The cause of the artifact in 4-slice helical computed tomography.
The causes of the image artifacts in a 4-slice helical computed tomography have been discussed as follows: (1) changeover in pairs of data used in z interpolation, (2) sampling interval in z, and (3) the cone angle. This study analyzes the first two causes of the artifact and describes how the current algorithm [K. Taguchi and H. Aradate, Radiology 205P, 390 (1997); 205P, 618 (1997); Med. Phys. 25, 550-561 (1998); H. Hu, ibid. 26, 5-18 (1999); S. Schaller et al., IEEE Trans. Med. Imaging 19, 822-834 (2000); K. Taguchi, Ph.D. thesis, University of Tsukuba, 2002] solves the problem. An interpolated sinogram for a slice at the edge of a ball phantom shows discontinuity caused by the changeover. If we extend the streak artifact in the reconstructed image, it crosses the focus orbit at the corresponding projection angle. Applying z filtering can reduce such causes by its feathering effect and mixing data obtained by different cone angles; the best results are provided when z filtering is applied to densely sampled helical data.
CT Systems Development Department, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, 1385 Shimoishigami, Otawara, Tochigi 324-8550 Japan. ktaguchi@aol.com
Katsuyuki
K
Taguchi
Hiroshi
H
Aradate
Yasuo
Y
Saito
Ilan
I
Zmora
Kyung S
KS
Han
Michael D
MD
Silver
D000465:Algorithms; D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional / Q000379:methods*; D016477:Artifacts; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods*