Development of application technology for ultra-high-resolution CT using a low magnification geometry

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16694
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52040:Radiological sciences-related
• Research Institution: Kanazawa University
• Principal Investigator: Kawashima Hiroki 金沢大学, 保健学系, 助教 (70775577)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: X線CT / 高解像度 / 四肢

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have developed a high-resolution CT system constructed by adding a high-resolution detector to a conventional CT scanner. In order to extend the scan range of this method, helical scanning was performed using table movement of the base CT system. On the other hand, considering future development, a new stand-alone high-resolution CT system was developed, and its imaging performance was evaluated. The major advantage of the developed system was that it was capable of high-resolution CT imaging at 130 μm covering 50 mm in the Z-direction with an imaging time as short as 6.5 seconds. A foot phantom, including a dry bone, was also scanned using the developed CT system. The trabecular bone structure was clearly visualized. It showed the potential to visualize the changes that occur in bone. I hope this technique will be a new one to obtain the high-resolution imaging for human extremities with clinical feasibility.

Free Research Field

放射線技術

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

高速かつ高解像度な四肢のCT画像を得るための工夫として，幾何学的配置の変更を利用した．最終的に開発した独立型の近接ジオメトリCTは，骨梁の微小構造を描出できる解像度を有し，かつ，6.5秒間で50 mmの範囲を検査できる．これにより，骨折の治癒過程や骨粗鬆症の進行による骨梁構造の変化を描出できる可能性がある．今後，開発システムが，四肢の画像診断に変革をもたらすことを期待したい．