[Spectral computed tomography in the age of photon-counting X-ray detectors].

BACKGROUND

Since its introduction, spectral computed tomography has become an integral part of clinical imaging with a variety of possible applications. Over time, technical innovations have considerably improved the spatial and energy resolution. The recent introduction of computed tomographs utilizing photon-counting x‑ray detectors has opened up further applications, which need to be investigated regarding their clinical utility.

OBJECTIVES

This article gives an overview of the development of spectral computed tomography in general and photon-counting computed tomography in particular, with a special focus on recent technical developments and their clinical applications.

CONCLUSION

Very likely, photon-counting X‑ray detectors will over time prevail over conventional energy-integrating detectors. Most technical problems hindering clinical use have been overcome, so that the unquestionable advantages outweigh the remaining disadvantages. Further developments especially of detector electronics, reconstruction algorithms and software-based postprocessing will further support its clinical introduction.