Apparatus and method for obtaining analog and computer projection radiographs from computer tomographic scanners

A computer tomography (CT) scanner may be retrofitted or redesigned to integrally include an analog X-ray detector which allows the CT scanner to be used to provide both high spatial resolution analog projection radiographs and high contrast resolution CT images. A cassette carrier having a curved slot defined therein is provided for placement on or in the moveable tabletop of the CT scanner. The patient is then placed upon or above the cassette carrier. A flexible cassette is then disposed within the curved cassette and assumes the radius of curvature defined by the slot. The radius of curvature is chosen such that the film cassette is focused on a collimated X-ray source within the CT scanner. The curved cassette includes or may be combined with a flexible X-ray grid placed proximate to adjacent the X-ray film. The film cassette includes a phosphor plate and photosensitive film plate held in immediate contact with phosphor plate by which the analog projection radiograph is recorded. In this manner, the procedures of analog radiography and advantages thereof may be derived using existing computer tomography equipment.