Spatial resolution of x-ray tomosynthesis in relation to computed tomography for coronal/sagittal images of the knee

Abstract

We consider in this report, a tomosynthesis (TS) system utilizing a recently developed Selenium flat panel detector (Shimadzu Safire II) capable of acquiring 30 pulsed frames per second (fps) with precise geometric registration to a moving gantry. The reconstructed TS resolution achieved with this system is reported in relation to the resolution obtained with modern volumetric computed tomography (vCT) systems. Computed tomography resolution is assessed using a sphere phantom. To describe the resolution of coronal/sagittal re-formatted planes, we average the transverse and axial response to express typical vCT performance as 1.00 mm (FWHM PlSF) and 0.83 cycles/mm (10% MTF). Tomosynthesis response is assessed using a wire phantom. To describe the resolution of the coronal/sagittal TS images, we use the FWHM of the LSF and the frequency at 20% of the peak spatial frequency response to express typical TS performance as 2.41 mm (FWHM LSF) and 2.62 cycles/mm (20% Peak). Cadaver images confirm that the TS resolution is about 3 times better than that for vCT systems. On the other hand, the TS slice sensitivity of 3 mm is about 3 times larger than vCT resolution (FWHM LSF),

Quantifying the tibiofemoral joint space using x‐ray tomosynthesis

“…[13][14][15] The application of tomosynthesis imaging has been proposed for imaging the breast, lung, and musculoskeletal applications, including arthritis in the hand. [17][18][19][20][21] DTS overcomes the limitations of projection x-ray imaging by removing overlying anatomy and providing anisotropic (high resolution in-plane and low resolution out-of-plane) 3D information of the knee joint in load-bearing posture. This information can help characterize the tibiofemoral joint space throughout the joint.…”

A dedicated cone‐beam CT system for musculoskeletal extremities imaging: Design, optimization, and initial performance characterization

“…For x-ray imaging, the trend to develop dedicated, compact, low-dose tomographic systems in other clinical applications (e.g., intraoperative imaging, [4][5][6] othoralyngology, 7 and breast imaging 8 ) has employed the paradigm of flat-panel cone-beam CT. Research in novel applications of flat-panel detectors in MSK radiology has initially focused on tomosynthesis. 2,9 Only recently have the first dedicated FPD cone-beam CT systems for extremities imaging been introduced, based either on a specialized imaging platform (Planmed Verity, Planamed Oy, Finland) 10 or on an addition of 3D reconstruction capability to existing radiography=fluoroscopy C-arm imagers (Philips MultiDiagnost Eleva, Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA). 11 Such scanners illustrate how the low weight, compact form, and inherent high-resolution of FPDs can be leveraged to design a system that allows for imaging both unloaded and weightbearing extremities, is capable of visualizing fine level of detail in the bony structures, and has a compact footprint suitable for use at the point-of-care.…”

Localization of the Patency Capsule by Abdominal Tomosynthesis

“…Using multiple projections obtained by standard tomography, images are reconstructed at any depth by post-processing [21]. Tomosynthesis is a low-invasive imaging method, and although the radiation dose is approximately twice that of plain X-ray, it is only about 10% of that of CT [22].…”