2017/02/09 by Elena Eggl, Korbinian Mechlem, Eva Braig +10 · 1 voice
Engineering · Medicine · #Advanced MRI Techniques and Applications #Advanced X-ray and CT Imaging #Cardiac Imaging and Diagnostics
paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/srep42211
openalex publication_date 2017/02/09 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
X-ray coronary angiography is an invaluable tool for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. However, the use of iodine-based contrast media can be contraindicated for patients who present with chronic renal insufficiency or with severe iodine allergy. These patients could benefit from a reduced contrast agent concentration, possibly achieved through application of a mono-energetic x-ray beam. While large-scale synchrotrons are impractical for daily clinical use, the technology of compact synchrotron sources strongly advanced during the last decade. Here we present a quantitative analysis of the benefits a compact synchrotron source can offer in coronary angiography. Simulated projection data from quasi-mono-energetic and conventional x-ray tube spectra is used for a CNR comparison. Results show that compact synchrotron spectra would allow for a significant reduction of contrast media. Experimentally, we demonstrate the feasibility of coronary angiography at the Munich Compact Light Source, the first commercial installation of a compact synchrotron source.