JP2009285147A - X-ray ct device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable lower exposure to radiation in photography when contrast examination of a subject is carried out by an X-ray CT device. <P>SOLUTION: In a scan planning picture S21 for setting a range of photography of contrast examination, in place of a scout image acquired for positioning the subject, a tomographic image of high picture quality obtained by photography of simple examination normally carried out before the contrast examination, for example, a coronal image P2Ci, a sagittal image P2Sj, or an axial image P2Ak of the subject, is displayed. An operator draws a frame R2y of the range of photography of the contrast examination on the tomographic images, for setting a range R2 of photography. A slice surface of a tomographic image to be displayed is variable by a slide bar Bc. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, and more particularly to a scan planning technique.

  When contrast examination is performed using an X-ray CT apparatus, generally, imaging is performed in the order of scout imaging, simple examination imaging, and contrast imaging imaging. This enables first to grasp the position of the subject in the imaging space by scout imaging, and to set conditions for imaging the region of interest, and then to the subject by imaging a simple examination without using a contrast agent. Is to determine the presence or absence of a lesion such as calcification, determine whether or not to perform a contrast examination, and then perform a step of imaging a contrast examination using a contrast agent .

Note that the setting of the imaging range in the simple examination and the contrast examination is usually performed using a scout image of the subject obtained by scout imaging. For example, the operator designates the scan start position and the scan end position on the scout image of the subject displayed on the screen of the operation console (console), and sets the imaging range based on these position information ( For example, Patent Document 1, FIG. 23).
JP 2006-320523 A

  By the way, in imaging of contrast examination using an X-ray CT apparatus, in order to obtain a time-series image of blood flow in a subject's brain, heart, or the like, a set imaging range may be repeatedly imaged multiple times. Many. For this reason, the exposure dose to the subject increases as compared with the imaging of the simple examination. In particular, when the imaging region is the heart, it is necessary to perform electrocardiogram synchronous imaging, and the exposure dose to the subject further increases. Therefore, in imaging of contrast examination, it is desirable to set the imaging range to a region of interest such as a lesioned part in order to reduce the exposure dose to the subject as much as possible.

  However, since the scout image used for setting the imaging range is not for interpretation but only for confirming the position of the subject, low-dose X-rays were used in preference to reduction of subject exposure over image quality. Acquired by shooting. For this reason, in a scout image, there may be a case where image quality sufficient to accurately identify a tissue, a lesion, or the like cannot be obtained. Moreover, a scout image is a projection image of the whole subject normally. Therefore, in the scout image, a plurality of tissues in the subject appear to overlap each other, and it is difficult to identify each tissue and lesion. Therefore, in an actual contrast examination, an operator often sets a wide area as an imaging range that reliably covers a true region of interest with reference to a scout image. That is, the imaging range set in this way includes many areas unnecessary for interpretation, and in the imaging for such an imaging range, wasteful exposure to the subject is large.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray CT apparatus that enables low exposure in imaging during contrast examination of a subject.

  In a first aspect, the present invention provides a simple examination imaging range setting unit that sets an imaging range of a simple examination of the subject based on a designated position on a scout image of the subject, and the set simple setting. Simple imaging means for performing simple CT imaging with respect to the imaging range of the examination, a predetermined image representing at least a part of the imaging range of the simple examination obtained by the simple CT imaging, and designation on the predetermined image A contrast examination photographing range setting means for setting a photographing examination imaging range of the subject based on the set position; and a contrast photographing means for performing contrast CT photographing with respect to the set contrast examination photographing range. An X-ray CT apparatus is provided.

  In a second aspect, the present invention provides the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the predetermined image is a tomographic image corresponding to a predetermined slice in a space corresponding to the imaging range of the simple examination. I will provide a.

  In a third aspect, the present invention provides the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the tomographic image is an average value projection image of the predetermined slice.

  In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the tomographic image is a maximum value projection image of the predetermined slice.

  In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the fourth aspect from the second aspect, wherein the tomographic image is at least one of an axial image, a coronal image, and a sagittal image. An X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of the aspects is provided.

  In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to any one of the second to fifth aspects, further comprising slice setting means for setting an arbitrary slice designated by an operator as the predetermined slice. An X-ray CT apparatus is provided.

  In a seventh aspect, the present invention further includes an X-ray filter candidate determination unit that determines an X-ray filter (filter) candidate used for the contrast CT imaging based on the set imaging imaging imaging range. An X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is provided.

  In an eighth aspect, the present invention relates to a simple examination imaging range setting means for setting an imaging range of a simple examination of a subject based on a designated position on a scout image of the subject. Simple imaging control means for controlling a scanning gantry so as to perform simple CT imaging with respect to the set imaging range of the simple examination, and at least one of the imaging range of the simple examination obtained by the simple CT imaging. A contrast examination photographing range setting means for displaying a predetermined image representing a portion and setting a photographing range of the contrast examination of the subject based on a designated position on the predetermined image; and the set contrast examination A program (program) is provided for functioning as contrast imaging control means for controlling the scanning gantry so as to perform contrast CT imaging within the imaging range.

  Here, the “scout image” is an image of the subject obtained by scanning the subject using a lower dose of X-rays than during imaging of a simple examination or contrast examination. In the scout scan, the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are moved in parallel with the body axis of the subject, and the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are rotated around the subject in a spiral manner. Including scanning.

  According to the present invention, a predetermined image of a subject obtained by a simple inspection that is normally performed before a contrast examination is displayed, and the imaging range of the contrast examination is determined based on a position designated on the predetermined image. Since it is set, it is possible to refer to a simple examination image that is higher in image quality than a scout image, accurately grasp the anatomical structure of the subject, and narrow down the imaging range of the contrast examination to the region of interest, It is possible to reduce the exposure in the imaging at the time of the contrast examination of the subject by the X-ray CT apparatus.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The X-ray CT apparatus 100 includes an operation console 1, an imaging table 8, and a scanning gantry 9.

  The operation console 1 outputs an input device 2 that accepts an operator's instructions and information, a central processing device 3 that executes a scan control process and an image reconstruction process, and a control signal to the imaging table 8 and the scan gantry 9. A control interface 4 that performs data acquisition, a data collection buffer 5 that collects data acquired by the scanning gantry 9, and a monitor 6 that displays a scan plan screen, a tomographic image, and the like. ing. The operation console 1 is configured by a computer, for example, and functions as each of these components by reading and executing a program from a storage device (not shown).

  The imaging table 8 places a subject on a horizontal top and moves it in the body axis direction. In the following, the moving direction of the top of the imaging table 8, that is, the body axis direction of the subject is referred to as the z direction, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the z direction is referred to as the x direction, and the direction orthogonal to the x direction and z direction is referred to as the y direction.

  The scanning gantry 9 includes an X-ray controller 10, an X-ray tube 11, a bow-tie filter set (X-ray filter) 12, an X-ray detector 13, and a data acquisition unit 14. A rotation controller 15 for rotating the X-ray tube 11 and the like around the body axis of the subject.

  The central processing unit 3 is an example of a simple examination imaging range setting unit, a contrast examination imaging range setting unit, and a filter candidate determination unit in the present invention. The central processing unit 3 and the scanning gantry 9 are examples of simple inspection imaging means and contrast inspection imaging means in the present invention. The central processing unit 3 and the input device 2 are examples of slice setting means in the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a contrast examination process in the X-ray CT apparatus 100.

  In step T1, a scout image acquisition process is executed to acquire a scout image of the subject. This scout image acquisition process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step T2, a simple inspection scan planning process is executed, and a scan parameter for simple inspection is set with reference to the scout image. This simple inspection scan planning process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step T3, simple inspection processing is executed, scanning is performed based on the scan parameters of the simple inspection, and simple inspection of the subject is performed. The simple inspection process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step T4, a contrast inspection scan planning process is executed, and scan parameters for the contrast inspection are set with reference to the image obtained by the simple inspection. The contrast inspection scan planning process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step T5, a contrast inspection process is executed, scanning is performed based on the scan parameters of the contrast inspection, and a contrast inspection of the subject is performed. This contrast inspection process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of an example of the scout image acquisition process (T1).

  In step T101, an AP (anterior-posterior) / scout image of the subject is acquired. The AP / scout image is an image obtained by projecting the subject in the AP direction, that is, the y direction. Here, the rotation position of the scanning gantry 9 is fixed at a so-called 0 ° position so that the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 13 are aligned in the y direction, and the subject is moved in the z direction by the imaging table 8. Obtained by a first scout scan that scans the subject with a low-dose X-ray.

  In step T102, a lateral / scout image of the subject is acquired. The lateral scout image is an image obtained by projecting the subject in the lateral direction, that is, the x direction. Here, the rotation position of the scanning gantry 9 is fixed at a so-called 90 ° position so that the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 13 are aligned in the x direction, and the subject is moved in the z direction by the imaging table 8. Acquired by a second scout scan in which the subject is scanned with low-dose X-rays.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing details of an example of the simple inspection scan planning process (T2).

  In step T201, the screen of the monitor 6 is set to a target area setting screen for simple inspection, and a target area (imaging range) R1 for simple inspection is set. The target region is a region representing a space to be imaged by photographing among the photographing spaces that can be photographed, and the operator sets the target region so that the region of interest of the subject is included. Here, the target area is defined as an internal area of a rectangular parallelepiped composed of planes perpendicular to the x direction, the y direction, and the z direction.

  8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of a target area setting screen for simple inspection. The target area setting screen for simple inspection has two setting screens that can be switched.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first setting screen is a screen S11 in which the AP / scout image P11 of the subject and the rectangular frame R1y are displayed so as to overlap each other. The AP / scout image P11 is a scout image acquired by the first scout scan. The rectangular frame R1y is obtained by projecting the outline of the target area R1 for simple inspection in the y direction. The AP / scout image P11 and the rectangular frame R1y are displayed using the coordinate system of the same shooting space. Accordingly, a part of the subject portion represented by the region surrounded by the rectangular frame R1y in the AP / scout image P11 is actually imaged in the simple examination. The geometric information of the rectangular frame R1y and the set value of the target area R1 for simple inspection are linked. The operator can use the GUI (graphical user
By creating a new rectangular frame R1y or deforming the existing rectangular frame R1y, the x-direction and z-direction ranges of the target region R1 for simple inspection can be set.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the second setting screen is a screen S12 on which the lateral scout image P12 of the subject and the rectangular frame R1x are displayed in an overlapping manner. The lateral scout image P12 is an image acquired by the previous second scout scan. The rectangular frame R1x is obtained by projecting the outline of the target area R1 for simple inspection in the x direction. The lateral scout image P12 and the rectangular frame R1x are displayed in an overlapping manner using the same imaging space coordinate system. Accordingly, a part of the subject portion represented by the region surrounded by the rectangular frame R1x in the lateral scout image P12 is actually imaged in the simple examination. The geometric information of the rectangular frame R1x and the set value of the target area R1 for simple inspection are linked. The operator can set the ranges of the y direction and the z direction of the target region R1 of the simple inspection by newly drawing the rectangular frame R1x or deforming the existing rectangular frame R1x by using the GUI. .

  The operator switches the screen of the monitor 6 to a screen S11 and a screen S12 as necessary, and refers to the scout image while performing a simple examination on the part of the subject to be observed by the simple examination, for example, the chest of the subject. Set to target region R1.

The target region is a display irradiation field (DFOV; display) indicating an imaging range in the xy direction.
field of view) and the range of imaging in the z direction. The display irradiation field is generally a square inner region composed of a side parallel to the x direction and a side parallel to the y direction, and is imaged into an image having a size of, for example, 512 × 512 pixels. In this case, the target region is a regular quadrangular columnar region formed of planes each perpendicular to the x direction, the y direction, and the z direction. The target region is more intuitively using parameters such as the side length of the display field, the offset of the display field in the x direction, the offset of the display field in the y direction, the start position and the end position in the z direction. It can also be specified. The x-direction offset of the display field is the amount of shift in the x-direction from the iso-center to the center of the display field, and the y-direction offset of the display field is the center of the display field from the iso-center. The amount of shift in the y direction.

  In step T202, the minimum settable scan range including the target region R1 for simple inspection is set as the scan range for simple inspection. That is, parameter candidates that define the scan range among the scan parameters for the simple inspection are determined. Specifically, the respective candidates are determined for the diameter of the scan irradiation field represented by a circular region parallel to the xy plane, centered on the isocenter of the scanning gantry 9, and the scan start position and scan end position in the z direction. The

  In step T203, the screen of the monitor 6 is changed to a parameter setting screen for simple inspection, and each scan parameter for simple inspection is set. For example, the operator sets individual scan parameters by correcting preset candidates or inputting new scan parameters via the input device 2. Scan parameters include scan irradiation field diameter, scan start position, scan end position, slice thickness, number of images, tube voltage and tube current of X-ray tube, scanning gantry rotation speed, bow tie filter type, etc. Can be considered.

  The bow tie filter is a filter for spatially optimizing the X-ray intensity so that the X-ray absorption is uniform at the center and the end in the slice plane of the subject. The scanning gantry 9 is provided with a plurality of types of bow tie filter sets 12 having different sizes, and the bow tie filter used at the time of scanning is switched according to the size of the part to be scanned. For example, three types of bow tie filters “Large”, “Medium”, and “Small” are prepared. If the scanned part is an adult chest, “Large”, if it is a child's chest, “Medium”, If it is the head, switch to “Small”. The type of bow tie filter used at the time of scanning is one of the scan parameters, and is generally set arbitrarily by the operator.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of an example of the simple inspection process (T3).

  In step T301, a simple examination scan of the subject is performed. That is, based on the scan parameters of the simple inspection, the scanning gantry 9 and the imaging table 8 are controlled to perform the scan of the simple inspection with respect to the space corresponding to the set scan range (hereinafter referred to as the first space). And the projection data of this first space is collected.

  In step T302, image reconstruction processing is performed based on the projection data of the first space, and a plurality of tomographic images corresponding to a plurality of slices when the space of the target region R1 for simple inspection is sliced in the z direction is generated. To do.

  In step T303, the plurality of tomographic images are directly stacked in the z direction to generate a three-dimensional CT value model corresponding to the space of the target region R1 for simple inspection. The three-dimensional CT value model (model) is a three-dimensional image, and each voxel has a CT value.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of an example of the contrast inspection scan planning process (T4).

  In step T401, the screen of the monitor 6 is changed to a contrast examination target area setting screen, and a contrast examination target area R2 is set.

  10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are diagrams showing an example of a target region setting screen for contrast examination. The contrast examination target area setting screen has three setting screens that can be switched.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the first setting screen is a screen S21 in which a coronal image P2Ci (i = 1, 2,..., Nc) of a subject and a rectangular frame R2y are displayed in an overlapping manner. The coronal image P2Ci is an image obtained by the previous simple inspection scan, and corresponds to an arbitrary slice Ci parallel to the coronal plane, that is, the xz plane in the space of the target area R1 of the simple inspection, as shown in FIG. It is a tomographic image. On the first setting screen S21, as shown in FIG. 10, a slide-bar Bc is displayed in the vicinity of the coronal image P2Ci. The operator can designate the slice Ci of the coronal image to be displayed in the y direction by sliding the slide bar Bc with the GUI. The coronal image P2Ci is reconstructed based on a three-dimensional CT value model representing the space of the target region R1 for simple inspection. The rectangular frame R2y is formed by projecting the outline of the target area of the contrast examination in the y direction. The coronal image P2Ci and the rectangular frame R2y are displayed using a coordinate system in the same shooting space. Therefore, a part of the part of the subject represented by the region surrounded by the rectangular frame R2y in the coronal images P2C1 to P2CNc is actually imaged in the contrast examination. The geometric information of the rectangular frame R2y is linked to the set value of the target region R2 for the contrast examination. The operator can set the ranges of the x direction and the z direction of the target region R2 by newly drawing the rectangular frame R2y or deforming the existing rectangular frame R2y by using the GUI.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the second setting screen is a screen S22 in which the sagittal image P2Sj (j = 1, 2,..., Ns) of the subject and the rectangular frame R2x are displayed in an overlapping manner. The sagittal image P2Sj is an image obtained by the previous simple inspection scan, and corresponds to an arbitrary slice Sj parallel to the sagittal plane, that is, the yz plane, in the space of the target area R1 of the simple inspection, as shown in FIG. This is a tomographic image. In the second setting screen S22, as shown in FIG. 11, a slide bar Bs is displayed in the vicinity of the sagittal image P2Sj. The operator can designate the slice Sj of the sagittal image to be displayed in the x direction by sliding the slide bar Bs with the GUI. The sagittal image P2Sj is reconstructed based on a three-dimensional CT value model representing the space of the target region R1 for simple inspection. The rectangular frame R2x is a projection of the contour of the target region R2 of the contrast examination in the x direction. The sagittal image P2Sj and the rectangular frame R2x are displayed using a coordinate system in the same shooting space. Therefore, a part of the part of the subject represented by the region surrounded by the rectangular frame R2x in the sagittal images P2S1 to P2SNs is actually imaged in the contrast examination. The geometric information of the rectangular frame R2x is linked to the set value of the target region R2 for the contrast examination. The operator can set the ranges in the y direction and the z direction of the target region R2 of the contrast examination by newly drawing the rectangular frame R2x or deforming the existing rectangular frame R2x using the GUI. .

  As shown in FIG. 12, the third setting screen is a screen S23 in which the axial image P2Ak (k = 1, 2,..., Na) of the subject and the rectangular frame R2z are displayed in an overlapping manner. The axial image P2Ak is an image obtained by the previous simple inspection scan, and corresponds to an arbitrary slice Ak parallel to the axial plane, that is, the xy plane, in the space of the target area R1 of the simple inspection, as shown in FIG. This is a tomographic image. On the third setting screen S23, as shown in FIG. 12, a slide bar Ba is displayed in the vicinity of the axial image P2Ak. The operator can designate the slice Ak of the axial image to be displayed by changing it in the z direction by sliding the slide bar Ba with the GUI. The axial image P2Ak is reconstructed based on a three-dimensional CT value model representing the space of the target region R1 for simple inspection. The rectangular frame R2z is obtained by projecting the contour of the target region R2 of the contrast examination in the z direction. The axial image P2Ak and the rectangular frame R2z are displayed using a coordinate system in the same shooting space. Accordingly, a part of the subject portion represented by the region surrounded by the rectangular frame R2z in the axial images P2A1 to P2ANA is actually imaged in the contrast examination. The geometric information of the rectangular frame R2z is linked to the set value of the target region R2 for the contrast examination. The operator can set the ranges in the x direction and the y direction of the target region R2 by newly drawing the rectangular frame R2z or deforming the existing rectangular frame R2z using the GUI.

  The coronal image, the sagittal image, and the axial image described above are the average value projection image, maximum value projection image (MIP image), or minimum value projection image (Min-IP image) of the slice in the target region R1 of the simple inspection. ). The average value projection image is an image obtained by projecting an average value of pixel values on the projection path in the projection direction. The maximum value projected image is an image obtained by projecting the maximum pixel value on the projection path, and the minimum value projected image is obtained by projecting the minimum pixel value on the projection path in the projection direction.

  Further, the slice thicknesses of the coronal image, the sagittal image, and the axial image are variable, and the maximum slice thickness that can be set corresponds to the space width in the space of the target region R1 for simple inspection. When the slice thickness is the maximum, the displayed tomographic image is an overall projection image of the subject.

  The operator switches the screen of the monitor 6 as necessary and refers to an arbitrary tomographic image to recognize the anatomical structure of the subject in the target area R1 of the simple examination in detail and accurately. Can do. Then, the position of the region of interest of the subject to be observed in the contrast examination can be specified with high accuracy, and the target region R2 of the contrast examination can be narrowed down and set to the region of interest. The operator, for example, sets the target region R2 by narrowing down the target region R2 to the heart of the subject's chest.

  In step T402, the minimum scan range that can be set including the target region R2 for the contrast examination is set as the scan range for the contrast examination. That is, parameter candidates that define the scan range among the scan parameters of the contrast examination are determined. Specifically, the respective candidates are determined for the diameter of the scan irradiation field represented by a circular region parallel to the xy plane, centered on the isocenter of the scanning gantry 9, and the scan start position and scan end position in the z direction. The

  In step T403, a candidate for the bow tie filter 12 to be used at the time of the contrast inspection scan is determined based on the set contrast inspection scan range. In the present embodiment, it can be expected that the target region R2 of the contrast examination is set accurately, and as a result, the scan range is also set accurately. Therefore, the size of the part to be scanned is predicted based on the scanning range of the contrast examination, and a bow tie filter candidate to be used at the time of the contrast examination scan is determined from the bow tie filter set 12, and the operator's scan parameter Assist with setting. As a simple example, the bow tie filter is switched according to the diameter of the scanning irradiation field that defines the scanning range. For example, a bow tie filter of “small” when the diameter of the scanning irradiation field is 25 cm or less, “medium” when it is 32 cm or less, and “large” when it is 50 cm or less is selected.

  In step T404, the screen of the monitor 6 is used as a parameter setting screen, and each scan parameter of the contrast examination is set. For example, the operator inputs individual scan parameters via the input device 2 or corrects preset candidates, thereby setting individual scan parameters.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of an example of the contrast examination process (T5).

  In step T501, a scan for contrast examination of the subject is performed. That is, a contrast agent is administered to the subject, and the scanning gantry 9 and the imaging table 8 are controlled based on the scanning parameters of the contrast examination, and a space corresponding to the set scanning range of the contrast examination (hereinafter referred to as the second contrast examination). A scan is performed for each time zone, and projection data of this second space is collected.

  In step T502, image reconstruction processing is performed based on the projection data of the second space, and a plurality of contrasts corresponding to a plurality of slices when the space of the target region R2 of the contrast examination in each time zone is sliced in the z direction. A tomographic image is generated.

  In step T503, for each time period, a plurality of contrast tomographic images are stacked to generate a three-dimensional CT value model representing the target region R2 of the contrast examination, thereby obtaining a time-series three-dimensional CT value model.

  In step T504, based on the time-series three-dimensional CT value model, a tomographic image corresponding to an arbitrary time zone and an arbitrary slice in the space of the contrast examination target region R2 is generated and displayed on the screen of the monitor 6. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a predetermined image of a subject obtained by a simple inspection that is normally performed before the contrast inspection is displayed, and the contrast is determined based on the position designated on the predetermined image. Since the imaging range of the examination is set, the anatomical structure of the subject is accurately grasped by referring to the image of the simple examination that has higher image quality than the scout image, and the imaging range of the contrast examination is narrowed down to the region of interest. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the exposure in the radiographing of the subject by the X-ray CT apparatus. Note that the imaging of the simple examination performed before the contrast examination is originally incorporated in the process when the contrast examination is performed. Therefore, it can be said that the present embodiment effectively uses an image obtained by photographing this simple inspection.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning.

  For example, the coronal image, the sagittal image, and the axial image may be displayed on the same screen on the target region setting screen for contrast examination.

  Further, for example, when a scout image is displayed on a target area setting screen for contrast examination and an arbitrary position is designated on the scout image, an axial image corresponding to the position may be displayed.

  Further, for example, an oblique image may be displayed on a target region setting screen for contrast examination.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the contrast examination process in a X-ray CT apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an example of a scout image acquisition process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an example of a simple test | inspection scan plan process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an example of a simple test | inspection scan process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an example of a contrast test scan plan process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of an example of a contrast test scan process. It is a figure which shows an example (the 1) of the target area | region setting screen of a simple test | inspection. It is a figure which shows an example (the 2) of the target area | region setting screen of a simple test | inspection. It is a figure which shows an example (the 1) of the target area | region setting screen of a contrast examination. It is a figure which shows an example (the 2) of the target area | region setting screen of a contrast examination. It is a figure which shows an example (the 3) of the target area | region setting screen of a contrast examination. It is a figure which shows the coronal image obtained by imaging | photography of a simple test | inspection. It is a figure which shows the sagittal image obtained by imaging | photography of a simple test | inspection. It is a figure which shows the axial image obtained by imaging | photography of a simple test | inspection.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operation console 2 Input device 3 Central processing unit 4 Control interface 5 Data acquisition buffer 6 Monitor 8 Imaging table 9 Scanning gantry 10 X-ray controller 11 X-ray tube 12 Bowtie filter set 13 X-ray detector 14 Data acquisition part 15 Rotation controller 100 X-ray CT system

Claims (8)

Simple examination imaging range setting means for setting the imaging range of the simple examination of the subject based on the designated position on the scout image of the subject;
Simple imaging means for performing simple CT imaging for the imaging range of the set simple examination;
A predetermined image representing at least a part of the imaging range of the simple examination obtained by the simple CT imaging is displayed, and the imaging examination imaging range of the subject is determined based on a designated position on the predetermined image. A contrast examination imaging range setting means to be set;
An X-ray CT apparatus comprising contrast imaging means for performing contrast CT imaging for the set imaging range of the contrast examination.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined image is a tomographic image corresponding to a predetermined slice in a space corresponding to an imaging range of the simple examination.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tomographic image is an average value projection image of the predetermined slice.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tomographic image is a maximum-value projection image of the predetermined slice.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tomographic image is at least one of an axial image, a coronal image, and a sagittal image.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a slice setting unit that sets an arbitrary slice designated by an operator as the predetermined slice.   7. The X-ray filter candidate determination unit that further determines an X-ray filter candidate used for the contrast CT imaging based on the set imaging range of the contrast examination. 8. X-ray CT system. Computer
Simple examination imaging range setting means for setting the imaging range of the simple examination of the subject based on the designated position on the scout image of the subject;
Simple imaging control means for controlling the scanning gantry so as to perform simple CT imaging for the imaging range of the set simple examination;
A predetermined image representing at least a part of the imaging range of the simple examination obtained by the simple CT imaging is displayed, and the imaging examination imaging range of the subject is determined based on a designated position on the predetermined image. A contrast examination imaging range setting means to be set;
A program for functioning as a contrast imaging control means for controlling the scanning gantry so as to perform contrast CT imaging within the set imaging imaging range.

Images