Energy-resolved computed tomography measurements of iron solution and adipose as a simulation for estimating the iron concentration in the human liver

Abstract

To measure the iron concentration in the human liver, which comprises soft tissue and adipose as well as iron, energy-resolved computed tomography (CT) is applied using a transXend detector. The transXend detector measures X-rays as electric current and gives an energy distribution after analysis. Energy-resolved CT clearly separates iron solution from acrylic, a substitute for soft tissue, whereas conventional currentmeasurement CT cannot. Using CT values obtained in two different energy ranges, a two-dimensional map of iron, adipose and soft tissue is plotted. With this map, the components in the liver can be identified.