Plaque Characterization via Dual-Energy CT Spectral Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing plaques in blood vessels using computed tomography (CT) are limited by reliance on grayscale values, which lead to inaccurate classification due to overlap between lipid, fibrous, and calcified plaque categories, and are voltage-dependent, making it difficult to transfer results across different scan conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that acquire image data sets using different X-ray energy spectra, allowing for the calculation of spectral parameter values on a pixel-by-pixel basis to characterize plaques more accurately, using dual energy ratios and indices to differentiate plaque types, and incorporating risk parameter values for predicting disease progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If plaque characterization is performed using grayscale CT values, then the method is simple and widely available, but the classification accuracy is poor due to overlap between plaque categories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from single-energy grayscale CT values to spectral parameter values derived from multiple X-ray energy spectra. This enables differentiation of plaque types based on their unique spectral attenuation characteristics, resolving the classification accuracy issue while maintaining computational feasibility through ratio calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional grayscale intensity measurement to multi-dimensional spectral analysis by acquiring CT data at multiple X-ray energy levels. This dimensional expansion provides additional information degrees of freedom, allowing accurate discrimination between lipid, fibrous, and calcified plaques that cannot be distinguished by grayscale alone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard CT voltage of 120 kV is used, then the scan is standardized and reproducible, but the results cannot be transferred to scans at different tube voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from fixed-voltage CT measurement to multi-voltage spectral measurement. By acquiring data at multiple tube voltages and calculating spectral ratios, the method creates voltage-independent characterization that adapts to different scan conditions while maintaining measurement reliability through ratio normalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectral parameter calculation method provides universal applicability across different CT scanner configurations and tube voltages. The ratio-based approach functions correctly regardless of the specific X-ray spectrum used, making the plaque characterization universally transferable across different imaging conditions and equipment.
3Loss of information
If single energy spectrum CT is used, then the acquisition is fast and simple, but the informative value for plaque composition is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the energy spectrum dimension to CT measurement, transforming single-energy grayscale imaging into multi-energy spectral imaging. This dimensional addition captures material-specific attenuation characteristics across different X-ray energies, dramatically increasing the information content about plaque composition without sacrificing acquisition efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from single-parameter grayscale measurement to multi-parameter spectral measurement. By calculating spectral parameter values and ratios from multiple energy spectra, the method extracts comprehensive compositional information about plaque materials, resolving the information limitation while maintaining diagnostic workflow efficiency.
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
This approach enables precise characterization of plaque composition and risk assessment, improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic decision-making by providing detailed spectral information and risk analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of project data sets that have been acquired via a CT device using different X-ray energy spectra in each case
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for the characterization of plaque in a region of interest inside an examination subject by way of a plurality of image data sets. The image data sets have been reconstructed from a plurality of projection data sets, which have been acquired via a CT device using different X-ray energy spectra. The method includes: acquiring the image data sets, which include a plurality of pixels. Spectral parameter values are acquired on a pixel by pixel basis using at least two image data sets. Character parameter values are then acquired on a pixel by pixel basis to characterize plaques on the basis of the spectral parameter values. An analysis unit and a computed tomography system are also disclosed.