Extracting 3D Angiography Data from Simulated Computed Tomography Angiography Scans Using Low Iodine Contrast Agent

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The purpose of this research is to investigate the feasibility of using low contrast agent concentration with X-ray computed tomography in visualizing and diagnosing the human vascular system while minimizing the risk of toxicity to the patient. This research investigated the effect of several iodine contrast agent concentrations on the ability to extract and visualize human vessels using simulated computed tomography scans. Monte Carlo simulation was used to perform these computed tomography acquisitions. The simulated patient was based on actual computed tomography angiography data, where a technique was developed to simulate brain vessels with contrast agents ranging from 0 mg to 20 mg of iodine. The simulation used segmented patient data along with basic image processing techniques to model the various levels of iodine concentrations. Cone beam computed tomography projections of a patient injected with and without iodine were acquired in the simulations. Subtraction of the corresponding projections was performed to generate images caused by the contrast agent. Then, histogram analysis of these differences was used to assess the validity of extracting and visualizing the human vessels. The smallest amount of iodine, 0.5 mg, helped better visualize the brain vessels and 2 mg of iodine was high enough to show almost 90% of the vessels. Additionally, the vessels were clearly visible in all the subtracted images. This research showed very promising outcomes in using low concentrations of iodine. Thus, this study proposes for the pharmaceutical companies and others interested to clinically investigate and evaluate the efficacy of using low concentrations of iodine and the associated side effects.