Multi-Energy CT Lesion Analysis via Spectral Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT imaging methods face challenges in accurately analyzing small lesions due to partial volume effects, where the surrounding material's high attenuation values obscure the lesion's characteristics, requiring additional imaging modalities and increased patient burden.
Innovation Solution
A method using multi-energy CT recording to generate two sets of projection measurement data, reconstructing image datasets, determining pairs of attenuation values, and identifying a straight line representing the distribution of these values to differentiate between lesion and surrounding materials, thereby overcoming partial volume effects without additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional CT imaging methods are used to analyze small lesions, then the surrounding material's high attenuation values are captured, but the lesion's characteristics are obscured due to partial volume effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attenuation values by utilizing multiple energy spectra to obtain different attenuation value pairs for the same pixel. By analyzing the distribution of these pairs and identifying characteristic patterns (such as linear relationships), the method separates lesion information from surrounding material information, effectively segmenting the mixed signal caused by partial volume effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from analyzing single attenuation values to analyzing pairs of attenuation values obtained from different energy spectra. This dimensional expansion allows the method to distinguish between different materials (lesion vs. surrounding tissue) based on their unique attenuation characteristics across multiple energies, thereby resolving the partial volume effect problem.
2Measurement precision
If additional imaging modalities such as MR imaging are used to overcome partial volume effects, then lesion analysis accuracy is improved, but patient burden and examination effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the CT imaging system multi-functional by utilizing multiple energy spectra within the same CT modality to achieve both anatomical imaging and material characterization. This eliminates the need for separate MR imaging examinations while maintaining the ability to accurately analyze small lesions through spectral attenuation analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple energy spectrum acquisitions within a single CT examination to simultaneously obtain anatomical information and material-specific attenuation characteristics. By merging these data streams and analyzing the relationship between attenuation values at different energies, the method achieves accurate lesion analysis without requiring additional imaging modalities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple X-ray spectra are acquired sequentially with different tube voltages, then material decomposition capability is improved, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic acquisition of multiple energy spectra during the CT scan by modulating the tube voltage in a periodic manner. This allows the system to collect data at different energy levels systematically and efficiently, enabling material decomposition while maintaining reasonable examination time through structured, repeating measurement cycles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable analysis of small lesions by accurately determining material properties within the evaluation area, reducing the need for additional imaging modalities and minimizing radiation dose, while maintaining image sharpness and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging methods are often based on the detection of X-ray radiation, with so-called projection measurement data being generated
Implementation Method 2
projection measurement data or X-ray projection data which describe the X-ray attenuation of the patient in this direction of irradiation
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for analyzing the region of interest (ROI) of an object under investigation (0) is described. The method involves acquiring two projection measurement datasets (PMD1, PMD2). These datasets are generated using multi-energy CT scanning with different effective X-ray energy spectra of the object's (0) area of investigation. Two image datasets (BD1, BD2) are then reconstructed from these two projection measurement datasets (PMD1, PMD2). Furthermore, pairs of attenuation values (CT1, CT2), each corresponding to a common pixel in the ROI of the two image datasets (BD1, BD2), are determined. Finally, a straight line (G) characterizing the attenuation values (CT1, CT2) is calculated based on a two-dimensional distribution (V2D).Finally, a material property (ME) relating to the evaluation area (ROI) is determined based on the calculated straight line (G) and a constraint relating to the sought-after material property (ME). An image evaluation device (70) is also described. In addition, a computed tomography system (1) is described.