Multiple-energy X-ray subtraction imaging system

This invention relates to x-ray imaging systems, with particular reference to blood vessels. In a primary application the invention relates to obtaining isolated images of an administered contrast agent. The absorption of X-rays transmitted through a body is measured in a plurality of energy ranges and these measurements are processed to obtain image data with the soft tissue component eliminated. Such processed image data is obtained before and after the administration of a contrast agent, such as iodine, to the body. The two sets of processed image data are subtractively combined to obtain an isolated image of the contrast agent which is immune to motion of soft tissue. (author)