X-ray body scanner for computerized tomography comprising inner fluid container surrounded by outer fluid container

Apparatus for examining at least a portion of a body such as a breast with a scanned x-ray beam, comprising:

• scan arm means rotatable about a vertical axis that is disposed for being directed through the body portion that is to be examined,
• x-ray source means and x-ray detector means mounted on said scan arm means on opposite sides of said axis, said source means being operative to project an x-ray beam through a layer of said body portion toward said detector means,
• an x-ray permeable inner container having side wall means with upper edges defining a top opening and being disposed on said axis for containing the body portion and a fluid having x-ray absorption properties comparable to water, which fluid contacts and surrounds said body portion,
• an outer container having x-ray permeable side wall means surrounding the inner container and defining a space for water,
• means for rotating said outer container concurrently with said scan arm means,
• means for supporting a body in a position for said body portion to extend generally vertically into said inner container and to permit tissue adjacent said portion to be substantially contiguous with the upper edges of said inner container, and
• conduit means for communicating fluid to and from said containers.