Novel approximate approach for high-quality image reconstruction in helical cone-beam CT at arbitrary pitch

We present a novel approximate image reconstruction technique for helical cone-beam CT, called the Advanced Multiple Plane Reconstruction (AMPR). The method is an extension of the ASSR algorithm presented in Medical Physics vol. 27, no. 4, 2000 by Kachelriess et al. In the ASSR, the pitch is fixed to a certain value and dose usage is not optimum. These limitations have been overcome in the AMPR algorithm by reconstructing several image planes from any given half scan range of projection angles. The image planes are tilted in two orientations so as to optimally use the data available on the detector. After reconstruction of several sets of tilted images, a subsequent interpolation step reformats the oblique image planes to a set of voxels sampled on a cartesian grid. Using our novel approach on a scanner with 16 slices, we can achieve image quality superior to what is currently a standard for four-slice scanners. Dose usage in the order of 95% for all pitch values can be achieved. We present simulations of semi-antropomorphic phantoms using a standard CT scanner geometry and a 16 slice design.