title: Current status of developments and applications of micro-CT.
abstract: Use of microscopic computed-tomography (micro-CT) scanning continues to grow in biomedical research. Laboratory-based micro-CT scanners, laboratory-based nano-CT scanners, and integrated micro-CT/SPECT and micro-CT/PET scanners are now manufactured for "turn-key" operation by a number of commercial vendors. In recent years a number of technical developments in X-ray sources and X-ray imaging arrays have broadened the utility of micro-CT. Of particular interest are photon-counting and energy-resolving detector arrays. These are being explored to maximize micro-CT image grayscale dynamic range and to further increase image contrast by utilizing the unique spectral attenuation characteristics of individual chemical elements. X-ray phase-shift images may increase contrast resolution and reduce radiation exposure. Although radiation exposure is becoming a concern with the drive for increased spatial and temporal resolution, especially for longitudinal studies, gated scans and limited scan-data-set reconstruction algorithms show great potential for keeping radiation exposure to a minimum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. elran@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Erik L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Ritman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D051379:Mice; D008852:Microradiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017785:Photons; D051381:Rats; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014965:X-Rays / Q000009:adverse effects