JP7046538B2 - X-ray computer tomography equipment, contrast agent injector and management equipment - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an X-ray computer tomography apparatus, a contrast agent injector and a management apparatus.

In the X-ray computer tomography (CT) device, a contrast agent for clearly depicting a pathogen or the like is generally used when taking a tomographic image of a blood vessel or an organ. Before imaging with a contrast medium (hereinafter referred to as contrast imaging), except for some parameters such as time, parameters of contrast conditions such as injection speed and injection amount of contrast medium, imaging timing, rotation speed, and sleeper The parameters of the shooting conditions such as speed are set independently. Contrast-enhanced conditions and imaging conditions are usually set with each parameter according to each guideline, calculation formula, or operator's experience. Specifically, the contrast condition and the imaging condition can be set on a console corresponding to a communication standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network) 4. The set contrast condition is transmitted to the contrast medium injector and used for controlling the injection start timing and the like. In this way, the contrast condition and the imaging condition are managed independently.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-62659

In the X-ray CT apparatus as described above, for example, when performing imaging, imaging conditions and contrast conditions set independently in advance are used. At this time, the synchronization of the injection start by the contrast medium injector and the record of the injection status of the contrast medium are displayed as the examination history according to the contrast medium and imaging conditions set independently. However, there is no opportunity to compare the imaging conditions with the contrast conditions.

Therefore, even if there is a possibility that the dose and the amount of contrast medium can be reduced by optimizing the contrast condition or the imaging condition for each subject, it depends on the skill of the operator to judge the possibility. Further, the possibility of optimizing the contrast condition such as injection timing and the imaging condition such as imaging timing is also determined depending on the skill of the operator.

However, it is desirable that contrast imaging can be optimized regardless of the skill of the operator.

An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray computer tomography apparatus, a contrast agent injector, and a management apparatus capable of optimizing contrast imaging regardless of the skill of an operator.

The X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to the embodiment includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detection unit, a condition setting unit, a condition changing unit, an injection control unit, and a scan control unit.
The X-ray source exposes X-rays.
The X-ray detector detects X-rays exposed from the X-ray source and transmitted through the subject.
The condition setting unit individually sets the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition for the contrast imaging of the subject.
The condition changing unit obtains a second contrast condition and a second imaging condition by changing at least one of the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition based on the first contrast condition or the first imaging condition. ..
The injection control unit controls a contrast medium injector that injects a contrast medium into the subject based on the second contrast medium.
The scan control unit controls the X-ray source and the X-ray detection unit so as to sequentially execute a monitoring scan and a contrast scan based on the second imaging condition.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the processing circuit in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation in the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen which sets the position of a subject and the contrast route in the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen which displays the simulation result by the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of the simulation result in the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen which displays the simulation result by the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen which displays the simulation result by the X-ray CT apparatus in 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the simulation result for each elapsed time in the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which superimposes the frame shown in FIG. 7 on the simulation result shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen which displays the simulation result by the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment on the simulated axial image. It is a schematic diagram which shows the simulation result for each elapsed time in the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen which displays the TDC of the region of interest in the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen which sets the monitoring photography in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of step ST33 in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of step ST34 in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the step ST30 of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the step ST30 of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 8th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the step ST30 of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 9th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the step ST50 of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 10th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the step ST40 of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 11th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the operation in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the step ST20 of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 14th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the step ST40 of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 15th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the operation in the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the contrast agent injector which concerns on 16th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the management apparatus which concerns on 17th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray CT device according to an embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 exposes the subject P to X-rays from an X-ray source having an X-ray tube 11, and detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject with the X-ray detector 12. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 generates a CT image regarding the subject P based on the output from the X-ray detector 12.

The X-ray CT device 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a gantry device 10, a sleeper device 30, and a console device 40. The gantry device 10 is a scanning device having a configuration for X-ray CT imaging of the subject P. The sleeper device 30 is a device for placing a subject P, which is a target of X-ray CT imaging, and moving it to a position where X-ray CT imaging is performed. The console device 40 is a computer that controls the gantry device 10.

For example, the gantry device 10 and the sleeper device 30 are installed in the CT examination room, and the console device 40 is installed in the control room adjacent to the CT examination room. The console device 40 does not necessarily have to be installed in the control room. For example, the console device 40 may be installed in the same room together with the gantry device 10 and the bed device 30. In any case, the gantry device 10, the sleeper device 30, and the console device 40 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The gantry device 10 includes an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating frame 13, an X-ray high voltage device 14, a control device 15, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, and a DAS 18.

The X-ray tube 11 is a vacuum tube that irradiates thermoelectrons from the cathode (filament) toward the anode (target) by applying a high voltage from the X-ray high voltage device 14 and supplying a filament current. The irradiated thermions are converted into X-rays by the energy when they collide with the focal point of the target. As a result, the X-ray tube 11 generates X-rays that are exposed to the subject P from the focal point of the target with which the thermions collide. The X-rays generated in the X-ray tube 11 are formed into a cone beam shape via the collimator 17 and exposed to the subject P. The X-ray tube 11 and the collimator 17 are examples of the X-ray source described in the claims.

The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays that have been exposed from the X-ray tube 11 and passed through the subject P, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the X-ray dose to the DAS 18. The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a plurality of X-ray detection element trains in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along one arc centering on the focal point of the X-ray tube. The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a structure in which a plurality of X-ray detection element sequences in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction are arranged in a slice direction (column direction, low direction). Further, the X-ray detector 12 is an indirect conversion type detector having, for example, a grid, a scintillator array, and an optical sensor array. The scintillator array has a plurality of scintillators, and the scintillator has a scintillator crystal that outputs a photon amount of light according to an incident X dose. The grid is arranged on the surface of the scintillator array on the X-ray incident side and has an X-ray shielding plate having a function of absorbing scattered X-rays. The optical sensor array has a function of converting into an electric signal according to the amount of light from the scintillator, and has, for example, an optical sensor such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector (semiconductor detector) having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into an electric signal. Further, the X-ray detector 12 is an example of the X-ray detector described in the claims.

The rotating frame 13 rotatably supports the X-ray source and the X-ray detector 12 around a rotation axis. Specifically, the rotating frame 13 is an annular frame in which the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 are opposed to each other and the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 are rotated by a control device 15 described later. Is. The rotating frame 13 is rotatably supported by a fixed frame (not shown) made of a metal such as aluminum. Specifically, the rotating frame 13 is connected to the edge of the fixed frame via a bearing. In the present embodiment, the rotation axis of the rotation frame 13 in the non-tilt state or the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 of the sleeper device 30 is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and is horizontal to the floor surface. Is orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and the axial direction perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction, respectively. The rotating frame 13 receives power from the drive mechanism of the control device 15 and rotates at a constant angular velocity around the rotation axis Z. The rotating frame 13 further includes and supports an X-ray high voltage device 14 and a DAS 18 in addition to the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12. Such a rotating frame 13 is housed in a substantially cylindrical housing having an opening (bore) forming an imaging space. The opening substantially coincides with FOV19. The central axis of the opening coincides with the rotation axis Z of the rotation frame 13. The rotation axis Z of the rotation frame 13 may be referred to as the rotation axis Z of the X-ray tube 11. The detection data generated by the DAS 18 is received from a transmitter having a light emitting diode (LED) provided in the rotating frame and having a photodiode provided in a non-rotating portion (for example, a fixed frame) of the gantry device by optical communication. It is transmitted to the machine and transferred to the console device 40. The method of transmitting the detection data from the rotating frame to the non-rotating portion of the gantry device is not limited to the above-mentioned optical communication, and any method may be adopted as long as it is a non-contact type data transmission.

The X-ray high voltage device 14 has an electric circuit such as a transformer and a rectifier, and has a function of generating a high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 11 and a filament current supplied to the X-ray tube 11. It has a generator and an X-ray control device that controls an output voltage according to the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generator may be a transformer type or an inverter type. The X-ray high voltage device 14 may be provided on the rotating frame 13 described later, or may be provided on the fixed frame (not shown) side of the gantry device 10.

The control device 15 has a processing circuit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator. The processing circuit has a processor such as a CPU and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as hardware resources. Further, the control device 15 includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and another complex programmable logic device (CPLD). ), It may be realized by a simple programmable logic device (SPLD). The control device 15 controls the X-ray high voltage device 14, the DAS 18, and the like in accordance with a command from the console device 40. The processor realizes the above control by reading and realizing a program stored in the memory. Further, the control device 15 has a function of receiving an input signal from an input interface attached to the console device 40 or the gantry device 10 and controlling the operation of the gantry device 10 and the sleeper device 30. For example, the control device 15 controls to rotate the rotating frame 13 in response to an input signal, controls to tilt the gantry device 10, and controls to operate the sleeper device 30 and the top plate 33. The control for tilting the gantry device 10 is such that the control device 15 rotates around an axis parallel to the X-axis direction based on the tilt angle (tilt angle) information input by the input interface attached to the gantry device 10. It is realized by rotating. The control device 15 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or in the console device 40. The control device 15 may be configured to directly incorporate the program into the circuit of the processor instead of storing the program in the memory. In this case, the processor realizes the above control by reading and executing a program incorporated in the circuit.

The wedge 16 is a filter for adjusting the X-ray dose emitted from the X-ray tube 11. Specifically, the wedge 16 transmits and attenuates the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 so that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. It is a filter to do. For example, the wedge 16 (wedge filter, bow-tie filter) is a filter obtained by processing aluminum so as to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness.

The collimator 17 is a lead plate or the like for narrowing the irradiation range of X-rays transmitted through the wedge 16, and a slit is formed by a combination of a plurality of lead plates or the like.

The DAS18 (Data Acquisition System) collects digital values indicating the intensity of X-rays attenuated by the subject P for each view. The DAS 18 has an amplifier that amplifies the electric signal output from each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 12, and an A / D converter that converts the amplified electric signal into a digital signal. , Generates detection data having the digital value indicated by the digital signal. The detection data is a set of digital values of X-ray intensity identified by the channel number, column number, and view number indicating the collected view of the source X-ray detector. As the view number, the order in which the views are collected (collection time) may be used, or a number representing the rotation angle of the X-ray tube 11 (eg, 1 to 1000) may be used. Further, the detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transferred to the console device 40 via a non-contact data transmission circuit (not shown) housed in the gantry device 10.

The sleeper device 30 is a device for placing and moving the subject P to be scanned, and includes a base 31, a sleeper drive device 32, a top plate 33, and a support frame 34.

The base 31 is a housing that supports the support frame 34 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

The sleeper drive device 32 is a motor or an actuator that moves the top plate 33 on which the subject P is placed in the long axis direction of the top plate 33. The sleeper drive device 32 moves the top plate 33 under the control of the console device 40 or the control device 15. For example, the sleeper drive device 32 moves the top plate 33 in the direction orthogonal to the subject P so that the body axis of the subject P placed on the top plate 33 coincides with the central axis of the opening of the rotating frame 13. do. Further, the sleeper drive device 32 may move the top plate 33 along the body axis direction of the subject P in accordance with the X-ray CT imaging performed by the gantry device 10. The sleeper drive device 32 generates power by driving at a rotation speed according to the duty ratio and the like of the drive signal from the control device 15. The sleeper drive device 32 is realized by, for example, a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor.

The top plate 33 provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34 is a plate on which the subject P is placed. In addition to the top plate 33, the sleeper drive device 32 may move the support frame 34 in the long axis direction of the top plate 33.

The console device 40 includes a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 44. Data communication between the memory 41, the display 42, the input interface 43, and the processing circuit 44 is performed via the bus (BUS).

The memory 41 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. The memory 41 stores, for example, projection data and reconstructed image data. In addition to HDDs and SSDs, the memory 41 is located between a portable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and a flash memory, and a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). It may be a drive device that reads and writes various information. Further, the storage area of the memory 41 may be in the X-ray CT device 1 or in an external storage device connected by a network. For example, the memory 41 stores data of a CT image or a display image. Further, the memory 41 stores the control program, data, and the like according to the present embodiment.

The display 42 displays various information. For example, the display 42 outputs a medical image (CT image) generated by the processing circuit 44, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator, and the like. For example, the display 42 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL display (OELD), a plasma display, or any other display. , Can be used. Further, the display 42 is an example of the display unit described in the claims.

The input interface 43 receives various input operations from the operator, converts the received input operations into electric signals, and outputs the received input operations to the processing circuit 44. For example, the input interface 43 receives from the operator collection conditions for collecting projection data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing a CT image, image processing conditions for generating a post-processed image from a CT image, and the like. .. As the input interface 43, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touch pad, a touch panel display, and the like can be appropriately used. In the present embodiment, the input interface 43 is not limited to the one provided with physical operation parts such as a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touch pad, and a touch panel display. For example, an example of the input interface 43 includes an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electric signal to the processing circuit 44. ..

The processing circuit 44 controls the operation of the entire X-ray CT device 1 according to the electric signal of the input operation output from the input interface 43. For example, the processing circuit 44 has a processor such as a CPU, MPU, and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a memory such as a ROM or RAM as hardware resources. The processing circuit 44 executes a system control function 441, a shooting planning function 442, an image generation function 443, an image processing function 444, a scan control function 445, a display control function 446, and the like by a processor that executes a program expanded in the memory. ..

The system control function 441 controls each function of the processing circuit 44 based on the input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43. Specifically, the system control function 441 reads out the control program stored in the memory 41, expands it on the memory in the processing circuit 44, and controls each part of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the expanded control program. .. For example, the processing circuit 44 controls each function of the processing circuit 44 based on the input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43.

As shown in FIG. 2, the shooting planning function 442 includes a simulation function 442-1, a condition changing function 442-2, and a shooting preparation function 442-3, in addition to the planning function for positioning shooting.

The simulation function 442-1 individually sets the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition for the contrast imaging of the subject P, and based on the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition, the contrast medium is applied to the subject P. The degree of contrast when injected is obtained by simulation.

Here, the "first" in the "first contrast condition and the first imaging condition" means "individually set" and "before optimization". The "contrast condition" is a condition relating to the injection of a contrast medium or a physiological saline solution, and includes, for example, an injection rate, an injection amount, and an injection time. The "imaging condition" is a physical condition necessary for collecting physical data for image generation from a subject by an imaging operation. The shooting conditions include, for example, the scan start position and range (sleeper movement amount), the tube voltage / current of the X-ray tube 11, the sleeper movement amount in one rotation with respect to the total width of the obtained image slice (shooting pitch), and the like. There are start timing, number of shooting rows, rotation speed, etc.

The simulation function 442-1 sets a contrast route corresponding to the injection position for injecting the contrast medium into the subject P on the simulated human body at the time of individual setting, and the first is based on the set contrast route. 1 The contrast condition may be set. The setting of the contrast route includes a manual mode corresponding to an arbitrary injection position and a preset mode corresponding to a predetermined injection position. In the manual mode, any injection position may be set on the screen. In the preset mode, for example, the desired injection position may be selected from the list of injection positions displayed on the screen. As the injection position, for example, the upper right limb, the upper left limb, the right lower limb, the left lower limb, and the like can be appropriately used. Further, the contrast route may be set by the operation of the operator, or the contrast route recognized by an optical camera (not shown) may be set.

Further, the simulation function 442-1 may set the position of the subject P on the simulated human body at the time of individual setting, and set the first contrast condition based on the set position. As the body position, for example, a combination of an overall posture such as "supine position" or "prone position" and a partial posture such as "arm up" or "arm down" can be appropriately used. The raising and lowering of the arm affects the ease of injecting the contrast medium because the degree of compression of the blood vessel changes depending on the posture.

The simulation function 442-1 is an example of the condition setting unit, the simulation unit, the route setting unit, and the position setting unit described in the claims.

The condition change function 442-2 optimizes the individually set first contrast condition and the first imaging condition to obtain the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. For example, the condition change function 442-2 changes at least one of the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition based on the first contrast condition or the first imaging condition to obtain the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. You may do so. Further, for example, the condition change function 442-2 may obtain the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition by modifying the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition according to the operation of the operator. .. The second contrast condition is an optimized first contrast condition. The second shooting condition is an optimized first shooting condition. That is, the "second" in the "second contrast condition and the second imaging condition" means "after optimization". The "contrast condition" and "imaging condition" are as described above. The term "condition change function" may be appropriately read as a term such as "optimization processing function", "condition correction function", "condition adjustment function", or "condition editing function".

The imaging preparation function 442-3 sets the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition obtained by the condition changing function 442-2 according to the operation of the operator after the operator sets the contrast route to the subject P. select. Further, the imaging preparation function 442-3 may send the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition to the scan control function 445. However, the shooting preparation function 442-3 is an optional additional matter and may be omitted.

The image generation function 443 generates data obtained by subjecting the detection data output from the DAS 18 to preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing between channels, and beam hardening correction. The data before preprocessing (detection data) and the data after preprocessing may be collectively referred to as projection data. Further, the image generation function 443 generates CT image data by performing reconstruction processing using a filter correction back projection method, a successive approximation reconstruction method, a short reconstruction processing method, or the like on such projection data. .. The short reconstruction method is also called PBS (Pixel Based Sector Reconstruction). The CT image data represents the spatial distribution of CT values for subject P.

The image processing function 444 uses a known method to obtain CT image data generated by the image generation function 443 based on an input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43, such as tomographic image data of an arbitrary cross section or a three-dimensional image. Convert to data. The converted tomographic image data and the three-dimensional image data are displayed on the display 42. As known methods, for example, three-dimensional image processing such as volume rendering, surface rendering, image value projection processing, MPR (Multi-Planer Reconstruction) processing, and CPR (Curved MPR) processing can be appropriately used. ..

The scan control function 445 acquires the positioning image data of the subject P for determining the scan range, the region of interest, the imaging conditions, and the like. The positioning image data may also be referred to as reference image data.

Further, the scan control function 445 receives the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition obtained by the condition changing function 442-2 from the imaging preparation function 442-3. The scan control function 445 controls the contrast medium injector 50 that injects the contrast medium into the subject P based on the second contrast medium. At this time, the scan control function 445 may send the second contrast condition to the contrast agent injector 50, or may send the injection control signal based on the second contrast condition to the contrast agent injector 50. Further, the scan control function 445 controls the X-ray source and the X-ray detector 12 so as to execute the monitoring scan and the contrast scan in order based on the second imaging condition. The "monitoring scan" and "contrast-enhanced scan" are also referred to as "monitoring photography" and "main photography", respectively. The scan control function 445 is an example of the injection control unit and the scan control unit described in the claims.

The display control function 446 controls the display 42 so as to display data such as processing results by each function. For example, the display control function 446 displays data such as individually set first contrast condition and first imaging condition, simulation result, and CT image on the display 42. The display control function 446 is an example of the display control unit described in the claims.

The system control function 441, the shooting planning function 442, the image generation function 443, the image processing function 444, the scan control function 445, and the display control function 446 may be mounted by the processing circuit 44 of one board, or may be mounted by a plurality of processing circuits 44. It may be distributed and mounted by the processing circuit 44 of the board. Similarly, although the console device 40 has been described as executing a plurality of functions on a single console, a plurality of functions may be executed by different consoles.

The contrast agent injector 50 injects the contrast agent into the subject P based on the second contrast condition sent from the scan control function 445. The contrast agent injector 50 may be referred to as an injector.

Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the schematic diagram of FIG.

First, the positioning image of step ST10 is executed. At this time, the photographing planning function 442 reads the imaging conditions for positioning imaging set in advance from the memory 41 and sends them to the scan control function 445. The scan control function 445 acquires the positioning image data of the subject P for determining the scan range, the region of interest, the imaging conditions, and the like.

For example, when acquiring the positioning image data, projection data for the entire circumference of the subject P is collected by helical scan or non-helical scan. Here, the scan control function 445 performs a helical scan or a non-helical scan on a wide area such as the entire chest, abdomen, upper body, and whole body of the subject at a lower dose than the main imaging. As the non-helical scan, for example, a step-and-shoot method is executed in which the scan is performed with the top plate 33 stopped each time the position of the top plate 33 is moved at regular intervals.

In this way, the scan control function 445 collects the detection data for the entire circumference of the subject, so that the image generation function 443 can reconstruct the three-dimensional X-ray CT image data (volume data). Based on the reconstructed volume data, two-dimensional positioning image data corresponding to any direction may be generated. Further, the positioning image data can be treated as three-dimensional positioning image data by using the above-mentioned volume data.

After the completion of step ST10, the simulation process of step ST20 is executed. At this time, the simulation function 442-1 individually sets the first contrast-enhancing condition and the first imaging condition for the contrast-enhancing image of the subject P according to the operation of the input interface 43 by the operator. At the time of this individual setting, the simulation function 442-1 causes the display 42 to display a screen for individual setting of the contrast condition as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4B via the display control function 446. .. Here, it is possible to set a contrast route and create a preset of contrast conditions on a simulated human body. For example, it is possible to set a contrast route corresponding to an arbitrary position or a preset position of the simulated human body, and to create a preset contrast condition corresponding to the contrast route. In addition, the position of the subject (patient positioning) in actual scans such as arm raising and arm lowering can be set.

As a result, the simulation function 442-1 sets the contrast route corresponding to the injection position for injecting the contrast medium into the subject P and the position of the subject P on the simulated human body by operating the input interface 43 by the operator. do. Further, the simulation function 442-1 sets the first contrast condition based on the set contrast route and body position.

Similarly, the simulation function 442-1 causes the display 42 to display a screen for individual setting of shooting conditions via the display control function 446. Further, the simulation function 442-1 sets the first shooting condition according to the operation of the input interface 43 by the operator.

After that, the simulation function 442-1 obtains the contrast condition when the contrast medium is injected into the subject P based on the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition individually set by simulation. It should be noted that the simulation of the contrast condition based on the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition does not necessarily have to be executed.

As a result of these simulations, the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition are displayed on the display 42 by the display control function 446. As a result, the simulation result, the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition are compared by the operator, and whether or not they are optimal is examined.

After the completion of step ST20, the condition optimization process of step ST30 is executed. At this time, the condition change function 442-2 changes at least one of the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition based on the first contrast condition or the first imaging condition to change the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. obtain. Specifically, for example, the condition change function 442-2 modifies the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition according to the operation of the input interface 43 by the operator. As a result, the condition changing function 442-2 optimizes the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition to obtain the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. The obtained second contrast condition and second imaging condition are stored in the memory 41. The term "condition optimization process" may be appropriately read as a term such as "condition change process", "condition modification process", "condition adjustment process", or "condition edit process".

After the completion of step ST30, preparations for actual shooting are executed in step ST40. At this time, the operator sets a contrast route in the subject P by inserting the tube of the contrast agent injector 50 into the subject P on the top plate 33. Further, the operator sets an area of interest for monitoring photography on the positioning image by operating the input interface 43. After that, the imaging preparation function 442-4 selectively reads out the second contrast-enhancing condition and the second imaging condition in the memory 41 according to the operation of the input interface 43 by the operator, and the second contrast-enhancing condition and the second imaging condition. The shooting conditions are sent to the scan control function 445.

After the completion of step ST40, monitoring imaging is executed in step ST50. At this time, the scan control function 445 controls the contrast medium injector 50 that injects the contrast medium into the subject P based on the second contrast medium. Further, the scan control function 445 controls the X-ray source and the X-ray detector 12 so as to execute a monitoring scan for monitoring imaging based on the second imaging condition.

During the monitoring image pickup, the image generation function 443 performs a reconstruction process on the projection data output from the X-ray detector 12 via the DAS 18 to generate CT image data. The scan control function 445 determines the contrast condition of the subject based on the CT value of the CT image data corresponding to the region of interest. When the CT value reaches the threshold value, it is determined that the contrast condition is suitable for the main imaging, and the monitoring scan is completed.

After the completion of step ST50, the monitoring scan is switched to the main shooting of step ST60. The scan control function 445 controls the X-ray source and the X-ray detector 12 so as to switch from the monitoring scan and execute the contrast scan for the main imaging based on the second imaging condition. During the main shooting, the image generation function 443 performs a reconstruction process on the projection data output from the X-ray detector 12 via the DAS 18 to generate CT image data. The image processing function 444 converts CT image data into tomographic image data or three-dimensional image data of an arbitrary cross section by a known method. The display control function 446 controls the display 42 so as to display the converted image data.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition for the contrast imaging of the subject are individually set, and the first contrast is performed based on the first contrast condition or the first imaging condition. At least one of the condition and the first imaging condition is changed to obtain the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. This makes it possible to optimize contrast imaging regardless of the skill of the operator.

For example, since it is possible to visualize the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition individually set at the same time, the contrast imaging is performed under the optimum conditions regardless of the skill of the operator, as compared with the case where it cannot be visualized at all. It becomes possible.

In addition, for example, by being able to confirm the settings of both the first contrast medium and the first imaging condition at the same time, it is possible to reduce the amount of contrast medium and optimize the timing, and to minimize the exposure to imaging that does not contribute to clinical practice such as monitoring imaging. It is possible to suppress it to the limit.

Further, the contrast medium is set as the first contrast medium by setting the contrast medium corresponding to the injection position for injecting the contrast medium into the subject on the simulated human body and setting the first contrast medium condition based on the set contrast medium. It can be reflected in the contrast condition, and the first contrast condition can be set more appropriately.

Further, by setting the position of the subject on the simulated human body and setting the first contrast condition based on the set position, the position of the subject can be reflected in the first contrast condition more appropriately. 1 Contrast conditions can be set.

Intuitive operation is possible by setting the contrast route, body position, etc. on the simulated human body, and it is possible to reduce the anxiety of the operator and improve the examination throughput.

In addition, the conventional calculation formula for contrast conditions does not reflect the injection position or body position. Therefore, it can be expected that the accuracy of the contrast condition will be improved by setting the contrast route, the body position, and the like. The parameters to be reflected include, for example, the injection position, the body position, the anatomical blood vessel length, and the blood vessel diameter.

<Second embodiment>
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic views of FIGS. 5 and 6.
The second embodiment is a specific example of the first embodiment, and is an example of a screen for displaying the simulation result 42sr, the first contrast condition, and the first imaging condition (not shown) on the display 42 in step ST20. Shows.

Here, in the simulation result 42sr shown in FIG. 5, a contour line indicating the contrast condition is drawn on the simulated human body together with the elapsed time from the contrast route.

As the first contrast condition, the injection rate, the injection amount, and the injection time are shown in each of the phase of introducing the contrast medium and the phase of introducing the physiological saline solution.

It is also possible to input model information indicating the body shape such as the height and weight of the simulated human body. The contrast condition and model information can be changed in real time and are reflected in the simulation result 42sr.

As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6B, the simulation result 42sr may show the contrast condition by a shade or a color map.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the configuration showing the simulation result on the simulated human body allows the operator to intuitively understand the contrast condition in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, and the first contrast condition. And the first shooting condition can be corrected intuitively. This can be expected to reduce anxiety of the operator and improve the inspection throughput.

<Third embodiment>
Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.
The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, and shows an example of a screen for displaying the simulation result 42sr, the first contrast condition, and the first imaging condition on the display 42 in step ST20.

Here, in the simulation result 42sr, an equivalence line indicating the contrast condition with the elapsed time from the contrast route is drawn on the simulated human body with reference to the time when the contrast effect is maximized. Further, the photographing plan is displayed by a frame and a broken line for the simulated human body in which the simulation result 42sr is shown. When displaying the shooting plan, the entire shooting range (frame) of each scan may be shown, or the shooting position (broken line in the frame) at each time may be displayed.

Further, the shooting timing (pause time until injector synchronization) within the shooting conditions may be adjusted. As the shooting conditions, injector synchronization, pause time, shooting mode, tube voltage kV, tube current mA, rotation speed, pitch, and comments are shown for each shooting order.

With such a screen, it is possible to confirm whether the contrast effect can be fully utilized in the contrast imaging, and it is possible to examine whether the imaging conditions such as the imaging timing, the rotation speed, and the bed speed are appropriate.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effect of the second embodiment, the operator can perform the contrast condition and the imaging plan by superimposing the imaging plan on the simulation result on the simulated human body. The relationship with the image can be intuitively understood, and the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition can be intuitively corrected. Therefore, it can be expected that the anxiety of the operator is further reduced and the inspection throughput is further improved.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic views of FIGS. 8 to 10.
The fourth embodiment is a modification of the second or third embodiment, and shows an example of a screen in which the simulation result 42sr is displayed on the display 42 as the distribution of the contrast medium for each elapsed time or each phase.

Here, the simulation result 42sr shown in FIG. 8 shows the distribution of the contrast medium when the elapsed time is 12 seconds. As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, the simulation result 42sr shows the distribution of the contrast medium for each elapsed time, and may be displayed as a still image showing a specific elapsed time, and is continuous. It may be displayed as a moving image in which the elapsed time is advanced. Further, as in the third embodiment, the photographing plan may be displayed by a frame and a broken line as shown in FIG. 10 for the simulated human body in which the simulation result 42sr is shown. The effects of displaying the shooting plan are as described above.

The screen showing the distribution of the contrast medium for each elapsed time makes it possible to confirm whether the desired contrast effect can be obtained in contrast imaging, and the contrast conditions such as the duration of contrast, the injection speed, and the injection amount are appropriate. It becomes possible to examine whether it is.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the operator shows the simulation result on the simulated human body as the elapsed time or the distribution of the contrast medium for each phase, in addition to the effect of the second or third embodiment. Can intuitively understand the relationship between the distribution of the contrast medium and the contrast condition, and can intuitively correct the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition. Therefore, it can be expected that the anxiety of the operator is further reduced and the inspection throughput is further improved.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic views of FIGS. 11 to 14.
The fifth embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, and shows an example of a screen for displaying a simulated axial image 42ax showing a simulation result on the display 42.

Here, the simulated axial image 42ax is generated by correcting the template image of the axial surface according to the contrast condition (contrast density distribution) on the selected slice surface. According to the simulated axial image 42ax, it is possible to confirm the axial image imitating a simple image and the change of each part due to the contrast effect. The simulation result is calculated according to the contrast condition and the imaging condition. The simulated axial image 42ax changes each of the body axis direction and the time axis direction by manipulating the position on the body axis direction shown on the right side of the axial image and the position on the time axis direction shown on the lower side of the axial image. be able to. For example, FIGS. 12A to 12B show simulated axial images 42ax when the images are changed in the time axis direction.

According to such a simulation function 442-1, it is possible to preset a monitoring shooting plan according to the operation of the operator while checking the simulated axial image 42ax displayed on the display 42.

Further, the simulation function 442-1 displays the TDC (Time-Density Curve) 42c in the region 42r designated on the simulated axial image 42ax, as shown in FIG. 13, according to the designation by the operator. It may be displayed on 42. This makes it possible to more intuitively correct the first contrast-enhancing condition and the first imaging condition while confirming the simulated axial image 42ax and TDC42c including the target portion of the contrast-enhanced imaging. Further, for example, the simulation function 442-1 responds to the operation of the input interface 43 by the operator, and as shown in FIG. 14, the maximum number of monitoring shots (maximum number of exposures) of the monitoring shots in the designated area 42r and the monitoring shots. It is possible to set a target CT value (threshold value) indicating completion on the TDC 42c.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the configuration showing the simulated axial image 42ax showing the simulation result on the simulated human body allows the operator to perform contrast on the simulated axial image 42ax in addition to the effect of the second embodiment. The relationship between the condition and the imaging plan can be understood more intuitively, and the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition can be corrected even more intuitively.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, the sixth embodiment will be described.
The sixth embodiment is a modification of each of the first to fifth embodiments, in which the condition changing function 442-2 fixes one of the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition and adjusts the other. By doing so, the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition are obtained.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first to fifth embodiments.

Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 to 17.

Now, as described above, the processes of steps ST10 to ST20 are executed, and the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition are individually set. After that, as shown in FIG. 15, the condition optimization process of step ST30 is started.

The condition change function 442-2 fixes the priority condition among the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition according to the operation of the input interface 43 by the operator (step ST31). Here, when the first imaging condition is fixed (ST32; Yes), the condition changing function 442-2 optimizes the first contrast condition with respect to the fixed first imaging condition (step ST33).

As shown in FIG. 16, step ST33 is composed of substeps of steps ST33-1 to ST33-7. First, when the optimization of the first contrast condition is started (step ST33-1), the image condition related to the image quality such as the target CT value is specified by the operation of the operator. Further, based on the image conditions, the injection timing and the injection speed of the contrast medium are sequentially calculated, and the injection amount (or injection time) is calculated (steps ST33-3 to ST33-5).

As a result, the optimized first contrast condition is extracted (step ST33-6), and the second contrast condition including the optimized first contrast condition is obtained. After that, the optimization process is completed (step ST33-7), and the process proceeds to step ST35.

On the other hand, when the first imaging condition is not fixed (ST32; No), the condition changing function 442-2 optimizes the first imaging condition with respect to the fixed first contrast condition (step ST34).

As shown in FIG. 17, step ST34 is composed of substeps of steps ST34-1 to ST34-7. First, when the optimization of the first imaging condition is started (step ST34-1), the image condition related to the image quality such as the target CT value is specified by the operation of the operator. Further, based on the image conditions, the shooting timing and the shooting time are sequentially calculated, and other shooting conditions are calculated (steps ST34-3 to ST34-5).

As a result, the optimized first shooting condition is extracted (step ST34-6), and the second shooting condition including the optimized first shooting condition is obtained. After that, the optimization process is completed (step ST34-7), and the process proceeds to step ST35.

After that, the condition change function 442-2 determines whether or not the optimization of the executed step ST33 or ST34 is completed (step ST35), and if the optimization is not completed, the display control function 446 is used. Then, the error notification is displayed on the display 42.

If the optimization is completed as a result of step ST35, step ST30 is completed and the process proceeds to step ST40.

Hereinafter, steps ST40 to ST60 are executed in the same manner as described above.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the condition changing unit fixes one of the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition and adjusts the other to adjust the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. Get the condition. Thereby, in addition to the effects of each of the first to fifth embodiments, the optimization process can be automated.

For example, the contrast condition and the imaging condition can be optimized based on the simulation result of step ST20. In addition, the parameters of the other condition can be adjusted and optimized so as to match the contrast-enhanced condition or the imaging condition fixed by the operator. In addition, if the conditions cannot be optimized, the operator can be notified to that effect.

<7th Embodiment>
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described.
The seventh embodiment is a modification of the sixth embodiment, in which the condition changing function 442-2 optimizes the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition so as to prioritize the reduction of the amount of the contrast medium. It is configured to obtain two contrast conditions and a second imaging condition. Specifically, for example, the condition change function 442-2 optimizes the first contrast condition so that the amount of contrast medium is reduced, and adjusts the other first imaging condition based on the optimized first contrast condition. By doing so, the configuration may be such that the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition are obtained.

Other configurations are the same as in the sixth embodiment.

Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Now, as described above, the processes of steps ST10 to ST20 are executed, and the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition are individually set. After that, as shown in FIG. 18, the condition optimization process of step ST30 is started.

The condition change function 442-2 sets the reduction of the contrast medium amount as a priority condition with respect to the injection amount (contrast medium amount) of the first contrast medium according to the operation of the input interface 43 by the operator (step ST31a). .. As a result, the condition change function 442-2 starts the optimization process of the first contrast condition based on the priority condition (step ST32a).

The condition change function 442-2 reduces the amount of contrast medium and optimizes the first contrast condition (step ST33a). Step ST33a is executed by steps ST33-1 to ST33-7 as shown in FIG. However, in step ST33-5, the calculated injection amount becomes a small amount corresponding to the reduction in the amount of the contrast medium. This completes step ST33a.

After the completion of step ST33a, the condition change function 442-2 fixes the optimized first contrast condition by reducing the amount of contrast medium, and optimizes the first imaging condition (step ST34). Step ST34 is executed by steps ST34-1 to ST34-7 as shown in FIG. For example, it is optimized for imaging conditions in which the contrast effect of the contrast medium is emphasized, such as lowering the tube voltage kV in step ST34-5. The attenuation coefficient of the contrast medium is lower than that of bone and higher than that of body tissue. Therefore, it is preferable to enhance the contrast of the contrast medium by lowering the tube voltage kV. Further, as a method for reducing the tube voltage kV, dual energy related to data processing of two types of energy may be used, or multi-energy related to data processing of three or more types of energy may be used. Further, as the substance discrimination method, either a projection database or an image database may be used. Further, any imaging method such as Kv switching, dual source, and stacked detector method may be used. Further, post-processing such as an iodine distribution map may be added as needed. Further, the iodine distribution map may be replaced with a method of emphasizing the contrast-enhanced portion by dual (multi) energy. Further, in steps ST33a and ST34, information indicating optimized conditions may be displayed on the display 42. This completes step ST34.

After the completion of step ST34, steps ST35 to ST36 are executed in the same manner as described above, and the process proceeds to step ST40.

Hereinafter, steps ST40 to ST60 are executed in the same manner as described above.

As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, the condition changing unit optimizes the first contrast condition so that the amount of the contrast medium is reduced, and the other first contrast condition is based on the optimized first contrast condition. By adjusting the imaging conditions, the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition are obtained. Thereby, in addition to the effect of the sixth embodiment, the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition can be optimized so as to reduce the amount of the contrast medium.

Further, for example, based on the simulation result, the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition can be optimized with the reduction of the amount of contrast medium as a priority condition.

<Eighth Embodiment>
Next, the eighth embodiment will be described.
The eighth embodiment is a modification of the sixth embodiment, and the condition changing function 442-2 optimizes the first imaging condition so that the exposure dose is minimized, and adopts the optimized first imaging condition. By adjusting the other first contrast condition based on the above, the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition are obtained. Specifically, for example, the first imaging condition is optimized so as to reduce the imaging time corresponding to the exposure dose, and the other first contrast condition is adjusted based on the optimized first imaging condition.

Other configurations are the same as in the sixth embodiment.

Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Now, as described above, the processes of steps ST10 to ST20 are executed, and the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition are individually set. After that, as shown in FIG. 19, the condition optimization process of step ST30 is started.

The condition change function 442-2 sets the reduction of the shooting time as a priority condition with respect to the shooting time of the first shooting condition according to the operation of the input interface 43 by the operator (step ST31b). As a result, the condition change function 442-2 starts the optimization process of the first shooting condition based on the priority condition (step ST32a).

The condition change function 442-2 reduces the shooting time and optimizes the first shooting condition (step ST34b). Step ST34b is executed by steps ST34-1 to ST34-7 as shown in FIG. However, in step ST34-4, the calculated shooting time becomes a short time corresponding to the reduction in the shooting time. Further, in step ST34-5, the pitch is changed to a fast pitch so as not to overtake the contrast medium. This completes step ST34b.

After the completion of step ST34b, the condition change function 442-2 fixes the first imaging condition optimized by reducing the imaging time, and optimizes the first contrast condition (step ST33b). Step ST33b is executed by steps ST33-1 to ST33-7 as shown in FIG. For example, the injection speed is increased in step ST33-4 to optimize the contrast conditions according to the shortened imaging time. Further, in steps ST34b and ST33b, information indicating the optimized condition may be displayed on the display 42. This completes step ST33b.

After the completion of step ST34, steps ST35 to ST36 are executed in the same manner as described above, and the process proceeds to step ST40.

Hereinafter, steps ST40 to ST60 are executed in the same manner as described above.

As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, the condition changing unit optimizes the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition so as to give priority to the reduction of the imaging time, and sets the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. obtain. Thereby, in addition to the effect of the sixth embodiment, the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition can be optimized so as to reduce the imaging time.

Further, for example, based on the simulation result, the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition can be optimized with the reduction of the imaging time as a priority condition.

<9th embodiment>
Next, a ninth embodiment will be described.
The ninth embodiment is a modification of the sixth embodiment, in which the condition changing function 442-2 optimizes the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition so as to reduce the influence on the subject, and the second embodiment is used. It is configured to obtain two contrast conditions and a second imaging condition.

Here, the condition change function 442-2 optimizes the injection speed, the injection amount, the injection time, the boost by physiological saline, etc. for the contrast condition. Further, the condition change function 442-2 comprehensively determines and optimizes the shooting conditions including the start timing, the shooting pitch, the number of shooting rows, and the rotation speed. As described above, the condition changing function 442-2 optimizes the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition so that both the amount of the contrast medium and the exposure dose are minimized.

Specifically, for example, the condition change function 442-2 adjusts the conditions so as to gradually reduce the reduction rates of the contrast medium amount and the imaging time (corresponding to the exposure dose), and the sum of the reduction rates of both. Is set to be equal to or greater than the threshold value, thereby optimizing the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition. At this time, the condition change function 442-2 may display information on the optimized condition on the display 42 via the display control function 446.

Other configurations are the same as in the sixth embodiment.

Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Now, as described above, the processes of steps ST10 to ST20 are executed, and the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition are individually set. After that, as shown in FIG. 20, the condition optimization process of step ST30 is started.

The condition change function 442-2 determines which of the contrast medium amount and the imaging time has the smaller reduction rate (step ST31d), shifts to step ST33c in the case of contrast time, and shifts to step ST33c in the case of imaging time. Goes to step ST34c. In the case of the first loop, neither the amount of the contrast medium nor the imaging time is reduced, so the process proceeds to a predetermined step ST33c (or ST34c).

When shifting to step ST33c, the condition change function 442-2 reduces the amount of contrast medium and optimizes the first contrast condition (step ST33c). In addition, the condition change function 442-2 calculates the reduction rate of the amount of contrast medium (step ST33c-1). The reduction rate of the amount of contrast medium is the ratio of the amount of contrast medium after optimization when the injection amount (amount of contrast medium) in the first contrast condition is 100.

On the other hand, when shifting to step ST34c, the condition change function 442-2 reduces the shooting time and optimizes the first shooting condition (step ST34c). Further, the condition change function 442-2 calculates the reduction rate of the shooting time (step ST34c-1). The reduction rate of the shooting time is the ratio of the shooting time after optimization when the shooting time within the first shooting condition is 100.

After that, the condition change function 442-2 totals the reduction rate of the contrast medium amount and the reduction rate of the imaging time, determines whether or not the total reduction rate is equal to or more than the threshold value (step ST35c), and is less than the threshold value. In that case (ST35c; No), the process returns to step ST31d.

On the other hand, if the result of step ST35c is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the optimization process is terminated and the process proceeds to step ST40.

Hereinafter, steps ST40 to ST60 are executed in the same manner as described above.

As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, the condition changing unit optimizes the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition so as to reduce the influence on the subject, and the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. To get. Specifically, for example, the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition are optimized by reducing each of the amount of contrast medium and the imaging time and setting the total of the reduction rates of both to be equal to or greater than the threshold value. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the sixth embodiment, the influence of each of the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition on the subject is reduced without fixing either the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition. Can be adjusted to.

Also, for example, both the contrast agent and the imaging time can be optimized based on the simulation results. In addition, it is possible to reduce the burden from the two viewpoints of the amount of contrast medium injected into the subject and the exposure dose.

<10th Embodiment>
Next, a tenth embodiment will be described.
The tenth embodiment is a modification of each of the first to ninth embodiments, and the simulation function 442-1 further determines the contrast condition by simulation based on the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. It has become. Further, the simulation function 442-1 enables setting of monitoring imaging such as the maximum number of monitoring times (maximum number of exposures) and the target CT value on the simulated axial image 42ax, as described above. For example, for monitoring photography, in addition to those using continuous exposure or intermittent exposure, it is possible to set conditions that specify the maximum number of exposures such as 2 to 5 times. For the setting of such monitoring imaging, the simulation result 42sr on the simulated human body such as the second embodiment may be used.

Along with this, the scan control function 445 compares the intermediate result of the monitoring scan with the result of the simulation based on the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. Further, the scan control function 445 controls the X-ray source and the X-ray detector 12 so as to continue or end the monitoring scan according to the comparison result.

Supplementally, in the case of monitoring imaging in which the maximum number of exposures is specified, the scan control function 445 compares the simulation result and the monitoring imaging result, calculates how much difference there is, and then determines the timing of the next monitoring. .. If there is no significant discrepancy between the simulation result and the monitoring imaging result, the optimum contrast scan imaging timing is automatically calculated, and then the monitoring imaging is completed. This makes it possible to greatly reduce the exposure dose of monitoring imaging, which is imaging that does not contribute to clinical practice.

Further, if the contrast medium arrives earlier than expected as a result of monitoring imaging, the scan control function 445 may reflect an error in the simulation result and calculate and set the imaging timing of the contrast medium. .. If the imaging starts earlier than planned, the contrast injection may be interrupted, or the injection may be switched to physiological saline to perform the injection. This makes it possible to reduce the final injection amount.

Other configurations are the same as in the fifth embodiment.

Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Now, as described above, the processes of steps ST10 to ST40 are executed, and the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition obtained by optimizing the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition are obtained. At this time, the simulation function 442-1 obtains the contrast condition by simulation based on the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. The simulation result is used for step ST50. After that, as shown in FIG. 21, the monitoring image of step ST50 is started.

The scan control function 445 calculates the monitoring timing based on the simulation result, the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition (step ST51). Further, the scan control function 445 carries out monitoring imaging (step ST52). In step ST52, the scan control function 445 controls the contrast medium injector 50 that injects the contrast medium into the subject P based on the second contrast medium. Further, the scan control function 445 controls the X-ray source and the X-ray detector 12 so as to execute a monitoring scan for monitoring imaging based on the second imaging condition. During the monitoring image pickup, the image generation function 443 performs a reconstruction process on the projection data output from the X-ray detector 12 via the DAS 18 to generate CT image data.

The scan control function 445 compares the intermediate result of the monitoring scan with the simulation result based on the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition for each elapsed time, and determines whether or not there is a large discrepancy between the two (the scan control function 445). Step ST53). At this time, if there is a large deviation (step ST53; Yes), the simulation function 442-1 executes the simulation again based on the intermediate result of the monitoring scan. The result of the simulation executed again is used for the subsequent processing.

Further, the scan control function 445 determines whether or not the current exposure number is within the maximum exposure number (step ST55), and if it is within the maximum exposure number (ST55; Yes), the step ST51 is performed. return. As a result of step ST55, if the maximum exposure number is exceeded (ST55; No), the process proceeds to step ST56.

On the other hand, if there is no large deviation as a result of step ST53 (step ST53; No), condition optimization is executed based on the actual monitoring imaging result (step ST56). Specifically, for example, the calculation / operation of the contrast condition (step ST57), the calculation / operation of the rest time (step ST58), and the like are executed to complete the monitoring imaging, and the process proceeds to step ST60.

Hereinafter, in the same manner as described above, step ST60 is executed.

As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, the intermediate result of the monitoring scan is compared with the result of the simulation based on the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. Further, the X-ray source and the X-ray detector 12 are controlled so as to continue or end the monitoring scan according to the result of the comparison. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first to ninth embodiments, it is possible to greatly reduce the exposure dose of monitoring imaging, which is imaging that does not contribute to clinical practice.

In addition, by reviewing the conditions again based on the actual subject, it is possible to control the uniform image quality and the appropriate injection amount / exposure amount.

<11th Embodiment>
Next, the eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23.
The eleventh embodiment is a modification of each of the first to tenth embodiments, and the imaging preparation function 442-3 is a contrast medium on the subject P measured by the optical camera 60 before the start of the monitoring scan. The injection position corresponding to the set contrast route is compared with the injection position. Here, the photographing preparation function 442-3 is an example of the injection position comparison unit described in the claims.

Along with this, the display control function 446 controls the display 42 so as to display a message when the injection positions are different from each other as a result of comparison.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first to tenth embodiments.

Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 22 and the schematic diagram of FIG. 23.

Now, in the same manner as described above, the processes of steps ST10 to ST30 are executed, and the optimized second contrast condition and second imaging condition are obtained. After that, as shown in FIG. 22, preparations for actual shooting in step ST40 are executed. At this time, the operator sets the contrast route in the subject P by inserting the tube of the contrast agent injector 50 into the subject P on the top plate 33 (step ST41). Further, the operator sets an area of interest for monitoring photography on the positioning image by operating the input interface 43. After that, the imaging preparation function 442-4 selectively reads out the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition in the memory 41 according to the operation of the input interface 43 by the operator (step ST42), and the second contrast is performed. The condition and the second shooting condition are sent to the scan control function 445.

At this time, the optical camera 60 photographs the subject P with visible light (step ST43). The imaging preparation function 442-3 detects an injection position (contrast-enhanced route position) for injecting the contrast medium into the subject P from the image captured by the optical camera 60 before the start of the monitoring scan (step ST44).

Further, the imaging preparation function 442-3 compares the detected injection position with the injection position corresponding to the set contrast route, and the contrast route position is set as planned depending on whether or not they match. Whether or not it is determined (step ST45). As a result of the comparison, when the injection positions match each other (ST45; Yes), the preparation is completed and the process proceeds to step ST50.

Further, as a result of comparison, when the injection positions are different from each other (ST45; No), the display control function 446 controls the display 42 so as to display a message (step ST46). The message is, for example, the question "The route location is different from the planned location. Do you want to recalculate at the current location?" An "OK" button and a "Cancel" button are displayed near the message.

Here, when the "Cancel" button is operated by the operator (step ST47; No), the injection position is corrected to the contrast-enhanced route at the time of planning by the operator's work (step ST48), and the process returns to step ST44.

On the other hand, when the "OK" button is operated by the operator, the simulation process of step ST20 and the optimization process of step ST30 are re-executed based on the current contrast route (step ST49).

After the completion of step ST49, the preparation for the actual shooting is completed, and the process proceeds to step ST50.

Hereinafter, steps ST50 to ST60 are executed in the same manner as described above.

As described above, according to the eleventh embodiment, the injection position for injecting the contrast medium into the subject P measured by the optical camera 60 and the injection position corresponding to the set contrast route before the start of the monitoring scan. And compare. As a result of the comparison, the display 42 is controlled to display a message when the injection positions are different from each other.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of each of the first to tenth embodiments, it is possible to confirm whether or not the injection position with respect to the actual subject is correct before the start of the monitoring scan, and if it is not correct, the simulation process and the optimization process. And can be redone. That is, in the actual shooting, when the contrast route is set in a portion different from the contrast route set at the time of presetting, the resetting and recalculation can be performed.

<Twelfth Embodiment>
Next, a twelfth embodiment will be described.
The twelfth embodiment is a modification of each of the first to eleventh embodiments, and the condition changing function 442-2 replaces the model information of the simulated human body with the actual information (patient information) of the subject P. Based on, the first contrast condition and the first imaging information are optimized.

For example, the condition change function 442-2 uses the input patient's height and weight, renal function information, age information, actual imaging range information determined based on positioning imaging, and the like, and the injection timing and injection of the contrast medium. Change the amount, speed, and shooting time information. The optimized information may be displayed on the display 42 via the display control function 446. Further, the operator may determine whether or not to use the optimized information.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first to eleventh embodiments.

According to the above configuration, in addition to the effects of the first to eleventh embodiments, the first contrast condition and the first imaging information can be optimized based on the information of the subject. Supplementally, it is possible to optimize the conditions at the time of imaging planning by using parameters such as body weight and imaging length that depend on the subject. For example, when the imaging length is shortened, it is possible to review the contrast duration, advance the imaging timing, and reduce the burden on the subject.

<13th embodiment>
Next, the thirteenth embodiment will be described.
The thirteenth embodiment is a modification of each of the first to twelfth embodiments, and the simulation function 442-1 uses the actual subject P information (patient information) instead of the simulated human body model information. Run the simulation using.

For example, the simulation function 442-1 acquires detailed body shape information of a subject using an optical camera, a laser, or the like, and improves the simulation accuracy based on the body shape information. Further, when the height information and the weight information are not input, the simulation of the body shape information alone may be executed.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first to twelfth embodiments.

According to the above configuration, in addition to the effects of the first to twelfth embodiments, the accuracy of the simulation can be improved by executing the simulation based on the information of the subject.

<14th embodiment>
Next, the fourteenth embodiment will be described.
The fourteenth embodiment is a modification of each of the first to thirteenth embodiments, and the simulation function 442-1 is a site where the blood vessel of the subject P is imaged based on the positioning image of the subject P. Is recognized, each parameter including the diameter of the blood vessel, the length of the blood vessel to the relevant site, and the degree of stenosis of the blood vessel is obtained, and each parameter is used in the simulation.

For example, the simulation function 442-1 performs site recognition from a simple photographed image or a positioning image of the subject P, performs blood vessel and site recognition, and improves simulation accuracy based on the recognition result. At the time of recognition, parameters such as blood vessel diameter, running, blood vessel length, and degree of stenosis are obtained and calculated. Monitoring shooting may be automatically set based on the recognized information.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first to thirteenth embodiments.

Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Now, in the same manner as described above, the positioning imaging process of step ST10 is executed, and a positioning image is obtained. After that, the simulation process of step ST20 is executed as shown in FIG. 24.

At this time, the simulation function 442-1 sets the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition individually according to the operation of the input interface 43 by the operator, as described above. Subsequently, the simulation function 442-1 acquires the positioning image of the subject P taken in step ST10 (step ST21). Subsequently, the simulation function 442-1 recognizes the blood vessel of the subject P and the site to be contrast-enhanced based on the positioning image of the subject P (step ST22), and determines the diameter of the blood vessel and the length of the blood vessel to the site. Contrast-enhanced path calculation is performed to obtain each parameter including the degree of stenosis of the blood vessel (step ST23).

After that, the simulation function 442-1 executes the simulation using the obtained parameters and the individually set first contrast condition and the first imaging condition (step ST24).

As a result of these simulations, the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition are displayed on the display 42 by the display control function 446. As a result, the simulation result, the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition are compared by the operator, and whether or not they are optimal is examined.

After the completion of step ST20, steps ST30 to ST60 are executed in the same manner as described above.

As described above, according to the fourteenth embodiment, the blood vessel of the subject P and the site to be imaged are recognized based on the positioning image of the subject P, the diameter of the blood vessel, the length of the blood vessel to the site, and the blood vessel. Each parameter including the degree of stenosis is obtained, and each parameter is used in the simulation. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first to thirteenth embodiments, the accuracy of the simulation can be improved.

<Fifteenth Embodiment>
Next, the fifteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.
The fifteenth embodiment is a modification of each of the first to fourteenth embodiments, in which the imaging preparation function 442-3 is the position of the subject P measured by the optical camera 60 before the start of the monitoring scan. , Compare with the set position. Here, the shooting preparation function 442-3 is an example of the position comparison unit described in the claims.

Along with this, the display control function 446 controls the display 42 so as to display a message when the postures are different from each other as a result of comparison.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first to fourteenth embodiments.

Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 25 and the schematic diagram of FIG. 26.

Now, in the same manner as described above, the processes of steps ST10 to ST30 are executed, and the optimized second contrast condition and second imaging condition are obtained. After that, as shown in FIG. 25, the preparation for the actual shooting in step ST40 is executed. At this time, the operator sets the contrast route in the subject P by inserting the tube of the contrast agent injector 50 into the subject P on the top plate 33 (step ST41). Further, the operator sets an area of interest for monitoring photography on the positioning image by operating the input interface 43. After that, the imaging preparation function 442-4 selectively reads out the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition in the memory 41 according to the operation of the input interface 43 by the operator (step ST42), and the second contrast is performed. The condition and the second shooting condition are sent to the scan control function 445.

At this time, the optical camera 60 photographs the subject P with visible light (step ST43). The imaging preparation function 442-3 detects the position of the subject P from the image captured by the optical camera 60 before the start of the monitoring scan (step ST44a).

Further, the shooting preparation function 442-3 compares the detected body position with the set body position, and determines whether or not the body position is as planned depending on whether or not they match (step ST45a). As a result of the comparison, when the positions match each other (ST45a; Yes), the preparation is completed and the process proceeds to step ST50.

Further, as a result of comparison, when the postures are different from each other (ST45; No), the display control function 446 controls the display 42 so as to display a message (step ST46). The message is, for example, the question, "The position is different from the one at the time of planning. Do you want to recalculate with the current position?" An "OK" button and a "Cancel" button are displayed near the message.

Here, when the "cancel" button is operated by the operator (step ST47a; No), the position is corrected to the planned position by the operator's work (step ST48a), and the process returns to step ST44a.

On the other hand, when the "OK" button is operated by the operator, the simulation process of step ST20 and the optimization process of step ST30 are re-executed based on the current position (step ST49).

After the completion of step ST49, the preparation for the actual shooting is completed, and the process proceeds to step ST50.

Hereinafter, steps ST50 to ST60 are executed in the same manner as described above.

As described above, according to the fifteenth embodiment, the position of the subject measured by the optical camera 60 is compared with the set position before the start of the monitoring scan. As a result of the comparison, the display 42 is controlled so as to display a message when the positions are different from each other.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of each of the first to fourteenth embodiments, it is possible to confirm whether or not the actual body position of the subject is correct before starting the monitoring scan, and if it is not correct, simulation processing and optimization processing are performed. Can be redone.

That is, it is possible to confirm whether or not there is a problem in the position of the subject at the time of actual photographing. Since the injection of the contrast medium has a great influence on the posture (position) of the portion where the contrast route is set, if the blood flow changes due to the bending of the posture or the like, it becomes difficult to shoot within the shooting time within the shooting conditions. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the position of the subject is acquired by using an optical camera 60 or the like, and the degree of bending of the arm or joint is determined. If it is determined that the posture affects the contrast timing, a message can be displayed to the operator to adjust the posture.

<16th Embodiment>
Next, the contrast medium injector according to the sixteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 27.

The sixteenth embodiment is a specific example of each of the first to fifteenth embodiments, and the contrast agent injector 50 includes a communication interface 51, a control circuit 52, and an injection unit 53, as shown in FIG. 27. There is.

Here, the communication interface 51 is obtained by optimizing the first contrast condition after the first contrast condition and the first contrast condition for the contrast imaging of the subject P executed by the X-ray CT device 1 are optimized. The injection control signal based on the second contrast condition is received.

The control circuit 52 controls the injection unit 53 so that the contrast medium is injected according to the injection control signal.

The injection unit 53 is controlled by the control circuit 52 to inject the contrast medium into the subject P.

According to the above configuration, the contrast medium injector 50 receives the injection control signal based on the second contrast medium condition obtained by optimizing the first contrast medium condition, and according to the injection control signal, the contrast medium is applied to the subject. Inject. Thereby, the same effect as that of the first to fifteenth embodiments can be obtained.

<17th embodiment>
Next, the management device according to the 17th embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 28.

The seventeenth embodiment is a modification of each of the first to sixteenth embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 28, the management device 70 is configured to have a function related to a shooting plan of the console device 40. The management device 70 can communicate with the X-ray CT device 1 and the contrast agent injector 50 via the network.

Here, the management device 70 includes a memory 71, a display 72, an input interface 73, a processing circuit 74, and a communication interface 75.

The memory 71, the display 72, and the input interface 73 have the same configurations as the memory 41, the display 42, and the input interface 43 described above, respectively.

The processing circuit 74 includes a system control function 741, a shooting planning function 742, and a display control function 743.

The system control function 741 and the display control function 743 have the same configurations as the system control function 441 and the display control function 446 described above, respectively.

The shooting planning function 742 includes a simulation function 742-1 and a condition changing function 742-2.

The simulation function 742-1 has the same configuration as the simulation function 442-1 described above. However, the simulation function 742-1 can communicate with the X-ray CT device 1 via the communication interface 75. The simulation function 742-1 individually sets the first contrast-enhancing condition and the first imaging condition for the contrast-enhancing image of the subject P executed by the X-ray CT device. Further, the simulation function 742-1 is an example of the condition setting unit described in the claims.

Further, the condition change function 742-2 has the same configuration as the condition change function 442-2 described above. However, the condition change function 742-2 can communicate with the X-ray CT device 1 via the communication interface 75. The condition change function 742-2 obtains the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition by changing at least one of the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition based on the first contrast condition or the first imaging condition. The second contrast condition and the second imaging condition are transmitted to the X-ray CT apparatus via the communication interface 75. The condition change function 742-2 is an example of the condition change unit described in the claims. The condition change function 742-2 and the communication interface 75 are examples of the transmission unit described in the claims.

According to the above configuration, the management device 70 individually sets the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition for the contrast imaging of the subject performed by the X-ray computer tomography apparatus. Further, based on the first contrast condition or the first imaging condition, at least one of the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition is changed to obtain the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. In addition, the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition are transmitted to the X-ray computer tomography apparatus. Thereby, the same effect as that of the first to sixteenth embodiments can be obtained.

According to at least one embodiment described above, the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition for the contrast imaging of the subject are individually set, and the first contrast condition is based on the first contrast condition or the first imaging condition. And at least one of the first imaging conditions is changed to obtain the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition. This makes it possible to optimize contrast imaging regardless of the skill of the operator.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof, as are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

1 ... X-ray CT device, 10 ... gantry device, 11 ... X-ray tube, 12 ... X-ray detector, 13 ... rotating frame, 14 ... X-ray high voltage device, 15 ... control device, 16 ... wedge, 17 ... collimeter , 18 ... DAS, 19 ... FOV, 30 ... sleeper device, 31 ... base, 32 ... sleeper drive device, 33 ... top plate, 34 ... support frame, 40 ... console device, 41, 71 ... memory, 42, 72 ... Display, 43,73 ... Input interface, 44,74 ... Processing circuit, 441,741 ... System control function, 442,742 ... Shooting planning function, 442-1,742-1 ... Simulation function, 442-2,742-2 ... Condition change function, 442-3 ... Shooting preparation function, 443 ... Image generation function, 444 ... Image processing function, 445 ... Scan control function, 446,743 ... Display control function, 50 ... Contrast agent injector, 51, 75 ... Communication interface, 52 ... control circuit, 53 ... injection unit, 60 ... optical camera, 70 ... management device, P ... subject.

Claims (14)

An X-ray source that exposes X-rays and
An X-ray detector that detects X-rays that have been exposed from the X-ray source and passed through the subject.
When the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition for the contrast imaging of the subject are individually set, the first contrast condition is set on the screen for individual setting of the first contrast condition, and the first imaging is performed. The condition setting unit that sets the first shooting condition on the screen for individual setting of the condition,
A condition changing unit for obtaining a second contrast condition and a second imaging condition by changing at least one of the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition based on the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition.
An injection control unit that controls a contrast medium injector that injects a contrast medium into the subject based on the second contrast medium.
Based on the second imaging condition, the X-ray source and the X-ray detector so as to sequentially execute a monitoring scan for monitoring the contrast condition of the subject and a contrast scan after the monitoring scan is completed . X-ray computer tomography equipment with a scan control unit to control. The condition changing unit obtains the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition by fixing one of the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition and optimizing the other. The X-ray computer tomography apparatus described in 1. The condition changing unit optimizes the first imaging condition so that the exposure dose is minimized, and adjusts the other first contrast condition based on the optimized first imaging condition to obtain the second imaging condition. The X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to claim 2, which obtains the contrast condition and the second imaging condition. The condition changing unit optimizes the first contrast condition so that the amount of the contrast medium is reduced, and adjusts the other first imaging condition based on the optimized first contrast condition. 2. The X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to claim 2, which obtains the contrast condition and the second imaging condition. A route setting unit for setting a contrast route corresponding to an injection position for injecting a contrast medium into the subject on a simulated human body is provided.
The X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the condition setting unit sets the first contrast condition based on the set contrast route. It is equipped with a position setting unit that sets the position of the subject on a simulated human body.
The X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the condition setting unit sets the first contrast condition based on the set body position. A simulation unit that obtains the contrast condition when the contrast medium is injected into the subject based on the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition by simulation.
The X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a display control unit that controls the display unit so that the result of the simulation is displayed on a simulated human body. The simulation unit further obtains the contrast condition by simulation based on the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition.
The scan control unit compares the intermediate result of the monitoring scan with the result of the simulation based on the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition, and continues or ends the monitoring scan according to the compared result. The X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the X-ray source and the X-ray detector are controlled so as to perform the above. The X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the simulation unit uses the body shape information of the subject measured by an optical camera or a laser for simulation. Based on the positioning image of the subject, the simulation unit recognizes the blood vessel of the subject and the site to be imaged, and includes the diameter of the blood vessel, the length of the blood vessel to the site, and the degree of stenosis of the blood vessel. The X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to claim 7, wherein parameters are obtained and each of the above parameters is used in a simulation. An injection position comparison unit that compares the injection position for injecting the contrast medium into the subject measured by the optical camera and the injection position corresponding to the set contrast route before the start of the monitoring scan.
The X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a display control unit that controls the display unit so that a message is displayed when the injection positions are different from each other as a result of the comparison. A position comparison unit that compares the position of the subject measured by the optical camera with the set position before the start of the monitoring scan.
The X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a display control unit that controls the display unit so as to display a message when the positions are different from each other as a result of the comparison. It was obtained by optimizing the first contrast condition after the first contrast condition and the first contrast condition for the contrast imaging of the subject performed by the X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to claim 1 were optimized. A receiving unit that receives an injection control signal based on the second contrast condition,
An injection unit that injects a contrast medium into the subject,
A contrast agent injector including a control unit that controls the injection unit so that the contrast agent is injected according to the injection control signal. When the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition for the contrast imaging of the subject performed by the X-ray computer tomography apparatus are individually set, the first contrast is displayed on the screen for individual setting of the first contrast condition. A condition setting unit that sets conditions and sets the first shooting conditions on the screen for individual setting of the first shooting conditions .
A condition changing unit for obtaining a second contrast condition and a second imaging condition by changing at least one of the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition based on the first contrast condition and the first imaging condition.
A management device including a transmission unit that transmits the second contrast condition and the second imaging condition to the X-ray computer tomography apparatus.

Images