Abstract: A method for a CT scan of a body part, wherein a marker is positioned on the body part. The method comprises: positioning a marker on the body part; performing a scout scan of the area which contains the body part, to acquire a scout image; detecting the marker in the scout image to acquire position information of the marker; and using the position information to navigate the CT scan.

Abstract: A method and system for a gated radiation therapeutic system is provided. The method comprises performing a 4D-CT scan to obtain CT images, and processing the CT images to extract a characteristic signal, wherein the characteristic signal is associated with respiratory phases within the patient's breathing cycle and has a correlation relation with the external signal of the gated radiation therapy. The method further comprises controlling a radiation beam for the gated radiation therapy based on the correlation relation between the characteristic signal and the external signal. The system comprises a 4D-CT scanner for performing a 4D-CT scan to obtain CT images and a characteristic signal extracting component for processing the CT images to extract a characteristic signal. The system further comprises a radiation control component for controlling a radiation beam for the gated radiation therapy based on the correlation relation between the characteristic signal and the external signal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reconstructing image data of a moving examination object from measured data, the measured data having been acquired during a rotating movement of a radiation source of a computed tomography system around the examination object. In at least one embodiment, first image data are determined from the measured data. Movement information is determined from the first image data by forming the difference between images. Time instants of little movement of the examination object are determined from the movement information, the determined time instants being dependent on the location or site within the examination object. Finally, second image data are reconstructed taking the determined time instants into account. These data can be output as result images.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed for acquiring multi-sector computed tomography scan data. The approach includes activating an X-ray source during heartbeats of a patient to acquire projection data over a limited angular range for each heartbeat. The projection data acquired over the different is combined. An image having good temporal resolution is reconstructed using the combined projection data.

Abstract: A method for obtaining tomosynthesis images of an object of interest using an imaging system, wherein the imaging system comprises an X-ray source arranged to facing a detector on which the object of interest is positioned. The method comprises acquiring a plurality of projected 2D images of the object of interest in a plurality of orientations identified relative to a perpendicular to the detector, wherein a zero orientation is closest to the perpendicular and applying at least one filter to the acquired projected 2D images to obtain filtered, projection images of the object of interest. The method further comprises determining a reconstruction slice of the object of interest from the backprojection of at least two of the filtered projections, the set of reconstruction slices being the filtered, reconstructed volume of the object of interest, wherein a filter used on the 2D projection images is an adaptive filter.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a method and to a CT device for computer tomographic spiral scanning of a patient in the region of a moving organ, in particular a beating heart, wherein a pitch is adjusted which is less than the maximum pitch, with which 180° image data can still be reconstructed. In at least one embodiment, during the scan the evaluated detector data with respect to its z width and position on the at least one irradiated detector are restricted as a function of the projection angle in such a way that an effective virtual detector with smaller z width and with a z speed profile, which differs from the z speed profile of the real detector, is produced respectively, and the moving organ is reconstructed on the basis of the detector data of the at least one virtual detector.

Abstract: A method for CT imaging that utilizes an automatic tube potential selection for individual subjects and diagnostic tasks. The method quantifies the relative radiation dose of different tube potentials for achieving a specific image quality. This allows the selection of a tube potential that provides a reduced radiation dose while still providing CT images of a sufficient quality.

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: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, X-ray detector, acquisition unit, rotating mechanism, input unit, and control unit. The input unit repeatedly inputs trigger signals originating from a specific phase of a periodic motion of a body of a subject or a periodic motion of an organ of the subject. The trigger signals being supplied from a measuring device which measures the periodic motion. The control unit causes the X-ray tube to start generating X-rays on the basis of the input of a first trigger signal of the repeatedly input trigger signals, and causes the X-ray tube to stop generating X-rays on the basis of the input of a second trigger signal next to the first trigger signal in order to repeatedly scan the subject over substantially one period of the movement while a scan position is fixed.

Abstract: A recording unit is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and includes an X-ray emitter and detector to detect X-rays from a fan-shaped region. The fan-shaped region is asymmetrical in relation to a vertical to the axis of rotation, running through the X-ray detector wherein the two edges of the fan-shaped region, on rotation, in each case tangentially delimit a first projection region and a second projection region. The second projection region abuts the first projection region. A method includes recording projections of the two projection regions during a full rotation of the recording unit for the reconstruction of a first image of the first projection region in such a way that the projection angle intervals in each case exhibit the same start angle. It further includes reconstructing a second image of the second projection region to merge the two reconstructed projection regions to form one unitary image.

Abstract: A CT system for scanning a patient is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a tube/detector system, which can be set by a control device in respect of tube voltage and/or dose power; a patient couch, which can be displaced in a controlled fashion at least in the direction of a system axis; and a computer system, which can control the CT system. In at least one embodiment, the system includes an evaluation unit for a prescribed logical decision tree, which is integrated into the computer system, and which determines examination and scan parameters for the CT system on the basis of the input of at least one patient parameter described in a parameter list and operates the CT system using these examination and scan parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to filter x-ray beams generated using a CT apparatus or other x-ray based system with displaced acquisition geometry. A CT apparatus may be used having a source (102), a detector (104) transversely displaced from a center (114) of a field of view (118) during acquisition of the projection data, and a filter (146). The filter may absorb at least a portion of overlapping radiation emitted by the source at opposing angular positions. The amount of transverse displacement may be determined for a desired field of view configuration and amount of overlapping radiation. The detector may be adjusted to correspond to the amount of determined transverse displacement. The size and location of the filter may be determined based on the amount of overlapping radiation. The filter may be adjusted to correspond to the determined size and location of the filter.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a radiation source, a positioner configured to rotate the radiation source along an arc path at a rate less than 0.5 degree/sec, an imager in operative position relative to the radiation source, wherein the radiation source and the imager are configured to obtain a plurality of images while the radiation source is at different positions along the arc path, and a processor configured to determine a digital tomosynthesis image using a subset of the plurality of images. An imaging method includes generating a control signal to control a positioner to rotate a radiation source through an arc path at a rate less than 0.5 degree/sec, obtaining a plurality of images that are generated using radiation from the radiation source while the radiation source is at different positions along the arc path, and determining a digital tomosynthesis image using a subset of the plurality of images.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for generating a diagnostic three dimensional image for a patient. Some example technologies may obtain a sequence of multiple images of the patient using an imaging modality device. The technologies may estimate a registration vector for each image based on a motion function and an image transformation function. Each image may be defined by a measurement noise added to the image transformation function operating on the registration vector with respect to a reference image. The registration vector may be a function of a breathing motion of a prior registration vector added to a transition noise value. The technologies may estimate motion parameters based on the registration vector. The technologies may iteratively refine the registration vector and the motion parameters. The technologies may generate the diagnostic three dimensional image of the patient using the registration vector for each image and the motion parameters.

Abstract: An X-ray CT scanner performs CT imaging twice on a single imaging site such that respiratory phases relative to rotation of a measuring unit (X-ray generator and X-ray detector) are inverted with respect to each other. For determining a start time of the second CT imaging, a respiration cycle and the like are calculated according to projection data acquired by the first CT imaging. Further, sinograms 70a and 70b are generated, on each of which sets of projection data acquired from each CT imaging are arranged in the order of rotational angles. Subsequently, a corrected sinogram is generated in which sets of data fluctuated portions b and f attributable to respiration in the first sinogram 70a are replaced with data of the corresponding portions in the second sinogram 70b. Finally, a tomographic image is generated on the basis of the corrected sinogram.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a motion information generating unit and a control unit. The motion information generating unit generates first motion information on cardiac wall motion of at least one of a left ventricle and a left atrium and second motion information on cardiac wall motion of at least one of a right ventricle and a right atrium, on the basis of a first volume data group and a second volume data group; generates first correction information and second correction information by correcting the first motion information and the second motion information such that the first motion information and the second motion information are substantially synchronized with each other, and generates a motion information image in which the first correction information and the second correction information are arranged along the time axis. The control unit controls to display the motion image information.

Abstract: A method includes scanning a region of interest, during a contrast agent based perfusion scan, at a predetermined temporal sampling rate during contrast agent uptake in the region of interest, and generating time frame data indicative of the scanned region of interest. The method further includes identifying a predetermined change in an amount of the contrast agent in the region of interest from the time frame data. The method further includes scanning the region of interest at a lower temporal sampling rate, which is lower than the temporal sampling rate during the contrast agent uptake, in response to identifying the predetermined change in the amount of the contrast agent in the region of interest.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the reconstruction of image data of a moving object to be examined from measurement data, wherein the measurement data has previously been established in a relative rotational movement between a radiation source of a computed tomography system and the object to be examined. In at least one embodiment, first image data is reconstructed from an incomplete measurement data record by way of an iterative algorithm, wherein in the iterative reconstruction a dimension is used which contains probability information relating to pixel values of the image data to be reconstructed.

Abstract: A method and an X-ray system are disclosed for reduction of the radiation dose used within the framework of an imaging X-ray examination. In at least one embodiment, for each pixel of a recorded image, structure information of a structure which may be present at a distance around the examined pixel is determined and a direction-dependent lowpass filter is applied to the pixel examined in each case, which filter's spatial coverage is less than the distance and which takes into account the morphological information of a structure which may be present with a direction-dependent weighting of the lowpass filter.

Abstract: A computed tomography system has a support stage constructed and arranged to support a subject while under observation, an x-ray illumination system arranged proximate the support stage to illuminate the subject with x-rays, an x-ray detection system arranged proximate the support stage to detect x-rays after they pass through the subject and to provide signals based on the detected x-rays, and a data processing system in communication with the x-ray detection system to receive the signals from the x-ray detection system. The computed tomography system has a dynamic mode of operation and a scanning mode of operation. The data processing system extracts information concerning a dynamic process of the subject based on signals from both the dynamic mode and the scanning mode of operation.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a dual-source CT device with two focus-detector systems arranged on a gantry offset at an angle n and at least one embodiment relates to a method for spiral scanning and for the reconstruction of tomographic image data of a patient. In at least one embodiment, the detectors have a different z-width in the system axis direction and a computer system with a program memory with at least one computer program, by which during operation the dual-source CT device controls a spiral scanning of a patient and CT-image data is reconstructed from absorption data obtained from both unequally wide detectors, wherein in particular a spiral is controlled with a couch feed rate per rotation, which is greater than the maximum couch feed rate possible with the narrower detector.

Abstract: A CT scanner comprises at least one cone beam x-ray source assembly mounted on a gantry frame, the gantry frame rotatable about a rotation axis, the x-ray source assembly operable to emit a cone beam at an orientation with respect to the rotation axis, and a controller operable to adjust an orientation of the cone beam during a rotation cycle of the gantry, wherein the controller adjusts the orientation to radiate a substantially same volume of interest over the rotation cycle.

Abstract: An X-ray CT system is provided that determines input imaging conditions based on the attributes of subjects that were measured by the apparatus itself and can prevent excessive radiation exposure due to human error. The X-ray CT system comprises a measurement unit, a part identification unit, a calculation unit, a comparison unit, and a notification unit. The measurement unit measures the attributes of a subject placed on a couch. The part identification unit identifies the part of the subject being imaged based on the measured attributes of the subject. The calculation unit calculates a radiation dose based on the identified unit being imaged. The comparison unit makes a determination by comparing the calculated radiation dose and the radiation dose based on the imaging conditions input for examination. The notification unit notifies the results determined by the comparison unit.

Abstract: An image analysis apparatus includes a moving image input unit which accepts an input of a moving image of a subject irradiated with X-rays, a determination unit which analyzes the previous frame and current frame of the moving image, and determines based on the analysis result whether or not any of a change in relative position between an exposure field of the X-rays and an observation portion of the subject, a change in imaging condition of the moving image, and a change in observation portion of the subject is detected, and a feature amount setting unit which sets feature amounts extracted from the current frame in the current frame when the determination unit determines that any of the changes is detected, and sets feature amounts set in the previous frame in the current frame when the determination unit determines that no change is detected.

Abstract: A method of acquiring at least one clinical MRI image of a subject comprising the following steps: acquiring a first survey image with a first field of view, the first survey image having a first spatial resolution,—locating a first region of interest and at least one anatomical landmarks in the first survey image, determining the position and the orientation of the first region of interest using the anatomical landmarks, the position and the orientation of the first region being used for—planning a second survey image,—acquiring the second survey image with a second field of view, the second survey image having a second spatial resolution, the second spatial resolution being higher than the first spatial resolution, generating a geometry planning for the anatomical region of interest using the second survey image,—acquiring a diagnostic image of the anatomical region of interest using the geometry planning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waveguide (24) for focusing electromagnetic energy on an area of interest, said waveguide (24) comprising outer walls forming a channel with a width (w) and a height (h) for the propagation of the electromagnetic waves. In order to be able to focus the EM waves on an area of interest, i.e. the chest of a patient (20), so that influences which other moving objects in the environment have on the waves, are shielded away, the channel is provided with a first opening and a second opening wherein said walls are non-metal hollow walls filled with an electrically conductive liquid. The waveguide (24) can be used for example with a computed tomography system (12) CT with a rotating gantry (16) and a patient table (18). The waveguide (24) will not produce artefacts in the CT image by scattering the X-ray, like a metal wall would do it. Nevertheless the conductive liquid makes the construction work as a waveguide for EM waves.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining perfusion images is disclosed. The system and method includes hardware and software for determining physiological characteristics of a patient and determining imaging parameter values for an imaging modality based on the patient's physiological characteristics. The system also includes a controller operative to receive the imaging parameter values for controlling an X-ray device. The X-ray device is coupled with the controller and acquires projection images of the patient, and outputs the projection images to a perfusion evaluation computer for evaluating the perfusion of an region of interest represented in the projection images. The perfusion rate of the region of interest is then output to an output device, such as a display or printer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for CT scanning a heart with a dual-source CT device including detectors of different widths in a system axis direction and for reconstruction of tomographic image data. In at least one embodiment, at least two circular scans are performed at different z positions and the spacing in the z direction is chosen such that at least two first scan zones are produced which are scanned by way of a circular scan with two detectors and at least one second scan zone is produced which is scanned twice by one detector in two successive circular scans, wherein a dual-source reconstruction is performed in the first scan zones and a two-segment reconstruction is performed in the at least one second scan zone and finally a common tomographic image data set is produced. Further, at least one embodiment is directed to a dual-source CT device in which the detectors have different widths in the system axis direction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes units. The unit calculates an arrhythmia index. The unit selects a normal mode or an arrhythmia mode based on the arrhythmia index. In the normal mode, after the elapse of a predetermined delay time from the characteristic wave, projection data is collected along with X-ray generation. Upon detecting an arrhythmia, the X-ray generation is temporarily stopped. In the arrhythmia mode, after the elapse of the predetermined delay time, projection data is collected along with X-ray generation. Upon detecting an arrhythmia, an arrhythmia scanning procedure corresponding to an arrhythmia type is temporarily executed, and projection data is collected along with the X-ray generation.

Abstract: A computerized tomographic system configured to acquire short scan data of an object within a single revolution of a detector array about the object over a first angular range of rotation of the detector array about the object, define a temporal subset of the acquired short scan data over a second angular range of rotation of the detector that is less than the first angular range of rotation, generate a mathematical function that is based on the acquired short scan data and the defined temporal subset of data, minimize the mathematical function, and generate an image of the object using the minimized mathematical function and the data acquired over the second angular range of rotation of the detector.

Abstract: A method for determining a movement phase of a periodically moving object in a plurality of sequentially produced images in a series of images of the periodically moving object. The method includes registering different images in the series of images. The method also includes determining a deformation that has occurred between the registered images. The method further includes—determining the phase of the movement of the moving object for at least one of the images in the series of images based upon the determined deformation.

Abstract: Provided is a medical image diagnostic apparatus, including: a collection unit for collecting data by performing irradiation of X-rays to a body part of a subject who is moving a joint; a processing unit for processing the collected data to form a plurality of internal images indicating the body part of the subject; an input unit for inputting occurrence information indicating a biological reaction that accompanies movement of the joint; a display control unit for displaying information on a display unit; and a control unit for controlling at least one of the collection unit, the processing unit, and the display control unit based on the input occurrence information.

Abstract: A system and method of optimizing delivery of a radiation therapy treatment. The system optimizes treatment delivery in real-time to take into account a variety of factors, such as patient anatomical and physiological changes (e.g., respiration and other movement, etc.), and machine configuration changes (e.g., beam output factors, couch error, leaf error, etc.).

Abstract: In the X-ray CT system according to an embodiment, a control means displaces and images imaging regions in the subject by controlling a top board driver and an imaging means such that the X-rays are projected onto the subject every time a top board is moved by a predetermined transfer amount. An acquiring means acquires projection data of the respective imaging regions. A reconstruction means, based on the projection data, reconstructs tomographic images for each predetermined size of a reconstruction region. In the scan control mode, the control means outputs the transfer amount corresponding to this mode to the top board driver. In the reconstruction control mode, the control means outputs the size of the reconstruction region corresponding to this mode to the reconstruction means.

Abstract: An imaging system including a source (310) having a focal spot (406) that emits a radiation beam that traverses an examination region, a radiation sensitive detector array (316) having a plurality of pixels that detects radiation traversing the examination region and generates projection data indicative of the detected radiation, and a filter (314), disposed between the source and the examination region, that filters peripheral regions of the emitted radiation, wherein the filter includes two separate and moveable regions (402), each region having a substantially same thickness and constant homogeneity.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for measuring the signal-to-noise ratio of x-ray images and to adaptively control x-ray exposure in response to image quality and patient movement.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a method for accurately determining cerebral blood flows both in rest state and under medication with less invasive operations. [Solution] Cerebral blood flow is determined based on a formula represented by the following formulas (1) or (2) for a time under medication that continuously follows a resting time.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus according to embodiments includes: a table on which an examinee lies down; a table driving unit configured to move the table upward and downward; an imaging device configured to take a side image of the examinee by irradiating a side of the examinee on the table with X-rays and detecting X-rays transmitted through the examinee; and a controller configured to control the table driving unit so that the table driving unit moves the table upward or downward to make a center position of the examinee on the table in a thickness direction of the examinee coincide with a center position of the side image in an upward-downward moving direction of the table.

Abstract: A method is provided for visualization of hollow organs of a patient. An x-ray image dataset of the hollow organ is recorded and registered. A number of individual x-ray images are recorded during a movement of an instrument with a data capture unit through the hollow organ, with each individual x-ray image featuring time information. Datasets of a data capture unit of an instrument is recorded during the movement of the instrument, with each dataset featuring time information. Position of the instrument is determined based on the individual x-ray images by an image recognition algorithm. The datasets of the data capture unit and the position of the instrument is spatially assigned based on the time information of the datasets of the data capture unit and the individual x-ray images. The datasets of the data capture unit is jointly displayed with the x-ray image dataset.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, circuits, devices, assemblies and systems for performing Computer Tomography (CT)—for example of a periodically moving object such as a heart. According to some embodiments, there is provided a Computer Tomography scanner which includes an x-ray source adapted to generate an x-ray scan beam and a electromechanical assembly to which the x-ray source is mounted. The assembly may be adapted to move one or more electromechanical elements such that the scan beam is moved around the periodically moving object with a velocity profile having both constant and cyclically alternating rotational velocity components, and wherein the cyclically alternating velocity components are synchronized with the periodic motion of the object.

Abstract: Radioimaging methods, devices and radiopharmaceuticals therefor.

Abstract: An example of sporadic motion that causes difficulty in CT scanning is gas pockets moving around the rectum. The invention allows the automatic detection of such movements, by enhancing low density features around the prostate in the individual X-ray images, projecting these features on the cranio-caudal axis (assuming that the gas predominantly moves in this direction) to form a 1-dimensional image, and combining successive ID projections to form a 2D image. Moving gas will produce tilted lines in this image, identifying an angular range that needs to be discarded. Such a process can be used in an image processing apparatus of a CT scanner.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus that can efficiently set a scanning condition in a scanning operation of a periodically moving internal organ such as a heart or the like is provided. The X-ray CT apparatus collects electrocardiographic information by using a periodic motion measuring device 6 (S1). Subsequently, an operator input a time resolution rate corresponding to time resolution expected in a target examination (S2). Subsequently, the X-ray CT apparatus calculates a scanning condition under which the input time resolution rate can be implemented (S3). Subsequently, the X-ray CT apparatus images a heart under the scanning condition calculated in S3 (S4). Subsequently, the X-ray CT apparatus reconstructs an electrocardiographic-synchronous image by using the scanning data obtained in S4 and the electrocardiographic information (S5). Subsequently, the X-ray CT apparatus displays the electrocardiographic-synchronous image reconstructed in S5 on a display device 5 (S6).

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring an image of a region of interest (ROI) of subject using a computed tomography (CT) system includes a) performing a scout scan of the subject using the CT system to yield scout data related to the ROI and b) determining an initial contrast volume form at least the scout data. The method also includes c) prescribing a scanning protocol to be implemented using the computed tomography system to image the ROI and d) determining a size of the subject about the ROI. The method further includes e) determining a computed tomography dose related to volume (CTDIvol) based on at least the size determined at step d) and f) adjusting the scanning protocol prescribed in step b) to match at least one of a desired radiation dose and a relative intravenous (IV) contrast dose to a reference CTDIvol. The method includes g) acquiring imaging data from the ROI using the CT system by using the adjusted scanning protocol.

Abstract: A method for three-dimensional reconstruction of a branched object from a rotational sequence of images of the branched object includes segmenting the branched object from each image of the sequence, extracting centerlines of the branched object, performing symbolic reconstruction via a stereo correspondence matching between the centerlines from different views of the sequence of images using a graph cut-based optimization, and creating a three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction of the branched object compensated for motion of the branched object between the images of the sequence.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for protecting a critical structure during the administration of radiation treatment to a patient. A register receives proposed positions for one or more radiation beams with respect to a critical structure. A processor predicts a cumulative dose volume for the critical structure based on the dose distribution, and determines if the cumulative dose volume exceeds a tolerance value. If the cumulative dose volume exceeds the tolerance value, the dose distribution may be translated at least in part based on a relationship between the cumulative dose volume and the dose distribution position.

Abstract: A motion control method is disclosed for controlling a relative scan feed motion of an object bearing device toward a scanner unit of a computed tomography system. Here, scan motion control signals are generated parallel to the scan feed motion for controlling the scan feed motion, which scan motion control signals are derived from variable input data obtained in parallel during a scan procedure. In at least one embodiment, the variable input data includes motion signals which represent the object motion cycle determined with the aid of an electrocardiogram, and the speed of the scan feed motion is reduced if an extrasystole is detected. Furthermore, at least one embodiment of the invention relates to a motion control module suited to this and/or an image processing actuation method and/or an image processing actuation module for actuating an image processing system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a body thickness information acquiring unit, a threshold determining unit and an image generating unit. The body thickness information acquiring unit acquires information of a body thickness of an object. The threshold determining unit determines a threshold of an exposure dose according to the body thickness of the object. The image generating unit generates an image indicating a relationship between the body thickness of the object and the threshold and displays a generated image on a display unit.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a data acquisition unit, a correction unit, a sorting unit and an image reconstruction unit. The data acquisition unit acquires data for imaging and projection data. The correction unit performs motion correction of the data using respiratory motion data obtained based on the projection data. The sorting unit sorts the data after motion correction into a cardiac time phase order based on electrocardiographic information. The image reconstruction unit reconstructs three-dimensional image data based on the sorted data after motion correction.

Abstract: A first generating unit generates a plurality of blood vessel image data sets at the plurality of imaging angles by performing subtraction processing for the plurality of mask image data sets and the plurality of contrast image data sets. A second generating unit generates a blood vessel volume data set including an artery region, a vein region, and a capillary vessel region by performing reconstruction processing for the plurality of blood vessel image data sets. A third generating unit generates a capillary vessel volume data set associated with the capillary vessel region by removing the artery region and the vein region from the blood vessel volume data set. A fourth generating unit generates a capillary vessel image data set by performing three-dimensional image processing for the capillary vessel volume data set.