Beam-hardening correction for virtual monochromatic imaging of myocardial perfusion via fast-switching dual-kVp 64-slice computed tomography: a pilot study using a human heart specimen.
BACKGROUND
Investigate the effectiveness of beam-hardening (BH) correction using ECG-gated dual-kVp computed tomography (CT) for myocardial imaging.


RESULTS
A human heart specimen and artificial descending aorta were scanned using both dual-kVp and single 120-kVp modes. The myocardial CT values at the anterior and posterobasal walls were 89.4±6.2 and 87.1±6.9 HU (P=0.59) for the 69-keV images, and 88.3±5.9 and 49.9±13.5 HU (P=0.002) for the 120-kVp images, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Fast-switching dual-kVp technology is feasible for the correction of CT value deficits induced by BH that mimics perfusion defects.
Multi-dimension Biomedical Imaging & Information Laboratory in Research Park, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Minoru
M
Yamada
Masahiro
M
Jinzaki
Sachio
S
Kuribayashi
Nobuaki
N
Imanishi
Kazuya
K
Funato
Sadakazu
S
Aiso
D016477:Artifacts; D055424:Cardiac-Gated Imaging Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000295:instrumentation; D055414:Myocardial Perfusion Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted