Intensity distribution and impact of scatter for dual-source CT

Apart from forward scatter, which is given for all CT scanners, dual-source CT (DSCT) is also affected by cross-scatter photons from the second tube-detector system arranged at 90 degrees. We investigated the magnitude and distribution of scatter for DSCT and its impact on image quality. Simulations and measurements of homogeneous and anthropomorphic phantoms were conducted for a DSCT scanner (SOMATOM Definition, Siemens Medical Solutions, Forchheim, Germany) at tube voltages of 80 and 120 kV. The simulations of forward scatter were carried out using combined analytical and Monte Carlo simulation methods for a collimation of 19.2 mm for both tube-detector systems. Measurements of cross scatter were performed by switching one tube off, still reading out the corresponding detector. The relative scatter fractions and the distribution of cross scatter were registered for various imaging conditions. Additionally, a detailed noise analysis with respect to the correction of cross-scatter artifacts is provided to evaluate the performance of correction algorithms. The forward-scatter fraction increased with increasing phantom diameter from 0.02 up to 0.11 for PMMA phantoms of 80 to 400 mm diameter. For cross scatter, the mean intensity was equivalent to forward scatter for small phantoms but was larger for increased phantom size and resulted in severe artifacts in the reconstructed images. The outer dimensions and shape of the object are decisive for the cross-scatter intensity distribution whereas the influence of the degree of inhomogeneity of the respective phantom appears to be negligible. Scatter correction suppressed cross-scatter artifacts but increased noise as a function of the cross-scatter fraction. The magnitude of scatter is not negligible for DSCT systems and dedicated corrections are necessary for the assurance of unimpaired image quality.