Method to show a concentration of a contrast agent in a predetermined volume segment by means of tomosynthesis, and corresponding tomosynthesis apparatus

US8594274B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Mathias Hoernig · Möhrendorf, DE
• Thomas Mertelmeier · Erlangen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 4, 2011
• Grant date: Nov 26, 2013
• Expiry date: Dec 24, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B6/502
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In an imaging method and a tomosynthesis apparatus, a two-dimensional low-energy image of the predetermined volume segment is obtained after administration of a contrast agent, followed by a two-dimensional high-energy image and then a high-energy tomosynthesis of the predetermined volume segment is obtained with a high total radiation dose that is significantly higher than the low radiation dose. The two-dimensional low-energy image is subtracted from the two-dimensional high-energy image to generate a result with which the concentration of the contrast agent is visible. Additionally, in a time interval in which an enrichment or a washing-out of the contrast agent occurs within the predetermined volume segment, a tomosynthesis of the predetermined volume segment is automatically implemented to show the concentration of the contrast agent in the predetermined volume segment.