ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the strengths of micro-computed tomography (CT) and highlights their relationship to radionuclide imaging as applied to the cardiovascular system. All micro-CT scanners follow the same general plan. An X-ray source, a specimen that is to be imaged, an X-ray-to-electronic signal converting imaging array and a device that generates an X-ray image at multiple angles of view about the specimen. An intra-peritoneal injection of iodinated contrast agents has two effects. One is the immediate ability to better delineate the gut and liver within the abdominal cavity and because of fairly rapid transfer of the contrast medium to the blood stream, the cardiac chambers and large vessels as well as the filtration by the kidneys are subsequently opacified. Micro-CT image data used to improve the accuracy of the radionuclide imaging methods by enabling correction for the gamma-ray attenuation through the tissues. Synergistic use of micro-CT with radionuclide or histological imaging methods can greatly expand the role for micro-CT.
