Molecular imaging of pulmonary tuberculosis in an ex-vivo mouse model using spectral photon-counting computed tomography and micro-CT

Abstract

The results of this study support the idea that photon-counting CT imaging is capable of molecular imaging when enhanced by high-Z pharmaceuticals. The Medipix3RX detector operating four CSM energy bins provided sufficient spectral information for the simultaneous differentiation of iodine, water, and lipid (and a second high-Z contrast). In an ex-vivo mouse model of chronic TB, detection of iodine contrast enabled segmentation and volume quantification of healthy and disease-related lung tissue. The results demonstrated the potential clinical utility of photon-counting CT imaging for molecular imaging in infectious lung diseases. In the future, if a TB-specific drug were to be incorporated with a high-Z nanoparticle, spectral CT could provide non-invasive evaluation of drug delivery and response to treatment. Such an imaging platform would have the potential to assist diagnosis and accelerate the development of novel therapies, which is essential for the eradication of TB. Photon-counting CT technology offers improved spatial and energy resolution. Thus, it is a promising next step in the evolution of CT.