title: High-resolution imaging of coronary calcifications by intense low-energy fluoroscopic X-ray obtained from synchrotron radiation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To obtain an intense monochromatic low-energy X-ray from synchrotron radiation (SR) and apply it to detect coronary calcifications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The SR beam was reflected with a silicon crystal to be expanded (150 mm in height and 80 mm in width) and to be monochromatized at an energy level of 37 keV. The X-ray was intermittently irradiated to obtain dynamic imaging of 30 images/s. Images were recorded by a digital fluorography system. The low-energy X-ray from SR sharply visualized calcification of coronary arteries, while conventional X-ray could not visualize coronary calcification.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The intense monochromatic low-energy X-ray from SR is sensitive, has high-resolution for imaging coronary calcification and may serve as a screening method for coronary artery disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki-ken, Japan.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ohtsuka
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sugishita
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Takeda
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Itai
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tada
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hyodo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ando
mesh_terms: D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D017356:Synchrotrons