Spectral molecular CT with photon- counting detectors

Spectral molecular computed tomography (CT) is a new imaging modality that allows molecular information to be obtained from the energy of x-ray photons. The energy information can be used to find the location of molecules containing highly attenuating atoms. Measuring the quantity and movement of such molecules is a key part of “molecular imaging.” In the field of medical imaging, molecular imaging is defined as the visualization, characterization, and measurement of biological processes at the molecular or cellular level in humans and other living systems [1]. By using contrast agents targeted at specific biological processes, spectral molecular CT can achieve molecular imaging. Other applications of spectral molecular CT include 196soft-tissue imaging, heavy-metal imaging, and imaging of heart disease. This chapter details the use of energy-resolving photon detectors as the key technology for achieving spectral molecular CT.