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AJNR - American Journal of Neuroradiology

Publication Preview: Published May 13, 2009

American Journal of Neuroradiology 2009;30:1088.

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American Journal of Neuroradiology
DOI 10.3174/ajnr.A1653

REVIEW ARTICLE

Conebeam CT of the Head and Neck, Part 1: Physical Principles

A.C. Miracle and S.K. Mukherji

From the Departments of Radiology (A.C.M., S.K.M.), Otolaryngology (S.K.M.), and Radiation Oncology (S.K.M.), University of Michigan Health System, University Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Please address correspondence to Aaron Miracle, University of Michigan Medical Center, Department of Radiology, B2B311 UH SPC 5030, 1500 East Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5030; e-mail: amiracle{at}med.umich.edu

SUMMARY: Conebeam x-ray CT (CBCT) is a developing imaging technique designed to provide relatively low-dose high-spatial-resolution visualization of high-contrast structures in the head and neck and other anatomic areas. This first installment in a 2-part review will address the physical principles underlying CBCT imaging as it is used in dedicated head and neck scanners. Concepts related to CBCT acquisition geometry, flat panel detection, and image quality will be explored in detail. Particular emphasis will be placed on technical limitations to low-contrast detectability and radiation dose. Proposed methods of x-ray scatter reduction will also be discussed.