A study on the imaging characteristics of Gold nanoparticles as a contrast agent in X-ray computed tomography

AbstractAim: In the current study, some imaging characteristics of AuNPs were quantitatively analyzed and compared with two conventional contrast media (CM) including Iodine and Gadolinium by using of a cylindrical phantom.Methods: AuNPs were synthesized with the mean diameter of 16 nm and were equalized to the concentration of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/mL in the same volumes. A cylindrical phantom resembling the head and neck was fabricated and drilled to contain small tubes filled with Iodine, Gadolinium, and AuNPs as contrast media. The phantom was scanned in different exposure techniques and CT numbers of three studied contrast media inside test tubes were measured in terms of Hounsfield Unit (HU). The imaging parameters of the noise and contrast to noise ratios (CNR) were calculated for all studied CMs.Results: AuNPs showed 128% and 166% higher CT number in comparison with Iodine and Gadolinium respectively. Also, Iodine had a greater CT number than Gadolinium for the same exposure techniques and concentration. The maximum CT number for AuNPs and studied contrast materials was obtained at the highest mAs and the lowest tube potential. The maximum CT number were 1033±11 (HU) for AuNP, 565±10 (HU) for Iodine, 458±11 for Gadolinium. Moreover, the maximum CNRs of 433±117, 203±53, 145±37 were found for AuNPs, Iodine and Gadolinium respectively.Conclusion: The contrast agent based on AuNPs showed higher imaging quality in terms of contrast and noise relative to other iodine and gadolinium based contrast media in X-ray computed tomography. Application of the AuNPs as a contrast medium in x-ray CT is recommended.

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A Bismuth Metal–Organic Framework as a Contrast Agent for X-ray Computed Tomography

ACS Applied Bio Materials ◽

10.1021/acsabm.8b00778 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 1197-1203 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Lee Robison ◽

Lin Zhang ◽

Riki J. Drout ◽

Peng Li ◽

Chad R. Haney ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Contrast Agent ◽

Metal Organic Framework ◽

X Ray ◽

Metal Organic ◽

X Ray Computed ◽

Organic Framework

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Using 100- instead of 120-kVp computed tomography to diagnose pulmonary embolism almost halves the radiation dose with preserved diagnostic quality

Acta Radiologica ◽

10.3109/02841850903505222 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 51 (3) ◽

pp. 260-270 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Peter Björkdahl ◽

Ulf Nyman

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Image Quality ◽

Radiation Dose ◽

Effective Dose ◽

Ct Number ◽

Subjective Image Quality ◽

Diagnostic Quality ◽

X Ray ◽

Tube Potential

Background: Concern has been raised regarding the mounting collective radiation doses from computed tomography (CT), increasing the risk of radiation-induced cancers in exposed populations. Purpose: To compare radiation dose and image quality in a chest phantom and in patients for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) at 100 and 120 peak kilovoltage (kVp) using 16-multichannel detector computed tomography (MDCT). Material and Methods: A 20-ml syringe containing 12 mg I/ml was scanned in a chest phantom at 100/120 kVp and 25 milliampere seconds (mAs). Consecutive patients underwent 100 kVp ( n = 50) and 120 kVp ( n = 50) 16-MDCT using a “quality reference” effective mAs of 100, 300 mg I/kg, and a 12-s injection duration. Attenuation (CT number), image noise (1 standard deviation), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR; fresh clot = 70 HU) of the contrast medium syringe and pulmonary arteries were evaluated on 3-mm-thick slices. Subjective image quality was assessed. Computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose–length product (DLP) were presented by the CT software, and effective dose was estimated. Results: Mean values in the chest phantom and patients changed as follows when X-ray tube potential decreased from 120 to 100 kVp: attenuation +23% and +40%, noise +38% and +48%, CNR −6% and 0%, and CTDIvol −38% and −40%, respectively. Mean DLP and effective dose in the patients decreased by 42% and 45%, respectively. Subjective image quality was excellent or adequate in 49/48 patients at 100/120 kVp. No patient with a negative CT had any thromboembolism diagnosed during 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: By reducing X-ray tube potential from 120 to 100 kVp, while keeping all other scanning parameters unchanged, the radiation dose to the patient may be almost halved without deterioration of diagnostic quality, which may be of particular benefit in young individuals.

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Predicting Density and Moisture Content of Populus xiangchengensis and Phyllostachys edulis using the X-Ray Computed Tomography Technique

Forest Products Journal ◽

10.13073/fpj-d-20-00001 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 70 (2) ◽

pp. 193-199

Author(s):

Qingping Wang ◽

Xing'e Liu ◽

Shumin Yang

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Moisture Content ◽

Linear Models ◽

Physical And Mechanical Properties ◽

Phyllostachys Edulis ◽

Ct Number ◽

X Ray ◽

Ct Technique ◽

Significant Difference ◽

X Ray Computed

Abstract Density (D) and moisture content (MC) are two important physical properties of wood and bamboo, which are highly correlated with many other physical and mechanical properties. In this study, the X-ray computed tomography (CT) technique was used to determine the D and MC of poplar (Populus xiangchengensis) and bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). There was a statistically significant difference in the CT-measured numbers for D and MC between these species. The D-CT and MC-CT linear models for both species were independently established: Dpoplar = 0.00098 × H + 1.02603, Dbamboo = 0.00118 × H + 0.98684, MCpoplar = 0.00309 × H + 1.89982, and MCbamboo = 0.00131 × H + 0.31488, where H is the CT number. The determination coefficients, R2, of the models were all higher than 0.97. Additionally, the R2 values obtained for model validation were also all higher than 0.97. These results indicated that it is feasible to reliably determine D and MC of wood and bamboo using the X-ray CT technique. This study aims to provide reference data for CT detection of the D and MC of wood and bamboo.

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K-edge Subtraction Computed Tomography with a Compact Synchrotron X-ray Source

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-49899-z ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Stephanie Kulpe ◽

Martin Dierolf ◽

Benedikt Günther ◽

Madleen Busse ◽

Klaus Achterhold ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Contrast Agent ◽

Imaging Techniques ◽

X Rays ◽

Synchrotron Source ◽

X Ray ◽

Inverse Compton Scattering ◽

Inverse Compton ◽

X Ray Computed ◽

Compact Light Source

Abstract In clinical diagnosis, X-ray computed tomography (CT) is one of the most important imaging techniques. Yet, this method lacks the ability to differentiate similarly absorbing substances like commonly used iodine contrast agent and calcium which is typically seen in calcifications, kidney stones and bones. K-edge subtraction (KES) imaging can help distinguish these materials by subtracting two CT scans recorded at different X-ray energies. So far, this method mostly relies on monochromatic X-rays produced at large synchrotron facilities. Here, we present the first proof-of-principle experiment of a filter-based KES CT method performed at a compact synchrotron X-ray source based on inverse-Compton scattering, the Munich Compact Light Source (MuCLS). It is shown that iodine contrast agent and calcium can be clearly separated to provide CT volumes only showing one of the two materials. These results demonstrate that KES CT at a compact synchrotron source can become an important tool in pre-clinical research.

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Low-dose exposure energy-resolved X-ray computed tomography using a contrast agent with a high-energy K-edge

Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology ◽

10.1080/00223131.2013.849621 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 51 (1) ◽

pp. 91-97 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Yoshiki Yamashita ◽

Kazunari Shima ◽

Ikuo Kanno ◽

Masahiko Ohtaka ◽

Makoto Hashimoto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Contrast Agent ◽

Low Dose ◽

High Energy ◽

X Ray ◽

X Ray Computed ◽

Exposure Energy

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A High-Performance Ytterbium-Based Nanoparticulate Contrast Agent for In Vivo X-Ray Computed Tomography Imaging

Angewandte Chemie ◽

10.1002/ange.201106686 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 124 (6) ◽

pp. 1466-1471 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Yanlan Liu ◽

Kelong Ai ◽

Jianhua Liu ◽

Qinghai Yuan ◽

Yangyang He ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Contrast Agent ◽

High Performance ◽

Computed Tomography Imaging ◽

X Ray ◽

Tomography Imaging ◽

X Ray Computed

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An X-ray computed tomography imaging agent based on long-circulating bismuth sulphide nanoparticles

Nature Materials ◽

10.1038/nmat1571 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 118-122 ◽

Cited By ~ 646

Author(s):

Oded Rabin ◽

J. Manuel Perez ◽

Jan Grimm ◽

Gregory Wojtkiewicz ◽

Ralph Weissleder

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Imaging Agent ◽

Computed Tomography Imaging ◽

Agent Based ◽

X Ray ◽

Tomography Imaging ◽

X Ray Computed

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Optimal Contrast Agent Staining of Ligaments and Tendons for X-Ray Computed Tomography

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0153552 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. e0153552 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Richard Balint ◽

Tristan Lowe ◽

Tom Shearer

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Contrast Agent ◽

X Ray ◽

X Ray Computed

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Assessing the representative elementary volume of rock types by X-ray computed tomography (CT) – a simple approach to demonstrate the heterogeneity of the Boda Claystone Formation in Hungary

Geologos ◽

10.2478/logos-2021-0018 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 157-172

Author(s):

Saja M. Abutaha ◽

János Geiger ◽

Sándor Gulyás ◽

Ferenc Fedor

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Representative Elementary Volume ◽

Elementary Volume ◽

Void Space ◽

Ct Number ◽

X Ray ◽

The Core ◽

Sedimentary Structures ◽

Rock Types ◽

X Ray Computed

Abstract X-ray computed tomography (CT) can reveal internal, three-dimensional details of objects in a non-destructive way and provide high-resolution, quantitative data in the form of CT numbers. The sensitivity of the CT number to changes in material density means that it may be used to identify lithology changes within cores of sedimentary rocks. The present pilot study confirms the use of Representative Elementary Volume (REV) to quantify inhomogeneity of CT densities of rock constituents of the Boda Claystone Formation. Thirty-two layers, 2 m core length, of this formation were studied. Based on the dominant rock-forming constituent, two rock types could be defined, i.e., clayey siltstone (20 layers) and fine siltstone (12 layers). Eleven of these layers (clayey siltstone and fine siltstone) showed sedimentary features such as, convolute laminations, desiccation cracks, cross-laminations and cracks. The application of the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Averages, Statistical Process Control (ARIMA SPC) method to define Representative Elementary Volume (REV) of CT densities (Hounsfield unit values) affirmed the following results: i) the highest REV values corresponded to the presence of sedimentary structures or high ratios of siltstone constituents (> 60%). ii) the REV average of the clayey siltstone was (5.86 cm3) and (6.54 cm3) of the fine siltstone. iii) normalised REV percentages of the clayey siltstone and fine siltstone, on the scale of the core volume studied were 19.88% and 22.84%; respectively. iv) whenever the corresponding layer did not reveal any sedimentary structure, the normalised REV values would be below 10%. The internal void space in layers with sedimentary features might explain the marked textural heterogeneity and elevated REV values. The drying process of the core sample might also have played a significant role in increasing erroneous pore proportions by volume reducation of clay minerals, particularly within sedimentary structures, where authigenic clay and carbonate cement were presumed to be dominant.

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