High-resolution imaging of coronary calcifications by intense low-energy fluoroscopic X-ray obtained from synchrotron radiation.
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.
Ohtsuka
S
S
Department of Cardiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki-ken, Japan.
Sugishita
Y
Y
Takeda
T
T
Itai
Y
Y
Tada
J
J
Hyodo
K
K
Ando
M
M
D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D017356:Synchrotrons