Coherent scatter X-ray computed tomography in medical applications

Coherent scatter computed tomography (CSCT) is a promising method for medical applications allowing superior tissue characterization and diagnosis. This imaging technique combines X-ray scattering and CT reconstruction resulting in angular resolved images of the coherent scatter cross-section. In preceding work synchrotron radiation and/or pencil beam geometry were used for the image acquisition reducing the applications to academic studies. With the advent of multi-slice CT (MSCT) this technique becomes applicable in the medical field. We present Monte-Carlo simulations and experimental data of scattering from biological materials in geometries equivalent to medical MSCT-scanners. To account for the specific geometry of a scatter experiment in a conventional CT-scanner a specific reconstruction technique was developed. The application of this reconstruction technique is demonstrated and the diagnostic significance is discussed.