic field detection antenna that is transparent to X-ray radiation and vertically movable so as to at least partially or completely cover a third portion of the patient's body height during the execution of the first and second vertical scans.

[0032] Therefore, the compatibility between the aforementioned simple bidirectional (anteroposterior and lateral) 2DX X-ray imaging and precision magnetic resonance imaging is further improved.

[0033] Preferably, the magnetic field detection antenna surrounds the patient's body so as to also function as a support, thereby keeping the patient's body stationary during the execution of the first and second vertical scans.

[0034] Therefore, not only is the compatibility between the aforementioned simple bidirectional (anteroposterior and lateral) 2D X-ray imaging and precision magnetic resonance imaging further improved, but the intrinsic quality of the 2D images is also further improved, because the magnetic field detection antenna thus achieves a dual function: detecting changes in the magnetic field to provide additional information for the X-ray 2D images, while avoiding parasitic patient movement to further improve the intrinsic quality of the X-ray 2D images.

[0035] Preferably, the patient belongs to the first group of people, namely people with pacemakers and / or metal fragments and / or metal implants.

[0036] Therefore, by using a very small magnetic field level in conjunction with a very sensitive detection system to avoid previously harmful coupling between the device’s metal components and the surrounding magnetic field, a very safe radiographic procedure is provided for this particular Class I patient, while still remaining highly efficient.

[0037] Preferably, the supplementary data for creating the patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a third portion of the patient's body height also includes the magnetic resonance imaging of the third portion of the patient's body height. Therefore, the aforementioned synergistic effect between these two simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX-ray imaging and magnetic resonance imaging is improved.

[0038] Preferably, the supplementary data used to create the patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second portion of the patient's body height also includes 3D general data.

[0039] Therefore, patient-specific 3D reconstruction has become more precise and accurate.

[0040] Preferably, the magnetic resonance imaging is performed with a vertically oriented static polarization magnetic field less than 20 millitalas, or between 0.1 millitalas and 10 millitalas, or between 0.5 millitalas and 5 millitalas, using a first coil located in a horizontal plane above the patient and a second coil located in a horizontal plane below the patient.

[0041] Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging can be performed in a simpler and more efficient manner.

[0042] Preferably, the magnetic resonance imaging is performed by correcting the non-uniformity of the static polarization magnetic field to make the static polarization magnetic field more uniform by adding one or more shimming coils, which are located inside the first coil and / or the second coil, or in at least one vertical panel of the gantry housing of the radiographic apparatus implementing the radiographic method.

[0043] Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging can be performed in a simpler and more efficient manner.

[0044] Preferably, the magnetic resonance imaging is performed by creating gradients in the X, Y, and Z directions of the static polarization magnetic field by adding one or more gradient coils, which are located inside the first coil and / or the second coil, or in at least one vertical panel of the gantry housing of the radiographic apparatus implementing the radiographic method.

[0045] Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging can be performed in a simpler and more efficient manner.

[0046] Another objective of the present invention is to improve upon the previously described radiographic method, whether or not all or some of its previously described options are used, either alternatively or concurrently with the previously described radiographic method, whether or not all or some of its previously described options are used.

[0047] This other objective is achieved through a radiographic method using at least a portion of the patient's height while the patient is standing, including: - A first 2D image of the first portion of the patient's body height is created by performing one or more first vertical scans on the patient's body height portion using a first radiation source and a first radiation detector. - A second 2D image of the first portion of the patient's body height is created by performing one or more second vertical scans on the patient's body height portion using a second radiation source and a second radiation detector. The first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are executed synchronously. - The first and second 2D images observe a first portion of the patient's body height at different incident angles. This further includes: - Create a patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second portion of the patient's body height, combining at least the first and second 2D images with supplementary data. - A computed tomographic scan is performed on a second portion of the patient's body height, which is shorter than, or at least half the length of, the first portion of the patient's body height. ○ The second portion of the patient's body height is determined by at least one of the one or more first vertical scans and at least one of the one or more second vertical scans. - The supplementary data for creating the patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second portion of the patient's body height portion, including the computed tomography scan of the second portion of the patient's body height portion.

[0048] Preferably, the supplementary data used to create the patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second portion of the patient's body height also includes 3D general data.

[0049] Therefore, patient-specific 3D reconstruction has become more precise and accurate.

[0050] Preferably, creating a patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second portion of the patient's body height portion, combining at least the first and second 2D images with supplementary data, includes: creating a patient-specific temporary 3D reconstruction on at least a first portion of the patient's body height portion as patient-specific modeling, using both: at least the first and second 2D images as patient-specific data, and a 3D general model as general data; and a process of combining the first and second 2D images with the 3D general model to obtain the patient-specific temporary 3D reconstruction as a modeling process, the supplementary data for creating the patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second portion of the patient's body height portion, and for modifying, enriching, and / or correcting the patient-specific temporary 3D reconstruction by using the computed tomography scan of the second portion of the patient's body height portion, upgrading the patient-specific temporary 3D reconstruction to the patient-specific final 3D reconstruction of the second portion of the patient's body height portion.

[0051] Therefore, patient-specific 3D reconstruction has become more precise and accurate.

[0052] Preferably, the modeling process uses artificial intelligence, and more preferably deep learning or generative adversarial networks.

[0053] Therefore, patient-specific 3D reconstruction has become more precise and accurate.

[0054] Preferably, the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are performed for the first time to construct first and second positioning images, respectively. Based on the first and second positioning images, the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are performed for the second time to construct first and second 2D images, respectively. The computed tomography scan is performed during the second execution of the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan. The second portion of the patient's body height is determined by the first vertical scan during the first execution and the second vertical scan during the first execution.

[0055] Therefore, the aforementioned synergistic effect between these two simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging and complex computed tomography is improved, while maintaining an accurate and permanent correspondence between 2D images and computed tomography.

[0056] Preferably, the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are performed for the first time to construct first and second positioning images, respectively. Based on the first and second positioning images, the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are performed for the second time to construct first and second 2D images, respectively. The computed tomography scan is performed after the second execution of the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan. The second portion of the patient's body height is determined by the first vertical scan during the second execution and the second vertical scan during the second execution.

[0057] Therefore, the aforementioned synergistic effect between these two simple anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging and complex computed tomography is greatly improved, and the use of standard 2D images as localization images for computed tomography results in better focusing of the region of interest in computed tomography.

[0058] Preferably, the radiographic method further uses: a first computed tomography (CT) source associated with a first computed tomography detector, both sliding vertically together to perform an anteroposterior vertical scan of a second portion of the patient's body height, the second portion being smaller than the first portion; a second CT source associated with a second CT detector, both sliding vertically together to perform a lateral vertical scan of the second portion of the patient's body height; a first vertical sliding support mechanically connecting both to remain stationary relative to each other during the first vertical scan; both being: a first radiation source and a first CT detector; a second vertical sliding support mechanically connecting both to remain stationary relative to each other during the second vertical scan; both being: a second radiation source and a second CT detector; a third vertical sliding support mechanically connecting both to remain stationary relative to each other during the first vertical scan; both being: a first radiation detector and a first CT source; and a fourth vertical sliding support mechanically connecting both to remain stationary relative to each other during the second vertical scan; both being: a second radiation detector and a second CT source.

[0059] Therefore, this specific implementation of sources and detectors within radiological equipment leads to a substantial reduction in overall weight, as well as a substantial reduction in the weight of movable parts and a substantial reduction in the momentum of these movable parts.

[0060] Preferably, the computed tomography scan is performed in cooperation with at least one computed tomography source, which is a distributed source including at least one transmitter linear array, which is: vertically movable during the execution of the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan, horizontally stationary during the execution of the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan, and performs a horizontal scan by continuously transmitting signals from the transmitters that advance progressively along the transmitter linear array, in conjunction with at least one computed tomography detector, in order to construct a computed tomography scan of a second portion of the patient's body height portion.

[0061] Therefore, this specific implementation of sources and detectors within radiological equipment leads to a substantial reduction in overall weight, as well as a substantial reduction in the weight of movable parts and a substantial reduction in the momentum of these movable parts.

[0062] Preferably, the number of transmitters is 10 to 100, 15 to 70, or 20 to 50.

[0063] Preferably, the transmitter is a pulse transmitter.

[0064] Preferably, the emitter is a cold cathode X-ray emitter.

[0065] Therefore, this specific implementation of sources and detectors in radiological equipment improves upon the reduction in overall weight, as well as the reduction in the weight of moving parts and the reduction in the momentum of these moving parts.

[0066] Preferably, the cold cathode X-ray emitter is a carbon nanotube-based cold cathode X-ray emitter, a silicon-based cold cathode X-ray emitter, or a field emission electron-based cold cathode X-ray emitter.

[0067] Preferably, the first and second detectors are multi-energy counting detectors, more preferably energy-resolved photon counting detectors (ERPCD), having at least two energy boxes, at least four energy boxes, at least six energy boxes, and / or at most ten energy boxes.

[0068] Therefore, patient-specific 3D reconstruction has become more precise and accurate.

[0069] Preferably, a first vertical gap exists between the first radiation source and radiation detector on one side and the second radiation source and radiation detector on the other side, such that the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are performed synchronously but have a first time offset from each other, so as to further reduce cross-scattering between the first and second 2D images.

[0070] Therefore, cross-scattering between X-rays at different incident angles on the patient's body is reduced, while maintaining good overall compactness and a relatively low total weight of the radiology equipment.

[0071] Preferably, the first scattering suppression grid is located upstream of the first computed tomography (CT) detector to reduce computed tomography cross-scattering between the first image produced by the first CT detector and the second image produced by the second CT detector, and to reduce self-scattering in the first image produced by the first CT detector. The second scattering suppression grid is located upstream of the second CT detector to reduce computed tomography cross-scattering between the first image produced by the first CT detector and the second image produced by the second CT detector, and to reduce self-scattering in the second image produced by the second CT detector.

[0072] Advantageously, the emission of the first computed tomography source (usually anterior-posterior computed tomography source) and the emission of the second computed tomography source (usually lateral computed tomography source) can be alternated to further reduce such cross-scattering.

[0073] Therefore, cross-scattering between X-rays at different incident angles on the patient's body is reduced, while maintaining good overall compactness and a relatively low total weight of the radiology equipment.

[0074] Preferably, the first collimation tunnel is located upstream of the first radiation detector to further reduce cross-scattering between the first and second 2D images, and the second collimation tunnel is located upstream of the second radiation detector to further reduce cross-scattering between the first and second 2D images.

[0075] Therefore, cross-scattering between X-rays at different incident angles on the patient's body is further reduced, while maintaining good overall compactness and a relatively low total weight of the radiological equipment.

[0076] Preferably, the first vertical gap is between 1 cm and 5 cm, advantageously between 1.5 cm and 3 cm.

[0077] Therefore, cross-scattering between X-rays at different incident angles on the patient's body is further reduced, while maintaining good overall compactness and a relatively low total weight of the radiological equipment.

[0078] Preferably, the radiological method uses: a first computed tomography (CT) source associated with a first CT detector, both sliding vertically together to perform an anteroposterior vertical scan of a second portion of the patient's body height, the second portion being smaller than the first portion; and a second CT source associated with a second CT detector, both sliding vertically together to perform a lateral vertical scan of the second portion of the patient's body height; a second vertical gap exists between the first radiation source and the first CT source, and between the second radiation source and the second CT source, such that the first and second vertical scans are performed synchronously but with a second time offset between them, in order to reduce cross-scattering between the first and second 2D images and the CT scan.

[0079] Therefore, cross-scattering between X-rays at different incident angles on the patient's body is further reduced, while maintaining good overall compactness and a relatively low total weight of the radiological equipment.

[0080] Preferably, the second vertical gap is between 25% and 150% of the height of the first computed tomography (CT) detector and between 25% and 150% of the height of the second CT detector, advantageously between 50% and 100% of the height of the first CT detector and between 50% and 100% of the height of the second CT detector, and / or between 3 cm and 20 cm, advantageously between 5 cm and 12 cm.

[0081] Therefore, cross-scattering between X-rays at different incident angles on the patient's body is further reduced, while maintaining good overall compactness and a relatively low total weight of the radiological equipment.

[0082] Preferably, the patient-specific provisional 3D reconstruction is upgraded to the patient-specific final 3D reconstruction by using a corrected computed tomography image instead of the original computed tomography image as supplementary data. The corrected computed tomography image is obtained by artificial intelligence processing of the original computed tomography image to reduce cross-scattering effects between the first and second computed tomography images produced by the first and second computed tomography detectors, respectively, and / or to reduce self-scattering effects on the first and second computed tomography images produced by the first and second computed tomography detectors, respectively.

[0083] Therefore, patient-specific 3D reconstruction has become more precise and accurate.

[0084] Preferably, the artificial intelligence processing is either deep learning processing or uses generative adversarial networks to reduce cross-scattering effects between the first and second computed tomography images produced by the first and second computed tomography detectors, respectively, and / or to reduce self-scattering effects on the first and second computed tomography images produced by the first and second computed tomography detectors, respectively.

[0085] Another objective of the present invention is to alternatively use with the previously described radiographic method, whether or not using all or some of the previously described options, or to use simultaneously with the previously described radiographic method, whether or not using all or some of the previously described options, in order to implement such the previously described radiographic method, whether or not using all or some of the previously described options.

[0086] Another objective is achieved through a radiological device, which includes: The frame enclosed in the housing Patient platform An anterior-posterior radiation source, associated with an anterior-posterior radiation detector, slides vertically together to perform anterior-posterior vertical scans of a patient standing on the platform. A lateral radiation source, associated with a lateral radiation detector, slides vertically together to perform a lateral vertical scan of a patient standing on the platform. It also includes: An anteroposterior computed tomography (CT) source, associated with an anteroposterior CT detector, slides vertically together to perform an anteroposterior vertical scan of a patient standing on the platform. A lateral computed tomography (CT) source, associated with a lateral CT detector, slides vertically together to perform a lateral vertical scan of a patient standing on the platform. It also includes: A first front-to-back vertical sliding support mechanically connects the following two together so that they remain stationary relative to each other during the front-to-back vertical scan: ○ The front and rear radiation sources located outside the frame housing. ○ and the front and rear computed tomography detectors located outside the frame housing. A second lateral vertical sliding support mechanically connects the following two together so that they remain stationary relative to each other during the lateral vertical scan: ○ The lateral radiation source located outside the frame housing, ○ and the lateral computed tomography detector located outside the frame housing, A third front-to-back vertical sliding support mechanically connects the following two together so that they remain stationary relative to each other during the front-to-back vertical scan: ○ The front and rear position radiation detectors located inside the frame housing. ○ and the front and rear computed tomography sources located inside the rack housing, A fourth lateral vertical sliding support mechanically connects the following two together so that they remain stationary relative to each other during the lateral vertical scan: ○ The lateral radiation detector located inside the rack housing. ○ and the lateral computed tomography source located inside the rack housing, And among them: The first and third front-rear vertical sliding supports are mechanically independent of each other so that they can slide vertically independently of each other. The second lateral vertical sliding support and the fourth lateral vertical sliding support are mechanically independent of each other so that they can slide vertically independently of each other.

[0087] In practice, integrating anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging systems with computed tomography systems into a single, universal radiology unit would, at first glance, result in a very large, heavy, and cumbersome radiology device. Such an oversized, heavy, and cumbersome radiology device presents numerous disadvantages, including the need for specially reinforced floors to support it and the requirement for a specific installation process to bring it into the hospital.

[0088] Furthermore, such general-purpose radiology equipment often has large, heavy, and bulky movable parts, some of which may pose a risk of collision with the patient during X-ray imaging, for example, if the patient cannot remain completely quiet and still. The movable parts of excessively large, heavy, and bulky radiology equipment present several disadvantages, including limited scanning speed and the need for specific braking systems to safely stop the movable parts when necessary, especially for visible movable parts, where safety braking constraints are significantly stricter than for invisible movable parts. Visible movable parts are those that the patient can see and accidentally touch during X-ray imaging if the patient cannot remain completely quiet and still; while invisible movable parts are those that the patient cannot see or accidentally touch during X-ray imaging because these invisible movable parts are located within a closed housing or a completely enclosed shell.

[0089] Therefore, significantly reducing the overall weight is advantageous: - First, reduce the overall weight of the entire general radiology setup that integrates anteroposterior and lateral 2DX imaging systems with computed tomography systems. - Secondly, reduce the weight of the movable parts of this general-purpose radiology device, and reduce the momentum of these movable parts by shortening the distance between their mass and their corresponding supports. - Third, in particular, reduce the weight of the visible movable parts of this general radiological device, and reduce the momentum of these movable parts by shortening the distance between the mass and its corresponding support.

[0090] Therefore, a specific implementation of sources and detectors is proposed for both simple 2DX imaging and computed tomography (CT). This implementation employs a head-to-tail distribution of sources and detectors (sources for 2DX imaging and detectors for CT, and sources for CT and detectors for 2DX imaging), eliminating the need for a classic C-arm. A classic C-arm mechanically connects each type of source to its associated detector type, ensuring a precise correspondence between sources and their associated detectors. This lack of mechanical connection between each source and its associated detector may require software corrections to accurately reconstruct this correspondence.

[0091] Preferably, the third front-to-back vertical sliding support and the fourth lateral vertical sliding support are mechanically independent of each other so that they can slide vertically independently of each other.

[0092] Therefore, the aforementioned reduction in overall weight is more important, as is the reduction in the weight of movable parts and the reduction in the momentum of these movable parts.

[0093] Preferably, the radiological device further includes: a third column along which the third anterior-posterior vertical sliding support slides vertically, and a fourth column along which the fourth lateral vertical sliding support slides vertically, the third column and the fourth column being mechanically independent of each other, such that: the third column does not support any weight of the fourth lateral vertical sliding support, and the fourth column does not support any weight of the third anterior-posterior vertical sliding support.

[0094] Therefore, the aforementioned reduction in overall weight is more important, as is the reduction in the weight of movable parts and the reduction in the momentum of these movable parts.

[0095] Preferably, the third front-to-back vertical sliding support and the fourth lateral vertical sliding support are mechanically connected together so that they can only slide vertically together while remaining stationary to each other during front-to-back and lateral vertical scanning.

[0096] Preferably, the radiological device further includes: a vertical column, along which a horizontal bar supporting the third front and rear vertical sliding support and the fourth lateral vertical sliding support slides vertically, the column being located at one corner of the packaging frame.

[0097] Preferably, each of the front-to-back and side-position radiation sources is an X-ray tube encapsulated in a housing, with at least one liquid metal bearing between the rotating anode of the X-ray tube and the housing of the X-ray tube, the housing maintaining a vacuum inside the X-ray tube.

[0098] Therefore, the momentum distribution of these movable parts is more regular and uniform because the internal vibration levels of the front, rear and side radiation sources are reduced.

[0099] Preferably, the rack housing has an L-shaped top view, and each of the front, rear and side radiation sources is located outside the L-shaped rack housing, within the angular sector of the L, and enclosed in a housing that slides vertically together with the radiation source it encloses.

[0100] Therefore, the overall compactness of the radiology apparatus is further improved, while the overall weight of the radiology apparatus remains quite low.

[0101] Preferably, in a square array having three rows from A to C and three columns from 1 to 3: the top view of the L-shaped gantry housing covers squares C1, C2, C3, B3, and A3; the front-to-back and side-position radiation source housings are located in squares B1 and A2, respectively; the patient platform covers square B2; and square A1 is completely empty and unoccupied.

[0102] Therefore, the overall compactness of the radiology apparatus is further improved, while the overall weight of the radiology apparatus remains quite low.

[0103] The present invention also has another objective that can be used alternatively with the previously described objectives of the invention, whether or not all or some of the previously described options are used, or used simultaneously with the previously described objectives of the invention, whether or not all or some of the previously described options are used.

[0104] Another objective of this invention is to provide a radiographic method for at least a portion of the height of a patient's body in a standing position, comprising: - A first 2D image of at least a portion of the patient's body height is created by performing one or more first vertical scans on the patient's body height portion using a first radiation source and a first radiation detector. - A second 2D image of at least a portion of the patient's body height is produced by performing one or more second vertical scans on the patient's body height portion using a second radiation source and a second radiation detector. The first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are executed synchronously. - The first and second 2D images observe at least a portion of the patient's body height at different incident angles, preferably an anteroposterior 2D image and a lateral 2D image, the anteroposterior 2D image and the lateral 2D image being orthogonal to each other. - A first computed tomography (CT) image of at least a portion of the patient's body height is produced by performing one or more third vertical scans on the patient's body height portion using a first computed tomography source and a first computed tomography detector. - A second computed tomography (CT) source and a second CT detector perform one or more fourth vertical scans on the patient's body height portion, collaboratively creating a second CT image of at least a portion of the patient's body height portion. The third and fourth vertical scans are executed synchronously. The first and second computed tomographic images observe at least a portion of the patient's body height at different incident angles, preferably anteroposterior and lateral computed tomographic images, wherein the anteroposterior and lateral computed tomographic images are orthogonal to each other. At least one of the one or more first vertical scans, at least one of the one or more second vertical scans, at least one of the one or more third vertical scans, and at least one of the one or more fourth vertical scans are all executed synchronously. A first vertical gap exists between the first radiation source and the first radiation detector and the second radiation source and the second radiation detector, such that the at least one first vertical scan and the at least one second vertical scan are performed synchronously but with a first time offset between them, in order to reduce cross-scattering between the first and second 2D images. Furthermore, a second vertical gap exists between the first radiation source and the first radiation detector on one side and the first computed tomography (CT) source and the first CT detector on the other side. Preferably, a second vertical gap also exists between the second radiation source and the second radiation detector on one side and the second CT source and the second CT detector on the other side, such that the at least one first vertical scan and the at least one third vertical scan are performed synchronously but with a second time offset between them, in order to reduce cross-scattering between the first 2D image and the first CT image. Preferably, the at least one second vertical scan and the at least one fourth vertical scan are performed synchronously but with the second time offset, in order to reduce cross-scattering between the second 2D image and the second CT image.

[0105] Preferably, the second vertical gap is larger than the first vertical gap, and advantageously the second vertical gap is twice the first vertical gap.

[0106] Preferably, the first computed tomography (CT) source is a distributed source comprising at least one transmitter linear array, advantageously 10 to 100 transmitters, which moves vertically and remains horizontally stationary during the execution of the third vertical scan, performing a horizontal scan by continuously transmitting signals from the transmitters that advance gradually along the transmitter linear array, in conjunction with at least the first CT detector, to construct the first CT image; and the second CT source is a distributed source comprising at least one transmitter linear array, advantageously 10 to 100 transmitters, which moves vertically and remains horizontally stationary during the execution of the fourth vertical scan, performing a horizontal scan by continuously transmitting signals from the transmitters that advance gradually along the transmitter linear array, in conjunction with at least the second CT detector, to construct the second CT image.

[0107] The present invention also has another objective that can be used alternatively with the previously described objectives of the invention, whether or not all or some of the previously described options are used, or used simultaneously with the previously described objectives of the invention, whether or not all or some of the previously described options are used.

[0108] Another objective of this invention is to provide a radiographic method for at least a portion of the height of a patient's body in a standing position, comprising: - A first 2D image of at least a portion of the patient's body height is created by performing one or more first vertical scans on the patient's body height portion using a first radiation source and a first radiation detector. - A second 2D image of at least a portion of the patient's body height is produced by performing one or more second vertical scans on the patient's body height portion using a second radiation source and a second radiation detector. The first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are executed synchronously. - The first and second 2D images observe at least a portion of the patient's body height at different incident angles, preferably an anteroposterior 2D image and a lateral 2D image, the anteroposterior 2D image and the lateral 2D image being orthogonal to each other. - A first computed tomography (CT) image of at least a portion of the patient's body height is produced by performing one or more third vertical scans on the patient's body height portion using a first computed tomography source and a first computed tomography detector. - A second computed tomography (CT) source and a second CT detector perform one or more fourth vertical scans on the patient's body height portion, collaboratively creating a second CT image of at least a portion of the patient's body height portion. The third and fourth vertical scans are executed synchronously. The first and second computed tomographic images observe at least a portion of the patient's body height at different incident angles, preferably anteroposterior and lateral computed tomographic images, wherein the anteroposterior and lateral computed tomographic images are orthogonal to each other. At least one of the one or more first vertical scans, at least one of the one or more second vertical scans, at least one of the one or more third vertical scans, and at least one of the one or more fourth vertical scans are all executed synchronously. Wherein, there is a vertical gap between the first radiation source and the first radiation detector and between the first computed tomography (CT) source and the first CT detector, preferably also between the second radiation source and the second radiation detector and between the second CT source and the second CT detector, such that the at least one first vertical scan and the at least one third vertical scan are performed synchronously but with a time offset between them, in order to reduce cross-scattering between the first 2D image and the first CT image, and preferably, the at least one second vertical scan and the at least one fourth vertical scan are performed synchronously but with the second time offset, in order to reduce cross-scattering between the second 2D image and the second CT image.

[0109] Preferably, the first computed tomography (CT) source is a distributed source comprising at least one transmitter linear array, advantageously 10 to 100 transmitters, which moves vertically and remains horizontally stationary during the execution of the third vertical scan, performing a horizontal scan by continuously transmitting signals from the transmitters that advance gradually along the transmitter linear array, in conjunction with at least the first CT detector, to construct the first CT image; and the second CT source is a distributed source comprising at least one transmitter linear array, advantageously 10 to 100 transmitters, which moves vertically and remains horizontally stationary during the execution of the fourth vertical scan, performing a horizontal scan by continuously transmitting signals from the transmitters that advance gradually along the transmitter linear array, in conjunction with at least the second CT detector, to construct the second CT image.

[0110] The present invention also has another objective that can be used alternatively with the previously described objectives of the invention, whether or not all or some of the previously described options are used, or used simultaneously with the previously described objectives of the invention, whether or not all or some of the previously described options are used.

[0111] Another objective of this invention is to provide a radiographic method for at least a portion of the height of a patient's body in a standing position, comprising: - A first computed tomography (CT) image of at least a portion of the patient's body height is produced by performing one or more first vertical scans on the patient's body height portion using a first computed tomography source and a first computed tomography detector. - A second computed tomography (CT) source and a second CT detector perform one or more second vertical scans on the patient's body height portion to collaboratively create a second CT image of at least a portion of the patient's body height portion. The first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are executed synchronously. The first and second computed tomographic images observe at least a portion of the patient's body height at different incident angles, preferably anteroposterior and lateral computed tomographic images, wherein the anteroposterior and lateral computed tomographic images are orthogonal to each other. A vertical gap exists between the first computed tomography (CT) source and the first CT detector and the second CT source and the second CT detector, such that the at least one first vertical scan and the at least one second vertical scan are performed synchronously but with a time offset between them, in order to reduce cross-scattering between the first and second CT images.

[0112] Preferably, the first computed tomography (CT) source is a distributed source comprising at least one transmitter linear array, advantageously 10 to 100 transmitters, which moves vertically and remains horizontally stationary during the execution of the first vertical scan, performing a horizontal scan by continuously transmitting signals from the transmitters that advance gradually along the transmitter linear array, in conjunction with at least the first CT detector, to construct the first CT image; and the second CT source is a distributed source comprising at least one transmitter linear array, advantageously 10 to 100 transmitters, which moves vertically and remains horizontally stationary during the execution of the second vertical scan, performing a horizontal scan by continuously transmitting signals from the transmitters that advance gradually along the transmitter linear array, in conjunction with at least the second CT detector, to construct the second CT image.

[0113] 2D refers to two dimensions, and 3D refers to three dimensions.

[0114] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, which are given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the following drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0115] Figure 1 An example of a radiological apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, showing vertical scanning in off mode, computed tomography in off mode, and magnetic resonance imaging in both off and on modes.

[0116] Figure 2 An example of a radiological apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, showing vertical scanning in an on mode, computed tomography in a off mode, and magnetic resonance imaging in both off and on modes.

[0117] Figure 3 An example of a radiological apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, showing vertical scanning in an on mode, computed tomography in an on mode, and magnetic resonance imaging in both off and on modes.

[0118] Figure 4 An example of a radiological apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, showing vertical scanning in an on mode, computed tomography in an on mode, and magnetic resonance imaging in both off and on modes.

[0119] Figure 5 Examples of preferred embodiments of the front-to-back radiation source and the lateral radiation source, as well as the front-to-back radiation detector and the lateral radiation detector, are shown.

[0120] Figure 6 Examples of preferred embodiments of anteroposterior computed tomography (CT) sources and lateral CT sources, as well as anteroposterior CT detectors and lateral CT detectors, are shown.

[0121] Figure 7 This illustrates a first example of patient-specific 3D reconstruction in a radiographic method performed using a radiographic device.

[0122] Figure 8 This illustrates a second example of a patient-specific 3D reconstruction method implemented in a radiographic device.

[0123] Figure 9 This illustrates a third example of patient-specific 3D reconstruction in a radiographic method performed using a radiological device.

[0124] Figure 10 This illustrates a fourth example of patient-specific 3D reconstruction in a radiographic method performed using a radiographic device.

[0125] Figure 11 This illustrates a fifth example of patient-specific 3D reconstruction in a radiographic method performed using a radiographic device. Detailed Implementation

[0126] In all the accompanying figures, the spatial orientation is as follows: there exists a vertical direction Z, and a horizontal plane XY with a first horizontal direction X and a second horizontal direction Y, where X is also called the anteroposterior direction and Y is called the lateral direction. An anteroposterior beam transmitted along the anteroposterior direction X creates an anteroposterior image or anteroposterior view of the patient, while a lateral beam transmitted along the lateral direction Y creates a lateral image or lateral view of the patient. Vertical scanning and vertical sliding are performed along the vertical direction Z. In all the accompanying figures, the patient is labeled 50.

[0127] Figure 1An example of a radiological apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, showing vertical scanning in off mode, computed tomography in off mode, and magnetic resonance imaging in both off and on modes.

[0128] A radiological device 1 is present. This radiological device 1 includes a frame 10 enclosed within a housing (the housing is not shown in the figure to show all the internal components of the radiological device). A patient platform 6 is located in the middle of the frame 10. During a patient examination, the patient stands vertically on the patient platform 6 along the Z direction, which can be set at different heights along the Z direction to accommodate patients of different heights.

[0129] Advantageously, this patient platform has only two slots: - Either the patient's feet are required, with platform 6 in the top position, approximately 30-40 cm from the floor. - Either the patient's feet are not needed, and platform 6 is in the bottom position, close to the floor.

[0130] The frame 10 includes four columns 11, 12, 13, and 14, which respectively support four vertical sliding support members 15, 16, 17, and 18.

[0131] There is a first column 11, along which a first front-rear vertical sliding support 15 slides vertically, and a second column 12, along which a second lateral vertical sliding support 16 slides vertically. The first column 11 and the second column 12 are mechanically independent of each other, such that the first column 11 does not support any weight of the second lateral vertical sliding support 16, and the second column 12 does not support any weight of the first front-rear vertical sliding support 15.

[0132] The first front-to-back vertical sliding support 15 and the second lateral vertical sliding support 16 are mechanically independent of each other, so that they can slide vertically independently of each other.

[0133] There is a third column 13, along which the third front and rear vertical sliding support 17 slides vertically, and a fourth column 14, along which the fourth lateral vertical sliding support 18 slides vertically. The third column 13 and the fourth column 14 are mechanically independent of each other, such that the third column 13 does not support any weight of the fourth lateral vertical sliding support 18, and the fourth column 14 does not support any weight of the third front and rear vertical sliding support 17.

[0134] The third front and rear vertical sliding support 17 and the fourth lateral vertical sliding support 18 are mechanically independent of each other, so that they can slide vertically independently of each other.

[0135] The first front-rear vertical sliding support 15, the second lateral vertical sliding support 16, the third front-rear vertical sliding support 17, and the fourth lateral vertical sliding support 18 are all mechanically independent of each other, so that any vertical sliding support can slide vertically independently of the other three vertical sliding supports.

[0136] The first front-to-back vertical sliding support 15 and the second lateral vertical sliding support 16 are mechanically independent of each other, so that they can slide vertically independently of each other.

[0137] The first front-rear vertical sliding support 15 and the second lateral vertical sliding support 16 are mechanically independent of each other, so that they can slide vertically independently of the third front-rear vertical sliding support 17 and the fourth lateral vertical sliding support 18.

[0138] The radiological equipment 1 also includes: anterior and posterior radiation source 21, anterior and posterior radiation detector 23, lateral radiation source 22, lateral radiation detector 24, anterior and posterior computed tomography (CT) source 31, anterior and posterior CT detector 33, lateral CT source 32, and lateral CT detector 34.

[0139] Anterior-posterior radiation source 21 is associated with anterior-posterior radiation detector 23, and the two slide vertically together to perform anterior-posterior vertical scans on a patient standing on platform 6.

[0140] Lateral radiation source 22 is associated with lateral radiation detector 24, and the two slide vertically together to perform lateral vertical scans of a patient standing on platform 6.

[0141] Each of these front-to-back and lateral radiation sources 21 and 22 is an X-ray tube encapsulated in a housing, with at least one liquid metal bearing between the rotating anode of the X-ray tube and the housing, the housing maintaining a vacuum inside the X-ray tube.

[0142] Preferably, the first and second radiation detectors 23 and 24 are multi-energy counting detectors, preferably energy-resolved photon counting detectors (ERPCD), having at least two energy boxes, at least four energy boxes, at least six energy boxes, and / or at most ten energy boxes.

[0143] The anterior-posterior collimation tunnel 27 is located upstream of the anterior-posterior radiation detector 23 to further reduce cross-scattering between the first and second 2D images, and the lateral collimation tunnel 28 is located upstream of the lateral radiation detector 24 to further reduce cross-scattering between the first and second 2D images.

[0144] Anterior-posterior computed tomography source 31 is associated with anterior-posterior computed tomography detector 33, and the two slide vertically together to perform anterior-posterior vertical scans on a patient standing on platform 6.

[0145] Lateral computed tomography source 32 is associated with lateral computed tomography detector 34, and the two slide vertically together to perform lateral vertical scans of a patient standing on platform 6.

[0146] Advantageously, the front-to-back scattering suppression grid (not shown) is located upstream of the front-to-back computed tomography detector 33 to reduce cross-scattering on the first and second computed tomography images and to reduce self-scattering in the first image produced by the first computed tomography detector, and the lateral scattering suppression grid (not shown) is located upstream of the lateral computed tomography detector 34 to reduce cross-scattering on the first and second computed tomography images and to reduce self-scattering in the second image produced by the second computed tomography detector.

[0147] A first anterior-posterior vertical sliding support 15 mechanically connects the two together, such that they remain stationary at least during anterior-posterior vertical scanning, and preferably permanently, the two being: the anterior-posterior radiation source 21 located outside the gantry housing, and the anterior-posterior computed tomography detector 33 located outside the gantry housing. The anterior-posterior computed tomography detector 33 is preferably located above the anterior-posterior radiation source 21.

[0148] The second lateral vertical sliding support 16 mechanically connects the two together, such that they remain stationary to each other at least during lateral vertical scanning, and preferably permanently, the two being: the lateral radiation source 22 located outside the rack housing, and the lateral computed tomography detector 34 located outside the rack housing. The lateral computed tomography detector 34 is preferably located above the lateral radiation source 22.

[0149] A third anterior and posterior vertical sliding support 17 mechanically connects the two components together, such that they remain stationary at least during anterior and posterior vertical scanning, and preferably permanently stationary. These components are: the anterior and posterior radiation detector 23 located inside the rack housing, and the anterior and posterior computed tomography source 31 located inside the rack housing. The anterior and posterior computed tomography source 31 is preferably located above the anterior and posterior radiation detector 23.

[0150] A fourth lateral vertical sliding support 18 mechanically connects the two together, such that they remain stationary at least during lateral vertical scanning, and preferably permanently, the two being: the lateral radiation detector 24 located inside the rack housing, and the lateral computed tomography source 32 located inside the rack housing. The lateral computed tomography source 32 is preferably located above the lateral radiation detector 24.

[0151] The radiological device 1 also includes a magnetic resonance imaging system, comprising: a first circuit 41, a second circuit 42, an antenna 43, and a cryogenic quantum detection system 44, the cryogenic quantum detection system including a cryogenic quantum detector 45 cooled by a cryogenic refrigeration system 46.

[0152] The gantry housing of the radiographic equipment used for performing radiographic procedures comprises vertical panels 51 and 52. Vertical panel 51 is located in a first vertical plane YZ, behind the patient 50. Vertical plane 52 is located in a second vertical plane XZ, orthogonal to the first vertical plane YZ, laterally to the patient 50. Both vertical panels 51 and 52 are transparent to X-rays.

[0153] Preferably, the gantry housing has an L-shaped top view, with each of the front-to-back and lateral radiation sources 21 and 22 located outside the L-shaped gantry housing, within a angular sector of the L, and enclosed in a housing that slides vertically together with the enclosed radiation source 21 or 22. Advantageously, in a matrix having three rows from A to C and three columns from 1 to 3: the L-shaped gantry housing top view covers squares C1, C2, C3, B3, and A3; the housings of the front-to-back and lateral radiation sources 21 and 22 are located within squares B1 and A2, respectively; the patient platform 6 covers square B2; and square A1 is completely empty and unoccupied.

[0154] Figure 2 An example of a radiological apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, showing vertical scanning in an on mode, computed tomography in a off mode, and magnetic resonance imaging in both off and on modes.

[0155] An anterior-posterior radiation source 21 is associated with an anterior-posterior collimator, which narrows the anterior-posterior emitted beam 25 toward a standing patient 50. After passing through the standing patient 50, the anterior-posterior beam 25 enters an anterior-posterior collimation tunnel 27 and then reaches the sensitive surface of the anterior-posterior radiation detector 23. The anterior-posterior collimator is located at the output end of the anterior-posterior radiation source 21, while the anterior-posterior collimation tunnel 27 is located at the input end of the anterior-posterior radiation detector 23. A portion of the anterior-posterior beam 25 cross-scatters toward the lateral radiation detector 24. After the first vertical scan, a first 2D image, i.e., an anterior-posterior 2D image of the standing patient or an organ of the standing patient, is present at the output end of the anterior-posterior radiation detector 23. The height of the anterior-posterior beam 25 considered is very small, as it is the height of the anterior-posterior beam 25 that will enter the anterior-posterior collimation tunnel 27 and then reach the sensitive surface of the anterior-posterior radiation detector 23. The anterior-posterior beam 25 can actually be considered as a planar beam, i.e., a horizontal planar beam.

[0156] Lateral radiation source 22 is associated with a lateral collimator that narrows the lateral emission beam 26 toward a standing patient 50. After passing through the standing patient 50, the lateral beam 26 enters a lateral collimation tunnel 28 and then reaches the sensitive surface of a lateral radiation detector 24. The lateral collimator is located at the output end of the lateral radiation source 22, while the lateral collimation tunnel 28 is located at the input end of the lateral radiation detector 24. A portion of the lateral beam 26 cross-scatters toward the anterior and posterior radiation detectors 23. After the second vertical scan, a second 2D image, i.e., a lateral 2D image of the standing patient or organs of the standing patient, is present at the output end of the lateral radiation detector 24. The height of the lateral beam 26 considered is very small, as it is the height of the lateral beam 26 that will enter the lateral collimation tunnel 28 and then reach the sensitive surface of the lateral radiation detector 24. The lateral beam 26 can actually be considered as a planar beam, i.e., a horizontal planar beam.

[0157] Preferably, a first vertical gap (not visible in the figure due to its small size) exists between the front-to-back radiation source 21 and the front-to-back radiation detector 23 on one side and the side-to-side radiation source 22 and the side-to-side radiation detector 24 on the other side, such that the first and second vertical scans are performed synchronously but with a first time offset between them, in order to further reduce cross-scattering between the first and second 2D images. Advantageously, the first vertical gap is between 1 cm and 5 cm, and more advantageously between 1.5 cm and 3 cm. This first vertical gap should form a small gap between the two horizontal beams 25 and 26 (but not visible in the figure).

[0158] Figure 3 An example of a radiological apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, showing vertical scanning in an on mode, computed tomography in an on mode, and magnetic resonance imaging in both off and on modes.

[0159] A first computed tomography (CT) source 31 is present, which is associated with a first CT detector 33. The two slide vertically together to perform anterior-posterior vertical scanning of a second short portion H2 at the height of the patient's body, which is smaller than the first portion H1.

[0160] The anterior-posterior computed tomography (CT) source 31 is a distributed source, comprising multiple transmitters distributed in a transmitter linear array. The transmitters emit sequentially from one end of the array to the other over time to perform a static horizontal scan of the patient's body at each vertical position of the dynamic vertical scan at the patient's height. Each transmitter is a point source, and its emission is extended in a conical beam 37, passing through the patient's body, and then received and detected by the anterior-posterior CT two-dimensional detector 33.

[0161] There is also a second computed tomography source 32, which is associated with a second computed tomography detector 34, and the two slide vertically together to perform a lateral vertical scan of the second short portion H2 of the patient's body height.

[0162] The lateral computed tomography (CT) source 32 is a distributed source, comprising multiple transmitters distributed within a transmitter linear array. The transmitters emit sequentially from one end of the linear array to the other over time, performing a static horizontal scan of the patient's body at each vertical position during a dynamic vertical scan at the patient's height. Each transmitter is a point source, its emission propagating within a conical beam 38, which, after passing through the patient's body, is received and detected by the lateral CT two-dimensional detector 34.

[0163] Preferably, a second vertical gap exists between the first radiation source 21 and the first computed tomography (CT) source 31, and between the second radiation source 22 and the second CT source 32, such that the first and second vertical scans are performed synchronously but with a second time offset between them, in order to further reduce cross-scattering between the first and second 2D images on one hand and the first and second CT images on the other hand. Advantageously, the second vertical gap is between 25% and 150% of the height of the first CT detector 32 and between 25% and 150% of the height of the second CT detector 34, advantageously between 50% and 100% of the height of the first CT detector 32 and between 50% and 100% of the height of the second CT detector 34, and / or between 3 cm and 20 cm, advantageously between 5 cm and 12 cm.

[0164] The first circuit 41 is a top horizontal coil located at the top level of the radiological device 1, while the second circuit 42 is also a bottom horizontal coil but located at the bottom level of the radiological device 1, below the patient platform 6. The top horizontal coil 41 and the bottom horizontal coil 42 are arranged face-to-face to generate a magnetic field between them, preferably a vertically oriented static magnetic field. A shimming coil may also be added to make the vertically oriented static magnetic field more stable and uniform. Gradient coils are used to generate a variable gradient of the magnetic field value in the X, Y, and Z directions. The cylindrical antenna 43 includes a primary detection antenna that transmits the detected signal to a cryogenic quantum detector 45, preferably a highly sensitive SQUID detector 45 cooled by a cryogenic cooling or refrigeration system 46. The primary detection antenna is also collectively referred to as the magnetic field detection antenna 43. This primary detection antenna is also called a pickup coil. The cylindrical antenna 43 is located around the patient's body and in the space between the horizontal coil 41 and the bottom horizontal coil 42.

[0165] Antenna 43 may also include an excitation coil, preferably coaxially arranged, to generate a horizontally oriented, variable, and time-varying magnetic field.

[0166] Alternatively, the excitation coil is arranged in a frame housing outside the antenna 43, surrounding the patient platform 6, to generate a horizontally oriented, variable, and time-varying magnetic field.

[0167] Magnetic resonance imaging is performed with a static polarization magnetic field B0 oriented in the vertical direction Z, the static polarization magnetic field being less than 20 millitalas, or between 0.1 millitalas and 10 millitalas, or between 0.5 millitalas and 5 millitalas, by using a first coil 41 located in the horizontal plane XY above the patient 50 and a second coil 42 located in the horizontal plane XY below the patient 50.

[0168] Magnetic resonance imaging is performed by correcting the non-uniformity of the static polarization magnetic field B0 to make it more uniform by adding one or more shimming coils, located inside a first coil 41 and / or a second coil 42, or in one or another vertical panel 51 or 52 of the gantry housing of the radiographic apparatus performing the radiographic method. Vertical panel 51 is located in a first vertical plane YZ, behind the patient 50. Vertical plane 52 is located in a second vertical plane XZ, orthogonal to the first vertical plane YZ, laterally to the patient 50.

[0169] Magnetic resonance imaging is performed by creating gradients in the X and / or Y and / or Z directions of a static polarization magnetic field B0, preferably in the X and Y and Z directions of the static polarization magnetic field B0, by adding one or more gradient coils located inside a first coil 41 and / or a second coil 42, or in at least one vertical panel 51 and / or 52 of the gantry housing of the radiographic apparatus in which the radiographic method is performed.

[0170] Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging can be performed in a simpler and more efficient manner.

[0171] The excitation antenna may alternatively be located in one or the other vertical panel 51 or 52, or in the two vertical panels 51 and 52 of the gantry housing of the radiographic apparatus for performing the radiographic method; then there will be two excitation antennas, one in panel 51 and the other in panel 52.

[0172] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed using a magnetic field detection antenna 43 that is transparent to X-ray radiation and vertically movable to at least partially or completely cover the third portion H3 during the execution of the first and second vertical scans. The magnetic field detection antenna 43 surrounds the patient's body to also function as a support, thereby keeping the patient's body stationary during the execution of the first and second vertical scans. Preferably, the magnetic field detection antenna 43 remains stationary around the patient's body at a selected patient height corresponding to the third short portion H3 during the execution of MRI.

[0173] Magnetic resonance imaging is preferably performed with a magnetic field between 0.1 millitalas and 10 millitalas, more preferably between 0.5 millitalas and 5 millitalas, for example, about 1 millitalas. This magnetic field is a static vertical magnetic field B0 created by the top horizontal coil 41 and the bottom horizontal coil 42 in the space between the top horizontal coil 41 and the bottom horizontal coil 42.

[0174] The cryogenic quantum detector 45 is preferably a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) 45 cooled by a cryogenic cooling system 46. This SQUID 45 is preferably a low-critical-temperature SQUID 45. Preferably, to detect changes in the magnetic field, a flux transducer is arranged upstream of the SQUID 45, and a primary detection antenna is arranged upstream of the flux transducer; the primary detection antenna is part of a magnetic field detection antenna 43.

[0175] Figure 4 An example of a radiological apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, showing vertical scanning in an on mode, computed tomography in an on mode, and magnetic resonance imaging in both off and on modes.

[0176] An alternative is a vertical column 19, which supports the horizontal bar of the third front and rear vertical sliding support 17 and the fourth side vertical sliding support 18 to slide vertically along it, and the column 19 is located at one corner of the packaging rack 10.

[0177] Then, the third front-rear vertical sliding support 17 and the fourth lateral vertical sliding support 18 are mechanically connected together so that they can only slide vertically together, while remaining stationary to each other during the first front-rear and second lateral vertical scans.

[0178] Figure 5 Examples of preferred embodiments of the front-to-back radiation source and the lateral radiation source, as well as the front-to-back radiation detector and the lateral radiation detector, are shown.

[0179] The anterior and posterior radiation source 21 is a point source. Its emission extends in a fan-shaped beam 25 between directions D1 and D2, passes through the patient's body in the intersection area 29, and is then received and detected by the anterior and posterior radiation detector 23.

[0180] The lateral radiation source 22 is a point source, which emits a fan-shaped beam 26 between directions D3 and D4. After passing through the patient's body in the intersection area 29, it will be received and detected by the lateral radiation detector 24.

[0181] The intersection region 29 is defined by quadrilaterals M1-M2-M3-M4. The two fan-shaped beams of the front-to-back radiation source 21 and the lateral radiation source 22 preferably have a horizontal extension between 20 and 25 degrees and a vertical extension between 0.10 and 0.20 degrees. X-ray emission is preferably continuous.

[0182] Figure 6 Examples of preferred embodiments of anteroposterior computed tomography (CT) sources and lateral CT sources, as well as anteroposterior CT detectors and lateral CT detectors, are shown.

[0183] The anterior-posterior computed tomography (CT) source 31 is a distributed source, comprising multiple transmitters 35 distributed within a transmitter linear array. The transmitters 35 emit sequentially from one end of the linear array to the other over time to perform a static horizontal scan of the patient's height-dynamic vertical scan at each vertical position of the patient's body in the intersection region 29. Each transmitter 35 is a point source, its emission extended in a conical beam 37 between arrows indicating the direction from which the transmitter 35 originates. After passing through the patient's body in the intersection region 29, it is received and detected by the anterior-posterior CT two-dimensional detector 33, which preferably operates in a fast frame mode.

[0184] The lateral computed tomography (CT) source 32 is a distributed source comprising multiple transmitters 36 distributed within a transmitter linear array. The transmitters 36 emit sequentially from one end of the linear array to the other over time to perform a static horizontal scan of the patient's height-dynamic vertical scan at each vertical position of the patient's body in the cross region 29. Each transmitter 36 is a point source, its emission extended in a conical beam 38 between arrows indicating the direction from the transmitter 36, passing through the patient's body in the cross region 29, and then received and detected by the lateral CT two-dimensional detector 34, preferably operating in a fast frame mode. The X-ray emission is preferably pulsed.

[0185] A radiographic method for imaging a patient in a standing position at at least a portion of their height is performed using the previously described radiographic apparatus 1. This radiographic method for imaging a patient in a standing position at at least a portion of their height will now be described in conjunction with all the accompanying drawings embodying the radiographic apparatus 1.

[0186] The radiographic method for at least a portion of the patient's height in a standing position includes performing one or more first vertical scans on the patient's height portion using an anterior-posterior radiation source 21 and an anterior-posterior radiation detector 23 to collaboratively create a first 2D image of a first long portion H1 of the patient's height portion; and performing one or more second vertical scans on the patient's height portion using a lateral radiation source 22 and a lateral radiation detector 24 to collaboratively create a second 2D image of the first long portion H1 of the patient's height portion. The first and second vertical scans are performed synchronously. These first and second 2D images observe the first long portion H1 of the patient's height portion at different incident angles, in anterior-posterior and lateral views, and are orthogonal to each other.

[0187] The radiographic method for at least a portion of the height of the patient's body in a standing position also includes creating a patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second short portion H2 of the height portion of the patient's body, combining at least the first and second 2D images with supplementary data.

[0188] The radiographic method for at least a portion of the patient's height in a standing position further includes a computed tomographic scan of a second shorter portion H2 of the patient's height portion, which is shorter than, or at least half the length of, the first longer portion H1 of the patient's height portion. The second shorter portion H2 is determined by at least one of the one or more first vertical scans and at least one of the one or more second vertical scans. These supplementary data for creating a patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least the second shorter portion H2 of the patient's height portion include the computed tomographic scan of the second shorter portion H2.

[0189] The computed tomography scan is performed in cooperation with at least one computed tomography source (anterior-posterior computed tomography source 31 or lateral computed tomography source 32, preferably both anterior-posterior computed tomography source 31 and lateral computed tomography source 32) and at least one computed tomography detector (anterior-posterior computed tomography detector 33 or lateral computed tomography detector 34, preferably both anterior-posterior computed tomography detector 33 and lateral computed tomography detector 34) to construct a computed tomography scan of a second portion of the patient's body height portion.

[0190] The at least one computed tomography (CT) source is preferably a distributed source comprising at least one transmitter linear array. This distributed source, comprising at least one transmitter linear array, moves vertically during both the execution of the first and second vertical scans and remains horizontally stationary during both scans, performing a horizontal scan by continuously transmitting signals from these transmitters that advance progressively along the transmitter linear array.

[0191] These emitters can be 10 to 100 emitters, or preferably 15 to 70 emitters, or 20 to 50 emitters. These emitters can be pulsed emitters. These emitters are cold cathode X-ray emitters. These cold cathode X-ray emitters are, for example, carbon nanotube-based cold cathode X-ray emitters, silicon-based cold cathode X-ray emitters, or field emission electron-based cold cathode X-ray emitters.

[0192] In one option, a first vertical scan and a second vertical scan are performed for the first time to construct first and second positioning images, respectively. Based on these first and second positioning images, the first and second vertical scans are performed a second time to thereby construct first and second 2D images, respectively. Computed tomography (first anteroposterior CT images and second lateral CT images) are performed during the second execution of the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan. The second short portion H2 of the patient's body height is determined by the first vertical scan during the first execution and the second vertical scan during the first execution.

[0193] In another option, a first vertical scan and a second vertical scan are performed for the first time to construct first and second positioning images, respectively. Based on these first and second positioning images, the first and second vertical scans are performed a second time to construct first and second 2D images, respectively. Computed tomography (first anteroposterior CT images and second lateral CT images) are performed after the second execution of the first and second vertical scans. The second portion of the patient's body height is determined by the first vertical scan during the second execution and the second vertical scan during the second execution.

[0194] The radiographic method for at least a portion of the patient's height in a standing position also includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a third short portion H3 of the patient's height portion, which is shorter than, or at least half the length of, the first long portion H1 of the patient's height portion. This third portion of the patient's height portion is determined by at least one of the one or more first vertical scans and at least one of the one or more second vertical scans, and / or by computed tomography (CT). The third portion of the patient's height portion at least overlaps with, or preferably is substantially equal to, the second portion of the patient's height portion, as illustrated in the figures. MRI is performed with a magnetic field of less than 20 millitalas, associated with a cryogenic quantum detector 45. The determined third portion of the patient's height portion can be derived by segmenting the CT scan.

[0195] In a preferred embodiment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed after the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are performed, and after the computed tomography (CT) scan is performed, preferably after the CT scan.

[0196] In another option, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be performed during the execution of the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan, preferably simultaneously with the execution of the computed tomography (CT) scan.

[0197] The patient's body height or the first longest portion H1 of the patient's body height can be, for example, the entire patient's body height or the entire patient's spine height.

[0198] The second short portion H2 can be equal to the third short portion H3 and will be a reduced area of ​​the first long portion H1. The patient's body height or patient's body height portion of the second H2 or the third short portion H3 can be a restricted area corresponding to, for example, the patient's height corresponding to a specific number of vertebrae, such as the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae or the cervical vertebrae or the sacral plate, or alternatively corresponding to the patient's height corresponding to a specific patient organ, such as the stomach or liver or lungs.

[0199] In a preferred option, these supplementary data, used to create a patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a third portion H3 of the patient's body height, also include magnetic resonance imaging of the third portion of the patient's body height.

[0200] Advantageously, these supplementary data, used to create patient-specific 3D reconstructions on at least the second portion H2 of the patient's body height, also include 3D general data.

[0201] Preferably, a patient-specific 3D reconstruction is created on at least the second short portion H2 of the patient's body height portion, combining at least the first and second 2D images with supplementary data, including: as patient-specific modeling, creating a patient-specific temporary 3D reconstruction on at least the first long portion H1 of the patient's body height portion, using both: as patient-specific data, at least the first and second 2D images, as general data, a 3D general model, and as a modeling process, combining the first and second 2D images with the 3D general model to obtain the patient-specific temporary 3D reconstruction.

[0202] The supplementary data used to create the patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least the second short portion H2 of the patient's body height portion, and to upgrade the patient-specific provisional 3D reconstruction to a patient-specific final 3D reconstruction of the second short portion H2 of the patient's body height portion by modification, or by enrichment and / or correction, using a computed tomographic scan of the second short portion H2 of the patient's body height portion. This modeling process may utilize artificial intelligence, preferably deep learning or generative adversarial networks.

[0203] Figure 7 This illustrates a first example of patient-specific 3D reconstruction in a radiographic method performed using a radiographic device.

[0204] 2D image 101 is used to create patient-specific 3D reconstruction 103 through a modeling process 102 using supplementary data 104.

[0205] These supplementary data 104 include computed tomography images 105, first and second computed tomography images, and anteroposterior and lateral computed tomography images.

[0206] Figure 8 This illustrates a second example of a patient-specific 3D reconstruction method implemented in a radiographic device.

[0207] 2D image 201 is used to create patient-specific 3D reconstruction 203 through a modeling process 202 using supplementary data 204.

[0208] These supplementary data 204 include both computed tomography images 205 (first and second computed tomography images, anteroposterior and lateral computed tomography images) and 3D general data 206.

[0209] Figure 9 This illustrates a third example of patient-specific 3D reconstruction in a radiographic method performed using a radiological device.

[0210] 2D image 301 is used to create patient-specific temporary 3D reconstruction 313 by using modeling process 312 with 3D general data 306 included in supplementary data 304.

[0211] Patient-specific provisional 3D reconstruction 313 is used to produce patient-specific final 3D reconstruction 323 by using another modeling process 322 of computed tomography images 305 (first and second computed tomography images, anteroposterior and lateral computed tomography images) included in supplementary data 304.

[0212] Figure 10 This illustrates a fourth example of patient-specific 3D reconstruction in a radiographic method performed using a radiographic device.

[0213] The 2D image 401 is used to create a patient-specific temporary 3D reconstruction 413 using a modeling process 412 that incorporates 3D general data 406 included in supplementary data 404.

[0214] Patient-specific provisional 3D reconstruction 413 is used to produce patient-specific final 3D reconstruction 423 by using another modeling process 422 with computed tomography images (first and second computed tomography images, anteroposterior and lateral computed tomography images) included in supplementary data 404.

[0215] However, the computed tomography images used here are not the original computed tomography images 405 obtained from computed tomography detectors 33 and 34, but corrected computed tomography images 415 obtained from the original computed tomography images 405 through artificial intelligence processing 410, in order to reduce the cross-scattering effect between the first and second original computed tomography images 405 produced by the first and second computed tomography detectors 33 and 34 respectively, and / or to reduce the self-scattering effect on the first and second original computed tomography images 405 produced by the first and second computed tomography detectors 33 and 34 respectively.

[0216] Figure 11 This illustrates a fifth example of patient-specific 3D reconstruction in a radiographic method performed using a radiographic device.

[0217] 2D image 501 is used to create patient-specific temporary 3D reconstruction 513 by using modeling process 512 with 3D general data 506 included in supplementary data 504.

[0218] Patient-specific temporary 3D reconstruction 513 is used to create patient-specific intermediate 3D reconstruction 533 by using another modeling process 532 of computed tomography images 505 (first and second computed tomography images, anteroposterior and lateral computed tomography images) included in supplementary data 504, which are the first and second original computed tomography images 505 created by first and second computed tomography detectors 33 and 34, respectively.

[0219] The patient-specific provisional 3D reconstruction 513 is also used to produce a patient-specific final 3D reconstruction 543 by using another modeling process 542 with computed tomography images (first and second computed tomography images, anteroposterior and lateral computed tomography images) included in supplementary data 504.

[0220] However, the computed tomography images used here are not the original computed tomography images 505 obtained from computed tomography detectors 33 and 34, but corrected computed tomography images 515 obtained from the original computed tomography images 505 through artificial intelligence processing 510, in order to reduce the cross-scattering effect between the first and second original computed tomography images 505 produced by the first and second computed tomography detectors 33 and 34 respectively. This is achieved by simulating and correcting such cross-scattering effect between the first and second original computed tomography images 505 produced by the first and second computed tomography detectors 33 and 34 respectively, and / or in order to reduce the self-scattering effect on the first and second original computed tomography images 505 produced by the first and second computed tomography detectors 33 and 34 respectively.

[0221] The artificial intelligence processing 510 uses patient-specific intermediate 3D reconstruction 533 to produce a corrected computed tomography image 515 from the original computed tomography image 505.

[0222] Therefore, there is mutual enrichment between computed tomography images and continuous patient-specific 3D reconstructions throughout the process.

[0223] The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, many variations may exist within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radiographic method for imaging at least a portion of the height of a patient's body in a standing position, comprising: - The patient's body height portion is scanned once or multiple times by a first radiation source (21) and a first radiation detector (23) to collaboratively create a first 2D image of the first portion (H1) of the patient's body height portion. - A second 2D image of the first part (H1) of the patient's body height portion is produced by one or more second vertical scans performed by a second radiation source (22) and a second radiation detector (24). The first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are executed synchronously. - The first and second 2D images observe a first portion (H1) of the patient's body height at different incident angles. This further includes: - Create a patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second portion (H2) of the patient's body height, combining at least the first and second 2D images with supplementary data. - A computed tomographic scan is performed on the second portion (H2) of the patient's body height, which is shorter than, or at least half the length of, the first portion (H1) of the patient's body height. ○ The second portion (H2) of the patient's body height is determined by at least one of the one or more first vertical scans and at least one of the one or more second vertical scans. - The supplementary data used to create the patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second portion (H2) of the patient's body height portion, including the computed tomographic scan of the second portion (H2) of the patient's body height portion. - Perform magnetic resonance imaging on the third portion (H3) of the patient's body height, which is shorter than, or at least half the length of, the first portion (H1) of the patient's body height. ○ The third part (H3) of the patient's body height is determined as follows: ■ At least one of the one or more first vertical scans and at least one of the one or more second vertical scans ■ and / or by the aforementioned computed tomography scan, ○ The third portion (H3) of the patient's body height at least overlaps with, or preferably is substantially equal to, the second portion (H2) of the patient's body height. ○ The magnetic resonance imaging is performed in the following manner: ■ Magnetic field less than 20 millitalas ■ Associated with cryogenic quantum detectors (45).

2. The radiographic method according to claim 1, characterized in that: - The determination of the third part (H3) of the patient's body height is derived by segmenting the computed tomography scan.

3. The radiographic method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The magnetic resonance imaging is performed after the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan are performed, and after the computed tomography scan is performed. ○ The magnetic resonance imaging is preferably performed after the computed tomography scan.

4. The radiographic method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The magnetic resonance imaging is performed during the execution of the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan. ○ The magnetic resonance imaging is preferably performed simultaneously with the computed tomography scan.

5. The radiographic method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - The magnetic resonance imaging is performed with a magnetic field between 0.1 mTesla and 10 mTesla or between 0.5 mTesla and 5 mTesla.

6. The radiographic method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - The cryogenic quantum detector (45) is a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) cooled by a cryogenic refrigeration system (46).

7. The radiographic method according to claim 6, characterized in that: - The superconducting quantum interference device (45) is a low critical temperature superconducting quantum interference device.

8. The radiographic method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: - To detect changes in the magnetic field, use: ○ A flux converter arranged upstream of the superconducting quantum interference device (45), ○ A primary detection antenna positioned upstream of the flux converter.

9. The radiographic method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - The magnetic resonance imaging is performed using the following magnetic field detection antenna (43): ○ Transparent to X-ray radiation ○ It can be moved vertically so as to at least partially or completely cover a third portion (H3) of the patient's body height during the execution of the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan.

10. The radiographic method according to claim 9, characterized in that: - The magnetic field detection antenna (43) surrounds the patient's body so as to also function as a support, thereby keeping the patient's body stationary during the execution of the first vertical scan and the second vertical scan.

11. The radiographic method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - The patient belongs to the first group of people, those with pacemakers and / or metal fragments and / or metal implants.

12. The radiographic method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - The supplementary data for creating the patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a third portion (H3) of the patient's body height portion, also includes the magnetic resonance imaging of the third portion (H3) of the patient's body height portion.

13. The radiographic method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - The supplementary data used to create the patient-specific 3D reconstruction on at least a second portion (H2) of the patient's body height portion also includes 3D general data.

14. The radiographic method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - The magnetic resonance imaging is performed in the following manner: ○ A static polarization magnetic field (B0) oriented in the vertical direction (Z), wherein the static polarization magnetic field is less than 20 millitalas, or between 0.1 millitalas and 10 millitalas, or between 0.5 millitalas and 5 millitalas, by using: ■ The first coil (41) is located in the horizontal plane (XY) above the patient (50). ■ The second coil (42) is located in the horizontal plane (XY) below the patient (50).

15. The radiographic method according to claim 14, characterized in that: - The magnetic resonance imaging is performed in the following manner: ○ To make the static polarization magnetic field (B0) more uniform by correcting its non-uniformity, the following is added: ■ One or more shimming coils, said shimming coils being located at: • Inside the first coil (41) and / or the second coil (42), • Or in at least one vertical panel (51, 52) of the frame housing of a radiological device for performing radiographic methods.

16. The radiographic method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: - The magnetic resonance imaging is performed in the following manner: ○ By creating gradients in the X, Y, and Z directions of the static polarization magnetic field (B0), by adding: ■ One or more gradient coils, said gradient coils being located at: • Inside the first coil (41) and / or the second coil (42), • Or in at least one vertical panel (51, 52) of the frame housing of a radiological device for performing radiographic methods.

Images