Two-dimensional intravenous coronary arteriography using above-K-edge monochromatic synchrotron X-ray

For intravenous (i.v.) coronary arteriography, a real-time two-dimensional (2D) imaging system is being developed using above-K-edge monochromatic X-rays alone. The potential diagnostic value of this system was examined in the current study.

The angiographic system consisted of an asymmetric silicon (311) monocrystal, an image intensifier, and a charged-coupled device camera. It was constructed at the beam line of the Tristan Accumulation Ring. Monochromatic X-rays of 33.32 keV were used, and each image was recorded over 2 msec.

Ventricular wall motion and the anatomy of the coronary arteries could be seen in dogs by sequential images obtained without subtraction. The left anterior descending coronary artery, left circumflex coronary artery, and right coronary artery and the branches of these vessels were observed. The parts of the coronary arteries overlapping the aorta and left ventricle were revealed somewhat during washout of the contrast material.

For a 2D imaging system, monochromatic i.v. coronary angiography using an energy above the iodine K-edge might be able to image the coronary arteries without subtraction. However, the image quality needs to be improved by increasing the X-ray flux, decreasing background radiation scatter from the object, and decreasing contamination with 99-keV X-rays.