A scanning x-ray imaging system for quantitative arteriography and blood flow measurements.

The authors have developed a new x-ray imaging system for quantitative arterial imaging and blood flow measurements. The system is based on the scanned projection technique and employs an x-ray beam collimated into a fan of radiation and an x-ray image intensifier optically coupled to a 1024-element linear photo-diode detector array. The system has two modes of operation: quantitative projection imaging and blood flow measurements. In the first mode of operation, low-noise, quantitative images are obtained by irradiating small regions of interest to minimize the detection of scattered radiation and intensifier tube veiling glare. System performance is optimized by making use of the large dynamic range (8,000:1) and response linearity of the solid-state photo-detector. In the second mode of operation, flow information is obtained by detecting the passage of a small bolus of iodine contrast agent.