Combination of contrast medium and mammography CT system with a prespecified energy range and method for generating tomographic mammography CT images by this combination

US9414797B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE
• Bayer Pharma Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Thomas Flohr · Uehlfeld, DE
• Gregor Jost · Berlin, DE
• Rudiger Lawaczeck · Berlin, DE
• Hubertus Pietsch · Kleinmachnow, DE
• Bernhard Schmidt · Neunkirchen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 17, 2013
• Grant date: Aug 16, 2016
• Expiry date: May 22, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B6/482
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A mammography CT system is disclosed which includes an X-ray generator; and a first radiator-detector system. A contrast medium, including an opacifying element including an absorption peak in a first energy range, is useable for tomographic imaging of a female breast of a patient. After filtering, the X-rays with a prespecified tube voltage that form at an anode, are configured to emit an X-ray spectrum having a second energy range, wherein the radiator-detector system is configured to acquire a plurality of circumferential projections around the breast. The first energy range is a part of the second energy range and the second energy range includes an upper limit of less than 70 keV and a lower limit of greater than 20 keV. A corresponding method for generating tomographic mammography CT images is also disclosed.