Soft tissue visualization using a highly efficient megavoltage cone beam CT imaging system

Farhad A. Ghelmansarai; Ali Bani-Hashemi; Jean Pouliot; Ed Calderon; Paco Hernandez; Matthias Mitschke; Michelle Aubin; Kara Bucci M.D.

doi:10.1117/12.602148

20 April 2005 Soft tissue visualization using a highly efficient megavoltage cone beam CT imaging system

Farhad A. Ghelmansarai, Ali Bani-Hashemi, Jean Pouliot, Ed Calderon, Paco Hernandez, Matthias Mitschke, Michelle Aubin, Kara Bucci M.D.

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5745, Medical Imaging 2005: Physics of Medical Imaging; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.602148
Event: Medical Imaging, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Recent developments in two-dimensional x-ray detector technology have made volumetric Cone Beam CT (CBCT) a feasible approach for integration with conventional medical linear accelerators. The requirements of a robust image guidance system for radiation therapy include the challenging combination of soft tissue sensitivity with clinically reasonable doses. The low contrast objects may not be perceptible with MV energies due to the relatively poor signal to noise ratio (SNR) performance. We have developed an imaging system that is optimized for MV and can acquire Megavoltage CBCT images containing soft tissue contrast using a 6MV x-ray beam. This system is capable of resolving relative electron density as low as 1% with clinically acceptable radiation doses. There are many factors such as image noise, x-ray scatter, improper calibration and acquisitions that have a profound effect on the imaging performance of CBCT and in this study attempts were made to optimize these factors in order to maximize the SNR. A QC-3V phantom was used to determine the contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and f₅₀ of a single 2-D projection. The computed f₅₀ was 0.43 lp/mm and the CNR for a radiation dose of 0.02cGy was 43. Clinical Megavoltage CBCT images acquired with this system demonstrate that anatomical structures such as the prostate in a relatively large size patient are visible using radiation doses in range of 6 to 8cGy.

Citation Download Citation

Farhad A. Ghelmansarai, Ali Bani-Hashemi, Jean Pouliot, Ed Calderon, Paco Hernandez, Matthias Mitschke, Michelle Aubin, and Kara Bucci M.D. "Soft tissue visualization using a highly efficient megavoltage cone beam CT imaging system", Proc. SPIE 5745, Medical Imaging 2005: Physics of Medical Imaging, (20 April 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.602148

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