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High-resolution imaging of coronary calcifications by intense low-energy fluoroscopic X-ray obtained from synchrotron
S Ohtsuka1, Y Sugishita, T Takeda
1Department of Cardiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki-ken, Japan.
Purpose:
To obtain an intense monochromatic low-energy X-ray from synchrotron radiation (SR) and apply it to detect coronary calcifications.
Methods And Results:
The SR beam was reflected with a silicon crystal to be expanded (150 mm in height and 80 mm in width) and to be monochromatized at an energy level of 37 keV. The X-ray was intermittently irradiated to obtain dynamic imaging of 30 images/s. Images were recorded by a digital fluorography system. The low-energy X-ray from SR sharply visualized calcification of coronary arteries, while conventional X-ray could not visualize coronary calcification.
Conclusion:
The intense monochromatic low-energy X-ray from SR is sensitive, has high-resolution for imaging coronary calcification and may serve as a screening method for coronary artery disease.