title: Computed tomographic imaging of the coronary arterial tree-use of local tomography.
abstract: It has been demonstrated previously (see E.L. Ritman and A.A. Bove, in State of the Art in Quantitative Coronary Arteriography, p.67-78, 1986) that coronary artery anatomy can be visualized using high-speed, volume-scanning X-ray CT (computed tomography). In the current study it is demonstrated that local image reconstruction (i.e. the reconstruction kernel is ~2(+) mm long), as distinct from more conventional global image reconstruction (i.e. 200(+) mm kernel length), has the advantage of reducing the need for operator interactive image processing. In addition, the local reconstruction algorithm eliminates the need for recording the X-ray projection data over the full transaxial extent of the thorax because it requires only the X-ray attenuation data over the region of the heart. This latter aspect reduces the dynamic range requirements for the sensors and could reduce total X-ray exposure.
authors.affiliation: Mayo Med. Sch., Rochester, MN.
authors.forename: W T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Spyra
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Faridani
authors.forename: K T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Ritman