Author: Erica Nunn
Nunn, Erica, 2022 Can Compton Scatter Imaging be incorporated with the Micro-x CT scanner prototype to aid in the detection of stroke?, Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering
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Micro-X is developing a computed tomography (CT) scanner for the detection of stroke in
ambulances to assist in the global recognised need for earlier detection and treatment of
strokes. Whilst often thought to be an unwanted component in radiological imaging,
Compton scattered radiation can provide helpful information as the process is dependent on
the scattering medium. To add a secondary image contrast to aid in the detection of stroke,
this study will investigate how the scatter produced during the CT scan can be used to the
diagnostic team’s advantage through the implementation of Compton Scatter Imaging (CSI).
To complete a thorough investigation, a literature review of the current CSI technology and
stroke pathophysiology was conducted. Differential scatter cross-sections were then
calculated to hypothesise what the Compton scatter signal would be. CSI data was then
modelled through Monte Carlo simulations performed using the GEANT4 toolkit and
statistical data analysis was conducted. The mean and standard deviations of the region of
interest selected in the output images of the Monte Carlo simulations was calculated. It was
found that using traditional X-ray systems, the difference in photon intensities at the detector
is not significantly different for ischemia and healthy tissue at 0.11% (P = 0.7428).
Comparatively, the difference between ischemic and healthy tissue in the Compton scatter
imaging system was found to be statistically significant at 2.06% (P=0.0007). It was
concluded that this preliminary research showed promising results that CSI could be
incorporated with the Micro-X CT scanner.
Keywords: Compton Scatter, X-ray, Stroke
Subject: Engineering thesis
Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2022
School: College of Science and Engineering
Supervisor: Egon Perilli