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Phase-contrast and magnification radiography at diagnostic X-ray energies using a pseudo-microfocus X-ray source

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Colin Kotre, Dr Kevin Robson

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Abstract

© 2014 The Authors. Objective: To investigate the use of conventional diagnostic X-ray tubes for applications in which specialist microfocus sources are normally required. Methods: A conventional diagnostic X-ray tube was used in conjunction with a range of apertures to investigate improvements in spatial resolution using a line-pairs test object. Phase-contrast effects were investigated by varying source-to-object and object-to-receptor distances using a 2-French catheter as a clinically realistic test object. Results: For magnification radiography using a computed radiography receptor and conventional X-ray tube with a 1-mm nominal focus size, the limiting spatial resolution was improved from 3.55 line-pairs per millimetre, for a conventional contact image, to 5.6 line-pairs per millimetre, for a 32 magnified view with a 250-mm aperture. For inline phase-contrast radiography, phase contrast enhancement of a 2-French catheter was demonstrated, and the expected trends with variations in source-toobject and object-to-receptor distances were found. Images of a neonatal phantom demonstrated a subtle improvement in visibility of a superimposed 1-French catheter simulating a percutaneously inserted central catheter for no increase in patient radiation dose. Conclusion: Spatial resolution improvement and visible phase contrast can be produced in clinically relevant objects using a pseudo-microfocus geometry at X-ray energies in the normal diagnostic range, using conventional diagnostic X-ray tubes and image receptors. The disadvantages of the proposal are the large distances required to produce phase contrast and limitations imposed by the resulting tube loading. Advances in knowledge: It is possible to use conventional diagnostic X-ray equipment in applications that normally require microfocus X-ray sources. This presents some possibilities for clinical applications.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Kotre CJ, Robson KJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: British Journal of Radiology

Year: 2014

Volume: 87

Issue: 1039

Online publication date: 29/05/2014

Acceptance date: 28/04/2014

ISSN (print): 0007-1285

ISSN (electronic): 1748-880X

Publisher: British Institute of Radiology

URL: https://doi.org/10.1259/bjr.20130734

DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20130734

PubMed id: 24779409

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