The potential of L-shell X-ray fluorescence CT (XFCT) for molecular imaging

Br J Radiol. 2015;88(1055):20140308. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20140308. Epub 2015 Jul 24.

Abstract

X-ray fluorescence CT (XFCT), a novel modality proposed for high-sensitivity high-resolution molecular imaging of probes labelled with a high atomic-number element, has been performed with high-energy K-shell X-rays. XFCT performed with low-energy L-shell X-rays could, in principle, result in an increase of XFCT imaging sensitivity; however, the significant L-shell X-ray attenuation limits its use for imaging of small objects. This commentary discusses the advantages and drawbacks of L-shell XFCT imaging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fluorescence
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*