Photon-counting CT: Review of initial clinical results

Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is a new technology that enables higher spatial resolution compared to conventional CT techniques, energy resolved imaging and spectral post-processing. This leads to improved contrast-to-noise ratio, artifact and potential dose reduction as well as elimination of electronic noise. Since the introduction of clinical PCCT in 2021, a shift has been observed from solely pre-clinical studies to clinical research (i.e. use of PCCT imaging in humans). This review article is focused on the initial clinical results of PCCT by explaining the current PCCT systems, the applications themselves and, the challenges of PCCT.

Automated summary

Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is a new technology that offers higher spatial resolution, energy resolved imaging, and spectral post-processing compared to conventional CT techniques. This results in improved contrast-to-noise ratio, reduction in artifacts and potential dose, as well as elimination of electronic noise. The shift from pre-clinical studies to clinical research has been observed since the introduction of clinical PCCT in 2021. This review article focuses on the initial clinical results of PCCT, including the current PCCT systems, applications, and challenges.