REVOLUTIONIZING IMPACT OF PHOTON COUNTING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING TECHNIQUES
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Keywords
Energy Integrating Detectors, Spatial resolution, Contrast-to-Noise Ratio, Artifacts, Photon Counting Computed Tomography.
Abstract
Conventional Computed Tomography (CT) systems utilize Energy-Integrating Detectors that aggregate the energy of incoming X-ray photons, which often results in limited spatial resolution and diminished contrast in soft tissues, causing difficulties in material differentiation. By counting individual photons and detecting their energy levels, Photon Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) has become a revolutionary imaging method intended to get beyond these restrictions. PCCT measures photon energy using semiconductor-based photon-counting detectors, usually based on cadmium telluride or cadmium zinc telluride, which directly transform X-ray photons into electrical signals. Compared to traditional CT systems, PCCT offers better tissue characterisation, lower radiation doses, and higher image quality, making it a major breakthrough in medical imaging technology. Superior spatial resolution, a higher contrast-to-noise ratio, and multi-energy imaging capabilities are made possible by this, enabling specialised diagnostic applications like material decomposition, plaque characterisation, and better tiny lesion detection. Furthermore, PCCT has the potential to improve soft tissue visualisation and lessen artifacts, which would help with more precise diagnosis and personalised patient treatment. With its increased diagnostic precision, dose-reduction benefits for patient safety, and potential for personalised imaging procedures, PCCT is a significant milestone in medical imaging. It is anticipated that its uses in musculoskeletal imaging, cardiovascular evaluation, oncology, and early illness detection would revolutionise radiology research and clinical practice.
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Simran Tariq
M.Sc. Medical Imaging Technology, Department of Paramedical Sciences, School of Nursing Sciences and Allied Health, Jamia Hamdard.