Abstract: The present technology relates generally to systems for characterizing atherosclerotic plaque, such as a spectral CT system, and methods of using same.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to respiratory motion correction and associated systems and methods. In particular, several embodiments are directed to respiratory motion correction using internal-external motion correlation. For example, one embodiment of a method of correcting motion blurring in PET/CT imaging includes obtaining PET/CT imaging data of a target tissue in a patient and determining a centroid of the target tissue. The method can further include obtaining an external motion signal of the patient and determining a mean displacement of the external motion signal. The centroid of the target tissue can be correlated with the mean displacement and, based on the correlation, a PET/CT image corrected for motion of the target tissue can be reconstructed.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to systems for characterizing atherosclerotic plaque, such as a spectral CT system, and methods of using same.

Abstract: A method for reducing, in an image, motion related imaging artifacts. The method includes obtaining a single image of a subject using a computed tomography (CT) imaging system, obtaining a plurality of images of the subject using a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system, generating a plurality of consistency values, and utilizing the plurality of consistency values to register the CT image and the plurality of PET images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing motion related imaging artifacts. The method includes obtaining an image data set of a region of interest in an object, obtaining a motion signal indicative of motion of the region of interest, determining at least one quiescent period of at least a portion of the motion signal, extracting image data from the image data set that is within the determined quiescent period to form an image data subset, and generating an image of the region of interest using the image data subset.

Abstract: A method for reducing, in an image, motion related imaging artifacts. The method includes obtaining a single image of a subject using a computed tomography (CT) imaging system, obtaining a plurality of images of the subject using a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system, generating a plurality of consistency values, and utilizing the plurality of consistency values to register the CT image and the plurality of PET images.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to respiratory motion correction and associated systems and methods. In particular, several embodiments are directed to respiratory motion correction using internal-external motion correlation. For example, one embodiment of a method of correcting motion blurring in PET/CT imaging includes obtaining PET/CT imaging data of a target tissue in a patient and determining a centroid of the target tissue. The method can further include obtaining an external motion signal of the patient and determining a mean displacement of the external motion signal. The centroid of the target tissue can be correlated with the mean displacement and, based on the correlation, a PET/CT image corrected for motion of the target tissue can be reconstructed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing motion related imaging artifacts. The method includes obtaining an image data set of a region of interest in an object, obtaining a motion signal indicative of motion of the region of interest, determining at least one quiescent period of at least a portion of the motion signal, extracting image data from the image data set that is within the determined quiescent period to form an image data subset, and generating an image of the region of interest using the image data subset.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining linear attenuation coefficients for interpreting a PET scan of a region. The method is suitable for use when high molecular weight materials are present in the region, such as contrast agents or metal objects. The method includes obtaining first and second x-ray CT data sets of the region of interest at two different energies or voltage potentials and differencing corresponding CT numbers. The difference values are used to distinguish portions of the region that are bone from portions of the region that are contrast agent or other high molecular weight material. The obtained CT data set is then used to obtain an attenuation coefficient map of the region at the PET energy of 511 keV, for example, using a linear scaling factor suited to the particular identified material. Difference values at or near zero may be used to identify soft tissue portions of the region.