Monte-Carlo-based simulation tool to model the physics and geometry of electron beam computed tomography

Chris H. Cagnon; Michael F. McNitt-Gray; John J. DeMarco

doi:10.1117/12.430891

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28 June 2001 Monte-Carlo-based simulation tool to model the physics and geometry of electron beam computed tomography

Chris H. Cagnon, Michael F. McNitt-Gray, John J. DeMarco

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Proceedings Volume 4320, Medical Imaging 2001: Physics of Medical Imaging; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.430891
Event: Medical Imaging 2001, 2001, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The CT image is a representation of the patient's anatomy as measured in terms of such physical characteristics as density, electron density, and atomic number. The process of sampling the patient's molecular composition with the x-ray beam is subject to varied physical effects that degrade the ability of the CT image data set to accurately represent the tissues of the body. To assess the impact of patient and scanner related characteristics on the final CT image a Monte Carlo based modeling has been developed that can simulate such effects as scatter and beam hardening on the reconstructed CT image. By selectively studying the effects of these variables, the model can be used as a design tool for improving the diagnostic capabilities of a CT scanner and /or correcting or eliminating unwanted sources of variation in the CT image. Initial simulations model the unique geometry of Electron Beam CT with a clinical goal of correcting for scanner and patient related physical factors that may cause variations in the assessment of Coronary Artery Calcium.

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Chris H. Cagnon, Michael F. McNitt-Gray, and John J. DeMarco "Monte-Carlo-based simulation tool to model the physics and geometry of electron beam computed tomography", Proc. SPIE 4320, Medical Imaging 2001: Physics of Medical Imaging, (28 June 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.430891

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