JPH09276264A - X-ray diagnostic system, imaging positioning method, and X-ray CT scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: The positioning of the slice position of an X-ray CT scanner is performed accurately and in a short time by significantly reducing the amount of X-ray exposure.
And perform with good operability. An X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus (2) for obtaining a CR image composed of digital pixel values from a transmitted X-ray that accompanies fluoroscopy of a subject (P), and an X-ray CT scanner for obtaining a tomographic image of the subject (P). 3, a means (6, 7, 32, 30) for obtaining the slice position of the object using the CR image, and a means (30) for sharing the slice position between the X-ray fluoroscope 2 and the X-ray CT scanner 3. , 4B). Specifically, it comprises an input device 7 for manually indicating a desired position on the CR image, and setting means (32, 30) for setting the slice position from the desired position. The setting means sets the slice position based on the absolute position of the entire CR image in the subject and the position information originally possessed by the pixels of the CR image.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a composite X-ray diagnostic system and an imaging positioning method in which an X-ray CT scanner and an X-ray fluoroscope are functionally combined, and an X-ray CT suitable for such a system. Involved in the scanner. Especially,
The slice position of the X-ray CT scanner is determined using a CR (Computed Radiography) image obtained from the X-ray fluoroscope, and the information is given to the X-ray CT scanner, so that the imaging position information can be shared between both modalities. The present invention relates to the X-ray diagnostic system, the imaging positioning method, and the X-ray CT scanner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in order to obtain a tomographic image of a diagnostic region of a subject using an X-ray CT scanner, it is necessary to accurately position a slice position. Because of this positioning, CT
Scanners usually first use an X called a scanogram.
A fluoroscopic image (hereinafter referred to as a scanogram) is photographed, and the slice position is positioned while observing the scanogram.

In order to obtain a scanner image, for example, in the case of an RR type CT scanner, the X-ray tube and the detector are fixed without rotating, and the patient (bed) is kept at a relatively slow constant speed. The X-ray is emitted while moving in one direction of the body axis direction of. As a result, as shown in FIG.
A scanogram image similar to a fluoroscopic image is obtained. The doctor or the like observes the scanogram to determine the slice position at which the tomographic image is captured (in FIG. 8A, for example, the slice position A including the affected area (lesion)). This determined slice position is X
By taking a line, for example, a tomographic image shown in FIG. 8B is obtained.

[0004]

However, since the scanogram is an image obtained by irradiating X-rays while moving the bed for a certain period of time as described above, the scan time is equivalent to the moving time of the bed. Takes a lot. In other words, since the scanogram is not an image that can be obtained instantaneously like an X-ray fluoroscopic image, it is often difficult to accurately capture a fast-moving part (blood vessel, etc.), and it is necessary to accurately position the slice position. It was sometimes a hindrance.

Further, in the case of the conventional method using the scanogram, the X-ray exposure amount of the subject increases by at least the moving time of the bed. From the viewpoint of reducing the X-ray exposure dose, it has been desired to obtain an X-ray fluoroscopic image of the diagnosis site of the subject by only instantaneous exposure.

Further, the above-mentioned scanogram is an I.D. I.
Compared with a digitally processed fluoroscopic image (CR (Computed Radiography) image) generated by an X-ray TV apparatus having a two-dimensional detector such as (image intensifier) and a TV camera However, there is a problem that it is difficult to find a lesion because of poor contrast and resolution. Therefore, it takes a lot of time to position the slice position, so a lot of time is spent on the entire scan planning.
There is a possibility that the patient throughput is lowered and the slice position is not positioned accurately.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the positioning of the slice position of the X-ray CT scanner is performed accurately and in a short time by significantly reducing the X-ray exposure amount.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method that can be performed with good operability.

Further, according to the present invention, the slice position information necessary for the tomography of the X-ray CT scanner is used not only as the tomography but also as an index at the time of image interpretation after the image capture. -The effective purpose is to support it.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the X-ray diagnostic system of the present invention provides a CR image composed of pixel values of a digital amount from a transmitted X-ray that accompanies fluoroscopy of an object. An X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus for obtaining, a X-ray CT scanner for obtaining a tomographic image of the subject, a calculation unit for obtaining positional information on the tomographic image of the subject using the CR image, and the position information for the X-ray. It is characterized by comprising a sharing means for sharing between the fluoroscope and the X-ray CT scanner.

Preferably, the calculating means is means for obtaining a slice position of the subject by the X-ray CT scanner using the CR image as the position information, and the sharing means calculates the slice position. It is a means for sending to the X-ray CT scanner.

For example, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus includes an X-ray source for irradiating the X-rays, an image pickup unit for detecting the transmitted X-rays, and a converter for converting an output signal of the image pickup unit into a digital quantity. And a monitor for displaying the output signal of the converter as the CR image.

For example, the arithmetic means may be an input device for manually instructing a desired position of the CR image displayed on the monitor, and a setting for setting the slice position from the desired position instructed via the input device. And means. The setting unit is, for example, a unit that sets the slice position based on position information of the entire CR image in the subject and position information that pixels of the CR image uniquely have in the CR image.

Preferably, the setting means includes a correction means for correcting the set slice position in accordance with the position of the center of rotation of the gantry of the X-ray CT scanner.

The setting means may be, for example, position information of the entire CR image in the subject, position information that pixels of the CR image originally have in the CR image, and a rotation center of the gantry of the X-ray CT scanner. Is a means for setting the slice position based on the position information.

For example, the X-ray fluoroscope and the X-ray CT scanner have a structure in which a bed on which the subject is placed is shared.

In the present invention, the fluoroscopic image obtained by the X-ray fluoroscope is a digitally processed CR image of high spatial resolution, and the position specifying information such as the pixel size is inherently present on this CR image. The fact that it is included in is utilized. The slice position (imaging position information) of the subject is determined by using the position specifying information on the CR image included in the CR image. This slice position is sent online to the X-ray CT scanner and becomes a target value for slice position control. As a result, the amount of X-ray exposure is small, and positioning is performed with high accuracy in a short time.

Also preferably, the X-ray CT scanner is
The storage device stores a plurality of the tomographic images with the slice position as an index, and the sharing unit stores a plurality of tomographic images corresponding to the slice positions obtained by the computing unit in the storage unit. It is provided with a search means for searching from the tomographic images of one sheet and a display means for displaying the tomographic image searched by the search means.

Further, in the radiographic positioning method of the present invention, a CR image consisting of digital values of pixel values is generated from a transmitted X-ray obtained by fluoroscopically observing an object using an X-ray fluoroscope, and the CR image is generated. It is characterized in that desired position information on the tomographic image of the subject is determined using the image and the position information is sent to the X-ray CT scanner.

Further, the X-ray CT scanner of the present invention is an X-ray CT scanner that obtains a tomographic image of a subject at each slice position, and the transmission X-ray that accompanies fluoroscopy of the subject.
And a receiving means for receiving information on a slice position sent from the outside by using a CR image composed of digital pixel values from the line, and an imaging means for performing X-ray tomography at the received slice position. It is characterized by that.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an X-ray diagnostic system functionally equipped with an X-ray CT scanner and an X-ray fluoroscope according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an electrical circuit configuration of the X-ray diagnostic system. It is a block diagram which shows roughly.

An X-ray diagnostic system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Is common to both the fluoroscope 2 and the X-ray CT scanner 3 and the X-ray CT scanner 3 (here, the gantry portion thereof). The bed section 4, the console 5, the monitor 6, and the input device 7, which are the components of the above, are provided. The bed unit 4 includes a bed 4A and a bed control unit 4B.

A table 4a is provided on the upper surface of the bed 4A so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction thereof (usually in the body axis direction of the patient), and the subject is placed on the table 4a. It is possible to place the patient P who is Around the bed 4A, within the range of the slide stroke of the top plate 4a, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 2 and the X-ray fluoroscope 2 sharing the bed 4A are shared.
The line CT scanner 3 is appropriately separated from the line CT scanner 3.
As a result, a functionally complex X-ray diagnostic system 1 is formed in which the patient can be freely transported between the X-ray fluoroscope 2 and the X-ray CT scanner 3 by sliding the top plate 4a.

The slide of the top plate 4a is performed by the operation of the bed driving section 4b represented by an electric motor. The couch driving unit 4b has a top plate 4a according to its driving amount.
A slide sensor 4c for detecting the amount of slide is installed. The detection signal of the sensor 4c is sent to the bed control unit 4B.

The bed control section 4B includes a console 5 which will be described later.
A circuit for controlling the bed driving unit 4b according to the control from the CPU is provided, and for example, a computer circuit is mounted as a main part of this circuit. The bed control unit 4B controls the slide value (target value) instructed by the CPU of the console 5.
And a function of controlling the drive of the bed driving unit 4b based on the detected value (actual value) representing the current slide position detected by the slide sensor 4c. In addition, in the bed portion 4, the height of the bed 4A can also be controlled.

As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray fluoroscope 2 has a C-arm or Ω suspended from a ceiling via a supporting portion 10, for example.
A bending arm (which will be described as a C arm in the present embodiment) 11 such as an arm is provided. The C-arm 11 has an X-ray tube 12 at one end and an I.D. I. And a TV camera with high contrast resolution. I. A / TV system (image pickup unit) 13 is provided. As a result, the X-ray tube 1
2 and the imaging unit 13 are arranged so as to face each other, and the C-arm 11 is appropriately positioned as a whole so that the bed 4 (patient P)
Face each other across.

In this X-ray fluoroscope 2, the supporting portion 10
Is at least the entire C arm 11 in the X, Y, and Z axis directions.
Dimensionally movable (this coordinate system is the top plate 4a
Cartesian coordinate system whose longitudinal direction is the Z axis). In other words, the ceiling mounting portion 10a of the support portion 10 can two-dimensionally move in the YZ plane with respect to the ceiling, and the column portion 10b thereof.
This enables movement in the X (height) direction. A movement sensor 10aa that detects the two-dimensional movement direction and movement amount of the ceiling mounting portion 10a is installed. A movement sensor 10ba that detects the amount of movement in the height direction is installed on the column 10b. These sensors 10a
Each of a and 10 ba is configured to have an encoder and a potentiometer, and outputs digital amount movement information to the CPU of the console 5 described later.

In this X-ray fluoroscopic imaging, the X-ray tube 12 is applied to the patient P on the top plate 4a slid to a predetermined imaging position.
From the X-ray. The X-rays that have passed through the patient P due to the exposure are I.I. I. And T
It is detected by the V camera as a fluoroscopic image in an analog amount. The analog perspective image is converted into high spatial resolution digital CR image data having a predetermined number of pixels and a pixel size by an A / D converter 14 connected to the imaging unit 13, and sent to a CPU of a console 5 described later. To be The X-ray tube 12 is connected to a high voltage generator 15.
The high voltage generator 15 is connected to a high voltage controller of the console 5 described later. Although the A / D converter 14 is also a component of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 2 here, the A / D converter may be installed in a console described later.

From the X-ray fluoroscope 2 to the console C
The image data sent to the PU is digital image data as described above. That is, since the pixel size is predetermined, the position on the digital image can be specified and recognized by the distance from the reference pixel. That is, the CR image data originally includes the position specifying information on the CR image. For example, in an M × M pixel size (matrix size), as shown in FIG. 3, if the upper left pixel is (1,1) and this pixel (1,1) is used as a reference, the CR image data Is the number of pixels in the row or column direction from this reference pixel (1, 1) (or this number of pixels x
All can be represented by pixel size = distance).
Therefore, by recognizing at which absolute position in the subject the entire one-frame CR image is located, the position of a specific part (one or a plurality of pixels) on the CR image can be determined with respect to the subject. Can be specified absolutely.

On the other hand, the X-ray CT scanner 3 is, for example, R /
It is configured to be driven by an R (Rotate Rotate) method. That is, the scanner 3 includes the gantry 19,
The gantry 19 is provided with an X-ray tube 20 and an X-ray detector 21 which are arranged to face each other with a substantially cylindrical opening for photographing therebetween. The top plate 4a on which the patient P is placed slides into the opening.

Scanning by the X-ray CT scanner 3 is performed as follows. That is, the imaging slice position of the patient P is matched with the slit-shaped X-ray exposure position of the gantry 19. Then, the patient P is irradiated with an X-ray beam from the X-ray tube 20, and in that state, the X-ray tube 20 and the X-ray detector 21 are integrally rotated by driving the gantry moving mechanism 22, for example, 360 degrees. This rotation drive is controlled by the gantry control unit 23 which receives a command from the console 5. This gantry control unit is configured by mounting a CPU, for example.
The X-ray tube 20 is connected to a high voltage generator 25, and this high voltage generator is connected to a high voltage controller of the console 5 described later.

During this rotation, the X-ray detector 21 transmits X-rays (X-ray intensity distribution) that have passed through the imaging slice position of the patient P.
Is detected as X-ray data (current data proportional to X-ray intensity) at every constant angle. The X-ray data detected by the X-ray detector 21 is the data acquisition unit (DAS; Data Acquisiti).
on System) 24 performs preprocessing such as A / D conversion processing and signal amplification processing, and collects it as projection data for each slice. This projection data is sent to the image reconstruction unit of the console 5.

As shown in FIG. 2, the console 5 includes a CPU 30 that controls the entire system, a memory 31 connected to the CPU 30, an interactive display unit 32, and an image reconstruction unit 33. The console 5 also comprises separate high voltage controls 34, 35 on the perspective side and the scanner side.

Of these, the CPU 30 is connected to the A / D converter 14 and the sensors 10aa and 10ba of the X-ray fluoroscope 2, and the interactive display section 32, the memory 31, and the high voltage control section 3 are connected.
4 and 35 are also connected. The gantry controller 23 and the bed controller 4B are also connected. CPU30 performs the process of FIG. 4 as an example. That is, the CPU 30
Reads the image data of the CR image and the detection signals of the sensors 10aa and 10ba from the X-ray fluoroscope 2 and performs necessary processing. Also, necessary information is exchanged with the dialogue control unit 32. Further, the bed control unit 4B and the gantry control unit 23 are controlled, and the slide position signal of the table 4a relayed by the bed control unit 4B is input as necessary. Further, image data and the like are stored in and read from the memory 31.

The image reconstructing section 33 reads the projection data collected by the data collecting section 24, and performs, for example, convolution back projection calculation,
The tomographic image for each slice position is reconstructed. An interactive display unit 32 and a memory 31 for storing image data of a reconstructed tomographic image are connected to the image reconstruction unit 33. The image reconstructing unit 33 may be incorporated as a unit on the X-ray CT scanner 3 side instead of the console side.

The interactive display section 32 is connected to the monitor 6 and the input device 7 so as to perform the function of an interface between the monitor (display system) and the input device (input system) and the CPU 30 (other processing system). It has become. In detail, the dialogue control unit 32 has a built-in CPU and receives numerical data, position data, etc. input from the input device 7 by the CPU.
A process of converting the data into data that can be processed by the CPU 30 and sending the data to the CPU 30, a process of setting the display order of the reconstructed images sent from the image reconstruction unit 33 or the memory 31, and the like are executed.

The monitor 5 is used for displaying an X-ray fluoroscopic image and a reconstructed image. The input device 7 is, for example, a keyboard,
This X-ray diagnostic system is composed of a mouse, etc.
Various information can be input to the whole.

Next, an operation example of the entire X-ray diagnostic system will be described with reference to FIG.

First, a scan plan required for imaging by the X-ray CT scanner 3 is established through the processing of steps S1 to S4 in the figure.

First, the CPU 30 gives an instruction to capture a CR image by the X-ray fluoroscope 2 (step S1). Specifically, to determine the slice position, scan pitch, etc.,
Imaging of the CR image including the lesion area of the patient P is instructed to the high-voltage control unit 34 and the bed control unit 4B on the see-through side. In response to this instruction, the bed control unit 4B, based on the slide position information detected by the slide sensor 4c, the bed drive unit 4B.
By driving and controlling b, the patient P (top 4a) is positioned at a predetermined imaging position for the X-ray fluoroscopy of the top 4a (at least a position in which the lesion part is included in the fluoroscopic imaging range). In this state, the high voltage controller 34 sends an exposure command signal to the high voltage generator 15 to execute the above-mentioned fluoroscopic imaging. The CR image data including the lesion part obtained by this fluoroscopy is A
It is sent from the / D converter 14 to the CPU 30.

In step S1, the CPU
Reference numeral 30 denotes a predetermined reference position of the subject (for example, a parietal part, when performing X-ray fluoroscopy based on the detection signals of the slide sensor 4c and / or the movement sensors 10aa and 10ba).
The distance (absolute distance to the subject) in the Z-axis direction of the CR image from the OM line) is obtained and stored.

Next, the CPU 30 displays the CR image which is fluoroscopically photographed (step S2). Specifically, CPU3
0 stores the transmitted CR image data in the internal memory, performs the required digital image processing on the CR image data, and displays the image-processed CR image data on the monitor 6 via the interactive display unit 32. send. As a result, on the monitor 6, a CR image including a lesion part of the patient P having a higher spatial resolution than that of the conventional scanogram is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG.

Next, the CPU 30 instructs the dialogue control section 32 to collect scan plan data (step S).
3). The operator visually recognizes the size, position, etc. of the lesion while looking at the CR image displayed on the monitor 31, and makes a scan plan. Specifically, the operator operates the keyboard and mouse of the input device 7 while referring to the CR image, and inputs the scan pitch, the number of slices, slice position information (slice start position, slice end position, etc.) and the like. . The scan plan data including slice position information, scan pitch, etc. designated (input) from the input device 7 is displayed on the interactive display unit 3.
2 to the CPU 30.

In this scan plan, as the slice position information, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a slice line L1 (slice start position) and a slice line L2 (slice end position) orthogonal to the body axis direction on the CR image,
For example, a mouse or the like of the input device 7 is operated to input.

Next, the CPU 30 converts the slice position designated on the CR image into the actual distance data (step S4). Specifically, the CPU 30 reads and stores the scan plan data including the sent slice position information, scan pitch, and the like. Along with this, the slice position information in the scan plan data is referred to the CR image data stored in the internal memory, and the pixel number data from the reference pixel (or distance data (pixel number × pixel size)) Convert to. As a result, in this embodiment, the slice start position L1 is converted from the reference pixel to the distance data m (mm), and the slice end position L2 is converted from the reference pixel to the distance data n (mm). Furthermore, in this conversion processing, the slide sensor 4
The absolute position data of the CR image of the subject in the Z-axis direction based on the slide value detected and stored by c is added to the distance data n and m. As a result, the distance data n and m represent absolute slice start and end positions with respect to the subject.

Next, the CPU 30 further corrects the converted distance data n and m for fine adjustment (step S).
5).

The purpose of this correction is as follows. Controlling the slice position in accordance with the distance data n, m as converted means that I.S. I. This is equivalent to changing the slice position at the height position of the X-ray incident surface of. However, in reality, since the X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray source spreads in a cone shape in the slice direction (Z-axis direction) as shown in FIG. 6, the object other than the central axis of the X-ray beam is detected. There will be some deviation between the actual slice position and the slice position designated on the CR image. For example, in the case of FIG. 6, lesion area D
The slice position shift for S is Δz.

Although the height (position in the X-axis direction) of the lesioned part is different, it can be considered that the height is approximately equal to the height of the gantry rotation center. That is, in the case of the example of FIG. 6, it is considered that the deviation Δz regarding the lesioned portion is approximately equal to the deviation Δz ′ regarding the height of the gantry rotation center O.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotation center O of the gantry is adopted as the compromise and realistic height position, and the distance data n and m correspond to the slice position at the height of the rotation center O. Convert to data n ', m'.
This correction conversion is performed by previously stored geometry data (height position of the bed (table) in the X-axis direction, height position of the rotation center of the gantry, height positions of the X-ray source and II, etc.) It is executed based on.

Next, the CPU 30 operates the X-ray CT scanner 3 based on the scan plan data to execute CT scan photography (steps S6 to S10).

That is, first, the CPU 30 sends a table moving command to the bed controller 4B. The bed control unit 4B refers to the obtained distance data m'and the position data of the table 4a detected by the sensor 4c one by one, and the bed drive unit 4B.
Drive control of b, and the slice position of the gantry 19 is C
The top plate 4a is slid so as to match the slice start position L1 designated on the R screen (step S6).

Subsequently, the CPU 30 drives and controls the gantry 19 via the gantry control unit 23 based on the scan plan data such as the designated scan pitch, and executes the scan imaging of the slice start position L1 (step S7). ).

Thereafter, the CPU 30 determines whether or not there is a slice plane to be imaged next with reference to the planned number of slices (step S8). When the imaging slice surface still remains, the CPU 30 causes the bed control unit 4B to operate.
Send the top move command again. As a result, the bed control unit 4
B refers to the position data of the tabletop 4a detected by the sensor 4c, drives and controls the bed driving unit 4b, and slides the tabletop 4a by the scan pitch (step S9). Then, similarly, a scan is executed on the new slice plane (step S10).

The processes of steps S8 to S10 are repeated until the scan photographing is executed at the slice end position L2 corresponding to the obtained distance data n '.

As a result, projection data of each slice plane between the slice start position L1 and the slice end position L2 is collected via the DAS 23. Therefore, when the CPU 30 notifies the image reconstruction unit 33 of the end of scanning, the image reconstruction unit 33 reconstructs a tomographic image of each slice plane (step S).
11). The reconstructed image is sequentially displayed on the monitor 31 via the interactive display unit 32 (step S12).

As described above, according to this embodiment,
Accurately grasp the position and size of the lesion while observing the CR image with a spatial resolution much higher than that of the conventional scano image,
Scan plan data such as slice position and scan pitch can be set from the position and size of the lesion. Then, the scan plan data is kept online for X-ray C
Used on the T-scanner 3 side. This allows the X-ray CT scanner 3 to perform scan photography. That is, it is possible to set the scan plan data including the slice position based on the high-resolution CR image taken by the X-ray fluoroscope and set the slice position (slice start position, slice end position) based on the setting data. Is. As a result, the slice position can be accurately positioned in a short time and with good operability. This allows
Patient throughput is also improved.

Further, as described above, the CR image photographing by the X-ray fluoroscope is instantaneously performed, and it is not necessary to slide the bed (top plate) unlike the conventional scano image photographing.
It is possible to accurately capture fast moving parts such as blood. From this point as well, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the accuracy of slice position setting and the reduction of the time, and the exposure dose of the patient is significantly reduced as compared with the case of using the conventional scanogram.

In the present embodiment, the case where the scan plan is set up using the CR image has been described, but the aspect of the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the following second embodiment. Can also be used (see FIG. 7). The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows an outline of the processing jointly executed by the control systems centering on the CPU 30 in the second embodiment.

A plurality of tomographic images (slice images) of a predetermined area including a lesion area are previously photographed by the X-ray CT scanner 3, and the position in the Z-axis direction of the slice plane at that time (this position itself is also the above-mentioned book). (Determined according to the positioning of the invention) is stored as an index in the memory 31 (FIG. 7, step S20). In the state where this state is secured, or in the state where it is secured, as in the case of the above-described embodiment, a CR image including a lesion is captured by the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 2 and displayed on the monitor 6 (step S21). .

At this time, a doctor or the like inputs a desired slice position by operating the keyboard or mouse of the input device 7 while looking at the CR image displayed on the monitor 6 (step S22). This input data is sent to the CPU 30 via the interactive display unit 32, as described above. CPU30
Refers to a plurality of tomographic images stored in the memory 31 based on the sent slice position data, and a tomographic image of a corresponding slice position (if there is no matching slice position, The tomographic image) is read and sent to the monitor 6 via the interactive display unit 32 (step S23). As a result, the tomographic image at the slice position designated on the CR image is displayed on the monitor 6 (step S2).
4).

That is, according to the second embodiment, the tomographic image at the desired slice position designated by the CR image can be easily and automatically displayed on the monitor. This is effective for various displays. For example, assuming that the process of step S20 described above is two sets of tomographic image groups before the anticancer drug is embedded in the body and after the anticancer drug is embedded in the body, the same designated slice plane is obtained by executing the processes of steps S21 to S24. It is possible to read out the tomographic planes before and after the implantation of the anti-cancer drug, and divide / compare and display this on the monitor. This facilitates comparative examination of the effects of the anticancer drug.

The invention further proposes another embodiment. One of the previously proposed systems is IV
R (Interventional Radiology; Interventional
Radiology) -CT, which is a system (IVR-CT / angio system) that combines an X-ray CT scanner that performs treatment while performing CT imaging and a circulatory system X-ray TV device (hereinafter simply referred to as an angio device) . In this system, for example, insertion of a catheter used for injection of a contrast agent by angiography into a blood vessel is performed with reference to an X-ray TV fluoroscopic image by an angio apparatus and a tomographic image by an X-ray CT scanner. There is.

However, the above-mentioned system merely arranges the angio apparatus and the X-ray CT scanner adjacent to each other, and refers to the fluoroscopic image and the tomographic image separately photographed, respectively. Since slice position information and the like are not exchanged between the apparatus and the X-ray CT scanner, it takes a considerable amount of time to position the slice position to be imaged (to obtain a tomographic image) with the X-ray CT scanner. .

The present invention can be applied to all systems combining such an X-ray TV fluoroscopic system and an X-ray CT scanner system, and can also be applied to the above-mentioned IVR-CT / angio system. That is, when slice position information suitable for grasping the positional relationship between blood vessels and catheters that run intricately while overlapping each other is input while viewing a CR image taken by an X-ray fluoroscope, based on this slice position information A slice position to be imaged by IVR-CT is automatically set, and a tomographic image at that slice position is imaged. Therefore, the positioning time of the slice position in the X-ray CT scanner, which is required in the conventional IVR-CT / angio system, is greatly reduced.

In the present embodiment, as an apparatus for generating a CR image, an I.D. I. Although an X-ray fluoroscope having an image pickup unit of the / TV system is used, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, other digitally processed fluoroscopic images such as an X-ray fluoroscope using an imaging plate. Any X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus may be used as long as it is a fluoroscopic apparatus capable of obtaining

Further, in the system of the present embodiment, the tomographic image is displayed on the monitor displaying the CR image, but it may be displayed on another monitor. Further, the monitor screen of the single monitor may be divided so that the CR image and the tomographic image are displayed simultaneously. Note that such control is performed by the interactive display unit.

Further, in the system of this embodiment, the order of the above-mentioned steps S4 and S5 of FIG. 4 may be exchanged. That is, the slice start position L1 and the slice end position L2 may be immediately corrected based on FIG. 6 and then converted into the distance data n, m.

Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the explanation has been made on the assumption that the X-ray fluoroscope and the X-ray CT scanner are provided as one system integrated in advance. The same applies to a system in which the fluoroscope and the X-ray CT scanner are separately manufactured, and are integrally assembled at the installation site. In that case, a controller (ie, console, monitor, common to both the fluoroscope and the X-ray CT scanner).
And components of the input device) and the bed may belong to either the fluoroscope or the X-ray CT scanner.

[0069]

As described above, according to the X-ray diagnostic system, the imaging and positioning method, and the X-ray scanner of the present invention, an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus for obtaining a CR image of a subject composed of pixel values of digital quantity is provided. And an X-ray CT scanner for obtaining a tomographic image of the subject, obtain position information on the tomographic image of the subject using the CR image, and use the CR image between the X-ray fluoroscope and the X-ray CT scanner. I try to share it. For example, C
The desired slice position is determined using the position information of the pixel inherent in the R image, this slice position is sent to the X-ray CT scanner online, and the image indexed at that slice position is stored. In addition, the slice position is referred to online and the tomographic image at the desired slice position is read out.

As a result, the slice position information necessary for the tomography of the X-ray CT scanner is used not only as the tomography but also as an index at the time of image interpretation after the imaging. Can be used. In particular, the positioning of the slice position of the X-ray CT scanner can be performed accurately, in a short time, and with good operability by significantly reducing the amount of X-ray exposure. As a result, the tomographic image of the required site can be reliably and quickly secured by the accurate positioning, and the operator can remarkably reduce the labor of the positioning since the positioning is hardly redone. The effect that the patient throughput can also be improved is obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an X-ray diagnostic system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a circuit system configuration of the X-ray diagnostic system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing a reference pixel in a CR image.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing of the entire X-ray diagnostic system accompanying a CT scan plan and a planned scan execution.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a slice start position and a slice end position designated on a CR image and their distances from a reference pixel.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship in the axial direction between a slice position determined using a CR image and a lesion.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing of the entire X-ray diagnostic system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

8A is a diagram schematically showing a slice position A determined on a scanogram, and FIG. 8B is a diagram schematically showing a tomographic image at the slice position A. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 X-ray diagnostic system 2 X-ray fluoroscope 3 X-ray CT scanner 4 Bed 4A Bed 4B Bed control 4a Top 4b Bed drive 4c Sensor 5 Console 6 Monitor 7 Input device 10 Support 10aa, 10ba Sensor 11 C-arm 12 X-ray tube 13 Imaging unit 14 A / D converter 19 Gantry 20 X-ray tube 21 X-ray detector 22 Gantry drive mechanism 23 Gantry control unit 24 Data acquisition unit 30 CPU 31 Memory 32 Interactive display unit 33 Image reconstruction unit

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus that obtains a CR image consisting of digital values of pixel values from a transmitted X-ray that accompanies fluoroscopy of an object, and an X-ray CT scanner that obtains a tomographic image of the object. And a common control device for controlling the operations of the X-ray fluoroscopic device and the X-ray CT scanner, wherein the control device obtains tomographic position information of the subject using the CR image. And a sharing means for sharing the position information between the X-ray fluoroscope and the X-ray CT scanner. 2. The obtaining means is means for obtaining a slice position of the subject by the X-ray CT scanner as the position information using the CR image, and the sharing means is for obtaining the slice position by the X-ray. The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 1, which is a means for supplying the X-ray CT scanner. 3. The X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus includes an X-ray source that irradiates the X-rays, and an imaging unit that detects the transmitted X-rays.
The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 2, further comprising: a converter that converts an output signal of the imaging unit into a digital amount, and a monitor that displays the output signal of the converter as the CR image. 4. The input unit, wherein the acquisition unit manually indicates a desired position on the CR image displayed on the monitor,
The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 3, further comprising: a setting unit that sets the slice position from the desired position designated via the input device. 5. The slice is set based on position information indicating an absolute position of the entire CR image in a subject and position information unique to pixels of the CR image in the CR image. The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 5, which is means for setting a position. 6. The setting means comprises correction means for correcting the set slice position according to the height of the position of the rotation center of the gantry of the X-ray CT scanner.
The X-ray diagnostic system described. 7. The setting means includes position information indicating an absolute position of the entire CR image in a subject, position information uniquely included in pixels of the CR image in the CR image, and the X-ray CT. The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 4, which is means for setting the slice position based on height information of a rotation center of a gantry of the scanner. 8. The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus and the X-ray CT scanner have a structure in which a bed on which the subject is placed is shared. 9. The X-ray CT scanner includes a storage device that stores a plurality of tomographic images using the slice positions as an index, and the sharing unit includes the slices obtained by the computing unit. 3. The X-ray according to claim 2, further comprising: a search unit that searches for a tomographic image corresponding to a position from a plurality of tomographic images in the storage unit, and a display unit that displays the tomographic image searched by the searching unit. Diagnostic system. 10. An imaging and positioning method in an X-ray diagnostic system in which an X-ray fluoroscope and an X-ray CT scanner are integrated, wherein the subject is fluoroscopically obtained by using the X-ray fluoroscope. A CR image composed of digital pixel values is generated from the transmitted X-rays, a desired position for tomography of the subject is determined using the CR image, and the desired position is given to the X-ray CT scanner. And the shooting positioning method. 11. An X-ray CT scanner that obtains a tomographic image of a subject for each slice position, using a CR image formed of digital pixel values from the transmitted X-ray that accompanies fluoroscopy of the subject. An X-ray CT scanner, comprising: a receiving unit that receives the information of the slice position obtained from the outside from the outside; and an imaging unit that performs X-ray tomography at the received slice position.