Photon-counting computed tomography in radiology


ALGIN O., Tokgoz N., Cademartiri F.

Polish Journal of Radiology, vol.89, pp.433-442, 2024 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 89
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.5114/pjr/191743
  • Journal Name: Polish Journal of Radiology
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier
  • Page Numbers: pp.433-442
  • Keywords: artifact, computed tomography (CT), dose reduction, multi-contrast imaging, photon counting detector (PCD)
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) devices have recently been introduced into practice, despite photon-counting detector technology having been studied for many years. PCD-CT devices are expected to provide advantages in dose reduction, tissue specificity, artifact-free imaging, and multi-contrast demonstration capacity. Noise reduction and increased spatial resolution are expected using PCD-CT, even under challenging scanning conditions. Some experimental or preliminary studies support this hypothesis. This pictorial review illustrates the features of PCD-CT systems, particularly in the interventional field. PCD-CT offers superior image quality and better lesion discrimination than conventional CT techniques for various conditions. PCD-CT shows significant improvements in many aspects of vascular imaging. It is still in its early stages, and several challenges have been identified. Also, PCD-CT devices have some important caveats. The average cost of these devices is 3 to 4 times higher than conventional CT units. This additional cost must be justified by improved clinical benefits or reduced clinical harms. Further investigations will be needed to resolve these issues.