WE‐EF‐207‐09: Single‐Scan Dual‐Energy CT Using Primary Modulation

Abstract

Purpose:Compared with conventional CT, dual energy CT (DECT) provides better material differentiation but requires projection data with two different effective x‐ray spectra. Current DECT scanners use either a two‐scan setting or costly imaging components, which are not feasible or available on open‐gantry cone‐beam CT systems. We propose a hardware‐based method which utilizes primary modulation to enable single‐scan DECT on a conventional CT scanner. The CT imaging geometry of primary modulation is identical to that used in our previous method for scatter removal, making it possible for future combination with effective scatter correction on the same CT scanner.Methods:We insert an attenuation sheet with a spatially‐varying pattern ‐ primary modulator‐between the x‐ray source and the imaged object. During the CT scan, the modulator selectively hardens the x‐ray beam at specific detector locations. Thus, the proposed method simultaneously acquires high and low energy data. High and low energy CT images are then reconstructed from projections with missing data via an iterative CT reconstruction algorithm with gradient weighting. Proof‐of‐concept studies are performed using a copper modulator on a cone‐beam CT system.Results:Our preliminary results on the Catphan(c) 600 phantom indicate that the proposed method for single‐scan DECT is able to successfully generate high‐quality high and low energy CT images and distinguish different materials through basis material decomposition. By applying correction algorithms and using all of the acquired projection data, we can reconstruct a single CT image of comparable image quality to conventional CT images, i.e., without primary modulation.Conclusion:This work shows great promise in using a primary modulator to perform high‐quality single‐scan DECT imaging. Future studies will test method performance on anthropomorphic phantoms and perform quantitative analyses on image qualities and DECT decomposition accuracy. We will use simulations to optimize the modulator material and geometry parameters.