Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for increasing a quality of images generated by a computed tomography (CT) system. In one example, an initial assessment of contrast timing and flow through different anatomical regions of a patient is performed, and based on the initial assessment, different visualization schemes are applied to the different anatomical regions of a reconstructed image, where each visualization is optimized for assessing a different anatomical region. In particular, color maps (e.g., heat maps and/or probability maps) and/or color overlays based on material decomposition information may be superimposed on contrast-optimized images, where the color maps accentuate a contrast between diseased tissues and healthy tissues. An automated report may be generated including a first visualization based on a first scan, and a second visualization based on a second, earlier scan, to show a progression of a disease of the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for increasing a quality of images generated by a computed tomography (CT) system. In one example, an initial assessment of contrast timing and flow through different anatomical regions of a patient is performed, and based on the initial assessment, different visualization schemes are applied to the different anatomical regions of a reconstructed image, where each visualization is optimized for assessing a different anatomical region. The visualizations may increase a contrast between diseased tissues and non-diseased tissues of the different anatomical regions, and may include color maps (e.g., heat maps and/or probability maps) and/or color overlays based on spectral decomposition information. The different visualizations may be combined into a single 2D image, where each anatomical region (e.g., organ, bone, etc.) is displayed in high contrast, and where aspects of various anatomical regions may be highlighted or colorized to visualize specific information.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for artifact reduction with resolution preservation. In one example, a method includes obtaining projection data of an imaging subject, identifying a metal-containing region in the projection data, interpolating the metal-containing region to generate interpolated projection data, extracting high frequency content information from the projection data in the metal-containing region, adding the extracted high frequency content information to the interpolated projection data to generate adjusted projection data, and reconstructing one or more diagnostic images from the adjusted projection data.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for artifact reduction with resolution preservation. In one example, a method includes obtaining projection data of an imaging subject, identifying a metal-containing region in the projection data, interpolating the metal-containing region to generate interpolated projection data, extracting high frequency content information from the projection data in the metal-containing region, adding the extracted high frequency content information to the interpolated projection data to generate adjusted projection data, and reconstructing one or more diagnostic images from the adjusted projection data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adaptive scan control. In one embodiment, a method comprises: while performing a scan of a scan subject, processing acquired projection data to measure a contrast level; responsive to the contrast level increasing above a first threshold, automatically switching the scan from a first scan protocol to a second scan protocol; responsive to the contrast level decreasing below a second threshold, automatically switching the scan from the second scan protocol to the first scan protocol; and responsive to the contrast level decreasing below a third threshold, automatically ending the scan. In this way, multiple scan protocols, such as angiography and perfusion scan protocols, can be interleaved within a single scan without the use of a separate timing bolus scan.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adaptive scan control. In one embodiment, a method comprises: while performing a scan of a scan subject, processing acquired projection data to measure a contrast level; responsive to the contrast level increasing above a first threshold, automatically switching the scan from a first scan protocol to a second scan protocol; responsive to the contrast level decreasing below a second threshold, automatically switching the scan from the second scan protocol to the first scan protocol; and responsive to the contrast level decreasing below a third threshold, automatically ending the scan. In this way, multiple scan protocols, such as angiography and perfusion scan protocols, can be interleaved within a single scan without the use of a separate timing bolus scan.