Brain imaging with a flat detector C-arm Technique and clinical interest of XperCT

• Published in: Neuroradiology Vol. 50; no. 10; pp. 863 - 868
• Main Authors: Söderman, M., Babic, D., Holmin, S., Andersson, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.10.2008; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Algorithms; Biological and medical sciences; Brain; Brain Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Calibration; Cerebral Angiography - instrumentation; Comparative studies; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Imaging; Interventional Neuroradiology; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Medical imaging; Medical sciences; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Nervous system; Neurology; Neuroradiology; Neurosciences; Neurosurgery; Personality. Affectivity; Phantoms, Imaging; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Radiation Dosage; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Radiography, Interventional - instrumentation; Radiology; Sexuality. Sexual behavior; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - instrumentation; Cone-beam CT; Computed tomography; Angiography; Interventional neuroradiology; Nervous system diseases; Detector; Radiodiagnosis; Central nervous system; Computerized axial tomography; Technique; Computed tomography; Interventional neuroradiology; Encephalon
• ISSN: 0028-3940; 1432-1920
• DOI: 10.1007/s00234-008-0419-1

Introduction We present the first clinical results from brain tissue imaging with a novel functionality in the angiography room, the XperCT. Methods XperCT is a flat detector C-arm volume acquisition functionality integrated with the angiography equipment. We assessed brain images from 42 patients examined with computed tomography (CT) and XperCT. Results In all patients, XperCT had significantly more beam hardening and reconstruction artifacts than CT, in particular in the posterior fossa. Contrast resolution was better on CT images. Hemorrhage, edema, and ventricular size could be assessed with XperCT in all patients, but CT was superior also in this aspect. In four of the last 12 cases, after the latest software upgrade, it was possible to differentiate between supra-tentorial grey and white substance on XperCT images. Conclusion CT was superior to XperCT regarding brain soft tissue imaging. However, XperCT could in some cases discriminate between grey and white substance. XperCT is a useful new functionality in interventional neuroradiology. In the clinical setting, it improves patient safety by allowing almost instant access to CT-like brain imaging in the angiography room. It can be life saving in situations where complications during an interventional procedure prompt for immediate action.