Procedure for monitoring contrast agent application in a CT imaging system
First Claim
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1. A method for performing a scan with a CT imaging system using a contrast agent which is injected into a subject to enhance image contrast, the steps comprising:
- performing a baseline scan of the subject with the CT imaging system;
displaying a baseline image reconstructed with data acquired in the baseline scan;
selecting a region in the baseline image to be monitored;
performing a monitoring operation after injection of the contrast agent into the subject which includes;
a) performing a monitor scan of the subject;
b) displaying a monitor image reconstructed from data acquired in the monitor scan;
c) calculating a contrast enhancement amount using attenuation values in the monitor image from the selected region;
d) displaying the contrast enhancement amount; and
e) repeating steps a) through d) until an indication that the image scan should begin is received; and
performing an image scan and reconstructing the contrast enhanced image.
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Abstract
In a CT imaging system a baseline image is acquired prior to the injection of a contrast agent into the subject and a series of monitoring images are acquired which enable the affects of the contrast agent to be observed in real time. Regions in the baseline image may be selected with a cursor and the contrast enhancement amounts in these regions are calculated and displayed in both graphic and numerical form. By observing the changes that occur in the displayed information, the operator can determine the moment to begin the image scan for optimal image contrast.
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10 Claims
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1. A method for performing a scan with a CT imaging system using a contrast agent which is injected into a subject to enhance image contrast, the steps comprising:
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performing a baseline scan of the subject with the CT imaging system; displaying a baseline image reconstructed with data acquired in the baseline scan; selecting a region in the baseline image to be monitored; performing a monitoring operation after injection of the contrast agent into the subject which includes; a) performing a monitor scan of the subject; b) displaying a monitor image reconstructed from data acquired in the monitor scan; c) calculating a contrast enhancement amount using attenuation values in the monitor image from the selected region; d) displaying the contrast enhancement amount; and e) repeating steps a) through d) until an indication that the image scan should begin is received; and performing an image scan and reconstructing the contrast enhanced image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification