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Fink N, Emrich T, Schoepf UJ, Zsarnoczay E, O’Doherty J, Halfmann MC, Griffith JP, Pinos D, Suranyi P, Baruah D, Kabakus IM, Ricke J, Varga-Szemes A. Improved Detection of Small and Low-Density Plaques in Virtual Noncontrast Imaging-based Calcium Scoring at Photon-Counting Detector CT. Radiol Cardiothorac Imaging 2024; 6:e230328. [PMID: 39023373 PMCID: PMC11369658 DOI: 10.1148/ryct.230328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the impact of plaque size and density on virtual noncontrast (VNC)-based coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) using photon-counting detector CT and to provide safety net reconstructions for improved detection of subtle plaques in patients whose VNC-based CACS would otherwise be erroneously zero when compared with true noncontrast (TNC)-based CACS. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, CACS was evaluated in a phantom containing calcifications with different diameters (5, 3, and 1 mm) and densities (800, 400, and 200 mg/cm3) and in participants who underwent TNC and contrast-enhanced cardiac photon-counting detector CT (July 2021-March 2022). VNC images were reconstructed at different virtual monoenergetic imaging (55-80 keV) and quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR) levels (QIR,1-4). TNC scans at 70 keV with QIR off served as the reference standard. In vitro CACS was analyzed using standard settings (3.0-mm sections, kernel Qr36, 130-HU threshold). Calcification detectability and CACS of small and low-density plaques were also evaluated using 1.0-mm sections, kernel Qr44, and 120- or 110-HU thresholds. Safety net reconstructions were defined based on background Agatston scores and evaluated in vivo in TNC plaques initially nondetectable using standard VNC reconstructions. Results The in vivo cohort included 63 participants (57.8 years ± 15.5 [SD]; 37 [59%] male, 26 [41%] female). Correlation and agreement between standard CACSVNC and CACSTNC were higher in large- and medium-sized and high- and medium-density than in low-density plaques (in vitro: intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥ 0.90; r > 0.9 vs ICC = 0.20-0.48; r = 0.5-0.6). Small plaques were not detectable using standard VNC reconstructions. Calcification detectability was highest using 1.0-mm sections, kernel Qr44, 120- and 110-HU thresholds, and QIR level of 2 or less VNC reconstructions. Compared with standard VNC, using safety net reconstructions (55 keV, QIR 2, 110-HU threshold) for in vivo subtle plaque detection led to higher detection (increased by 89% [50 of 56]) and improved correlation and agreement of CACSVNC with CACSTNC (in vivo: ICC = 0.51-0.61; r = 0.6). Conclusion Compared with TNC-based calcium scoring, VNC-based calcium scoring was limited for small and low-density plaques but improved using safety net reconstructions, which may be particularly useful in patients with low calcium scores who would otherwise be treated based on potentially false-negative results. Keywords: Coronary Artery Calcium CT, Photon-Counting Detector CT, Virtual Noncontrast, Plaque Size, Plaque Density Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Fink
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - Tilman Emrich
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - U. Joseph Schoepf
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - Emese Zsarnoczay
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - Jim O’Doherty
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - Moritz C. Halfmann
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - Joseph P. Griffith
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - Daniel Pinos
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - Pal Suranyi
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - Dhiraj Baruah
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - Ismail M. Kabakus
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - Jens Ricke
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
| | - Akos Varga-Szemes
- From the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division
of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River
Tower, 25 Courtenay Dr, MUSC 226, Charleston, SC 29425-2260 (N.F., T.E., U.J.S.,
E.Z., J.O., J.P.G., D.P., P.S., D.B., I.M.K., A.V.S.); Department of Radiology,
University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany (N.F., J.R.); Department of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes
Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany (T.E., M.C.H.); German Centre for
Cardiovascular Research, Mainz, Germany (T.E.); Medical Imaging Center,
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (E.Z.); and Siemens Medical Solutions,
Malvern, Pa (J.O.)
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Shami A, Sun J, Gialeli C, Markstad H, Edsfeldt A, Aurumskjöld ML, Gonçalves I. Atherosclerotic plaque features relevant to rupture-risk detected by clinical photon-counting CT ex vivo: a proof-of-concept study. Eur Radiol Exp 2024; 8:14. [PMID: 38286959 PMCID: PMC10825079 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-023-00410-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify subjects with rupture-prone atherosclerotic plaques before thrombotic events occur is an unmet clinical need. Thus, this proof-of-concept study aims to determine which rupture-prone plaque features can be detected using clinically available photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT). METHODS In this retrospective study, advanced atherosclerotic plaques (ex vivo, paraffin-embedded) from the Carotid Plaque Imaging Project were scanned by PCCT with reconstructed energy levels (45, 70, 120, 190 keV). Density in HU was measured in 97 regions of interest (ROIs) representing rupture-prone plaque features as demonstrated by histopathology (thrombus, lipid core, necrosis, fibrosis, intraplaque haemorrhage, calcium). The relationship between HU and energy was then assessed using a mixed-effects model for each plaque feature. RESULTS Plaques from five men (age 79 ± 8 [mean ± standard deviation]) were included in the study. Comparing differences in coefficients (b1diff) of matched ROIs on plaque images obtained by PCCT and histology confirmed that calcium was distinguishable from all other analysed features. Of greater novelty, additional rupture-prone plaque features proved discernible from each other, particularly when comparing haemorrhage with fibrous cap (p = 0.017), lipids (p = 0.003) and necrosis (p = 0.004) and thrombus compared to fibrosis (p = 0.048), fibrous cap (p = 0.028), lipids (p = 0.015) and necrosis (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS Clinically available PCCT detects not only calcification, but also other rupture-prone features of human carotid plaques ex vivo. RELEVANCE STATEMENT Improved atherosclerotic plaque characterisation by photon-counting CT provides the ability to distinguish not only calcium, but also rupture-prone plaque features such as haemorrhage and thrombus. This may potentially improve monitoring and risk stratification of atherosclerotic patients in order to prevent strokes. KEY POINTS • CT of atherosclerotic plaques mainly detects calcium. • Many components, such as intra-plaque haemorrhage and lipids, determine increased plaque rupture risk. • Ex vivo carotid plaque photon-counting CT distinguishes haemorrhage and thrombus. • Improved plaque photon-counting CT evaluation may refine risk stratification accuracy to prevent strokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelie Shami
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Jiangming Sun
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Chrysostomi Gialeli
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Hanna Markstad
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Medical Imaging and Physiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund/Malmö, Sweden
| | - Andreas Edsfeldt
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Malmö, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie-Louise Aurumskjöld
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Medical Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Jan Waldenströms Gata 35, CRC 91:12, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Malmö, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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McCollough CH, Rajiah P, Bois JP, Winfree TN, Carter RE, Rajendran K, Williamson EE, Thorne JE, Leng S. Comparison of Photon-counting Detector and Energy-integrating Detector CT for Visual Estimation of Coronary Percent Luminal Stenosis. Radiology 2023; 309:e230853. [PMID: 38051190 PMCID: PMC10741385 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.230853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Compared with energy-integrating detector (EID) CT, the improved resolution of photon-counting detector (PCD) CT coupled with high-energy virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) has been shown to decrease calcium blooming on images in phantoms and cadaveric specimens. Purpose To determine the impact of dual-source PCD CT on visual and quantitative estimation of percent diameter luminal stenosis compared with dual-source EID CT in patients. Materials and Methods This prospective study recruited consecutive adult patients from an outpatient facility between January and March 2022. Study participants underwent clinical dual-source EID coronary CT angiography followed by a research dual-source PCD CT examination. For PCD CT, multienergy data were used to create VMIs at 50 and 100 keV. Two readers independently reviewed EID CT images followed by PCD CT images after a washout period. Readers visually graded the most severe stenosis in terms of percent diameter luminal stenosis for the left main, left anterior descending, right, and circumflex coronary arteries, unblinded to scanner type. Quantitative measures of percent stenosis were made using commercial software. Visual and quantitative estimates of percent stenosis were compared between EID CT and PCD CT using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results A total of 25 participants (median age, 59 years [range, 18-78 years]; 16 male participants) were enrolled. On EID CT images, readers 1 and 2 identified 39 and 32 luminal stenoses, respectively, with a percent diameter luminal stenosis greater than 0%. Visual estimates of percent stenosis were lower on PCD CT images than EID CT images (reader 1: median 20.6% [IQR, 8.8%-61.2%] vs 31.8% [IQR, 12.9%-69.7%], P < .001; reader 2: 6.5% [IQR, 0.4%-54.1%] vs 22.9% [IQR, 1.8%-67.4%], P = .002). No difference was observed between EID CT and PCD CT for quantitative measures of percent stenosis (median difference, -1.5% [95% CI: -3.0%, 2.5%]; P = .51). Conclusion Relative to using EID CT, using PCD CT led to decreases in visual estimates of percent stenosis. © RSNA, 2023 See also the editorial by Murphy and Donnelly in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia H. McCollough
- From the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (C.H.M., P.R., J.P.B., T.N.W., K.R., E.E.W., J.E.T., S.L.); and Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla (R.E.C.)
| | - Prabhakar Rajiah
- From the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (C.H.M., P.R., J.P.B., T.N.W., K.R., E.E.W., J.E.T., S.L.); and Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla (R.E.C.)
| | - John P. Bois
- From the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (C.H.M., P.R., J.P.B., T.N.W., K.R., E.E.W., J.E.T., S.L.); and Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla (R.E.C.)
| | - Tim N. Winfree
- From the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (C.H.M., P.R., J.P.B., T.N.W., K.R., E.E.W., J.E.T., S.L.); and Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla (R.E.C.)
| | - Rickey E. Carter
- From the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (C.H.M., P.R., J.P.B., T.N.W., K.R., E.E.W., J.E.T., S.L.); and Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla (R.E.C.)
| | - Kishore Rajendran
- From the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (C.H.M., P.R., J.P.B., T.N.W., K.R., E.E.W., J.E.T., S.L.); and Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla (R.E.C.)
| | - Eric E. Williamson
- From the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (C.H.M., P.R., J.P.B., T.N.W., K.R., E.E.W., J.E.T., S.L.); and Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla (R.E.C.)
| | - Jamison E. Thorne
- From the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (C.H.M., P.R., J.P.B., T.N.W., K.R., E.E.W., J.E.T., S.L.); and Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla (R.E.C.)
| | - Shuai Leng
- From the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (C.H.M., P.R., J.P.B., T.N.W., K.R., E.E.W., J.E.T., S.L.); and Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla (R.E.C.)
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Photon Counting Detector CT-Based Virtual Noniodine Reconstruction Algorithm for In Vitro and In Vivo Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring: Impact of Virtual Monoenergetic and Quantum Iterative Reconstructions. Invest Radiol 2023:00004424-990000000-00091. [PMID: 36822677 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) and quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR) on the accuracy of coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) using a virtual noniodine (VNI) reconstruction algorithm on a first-generation, clinical, photon counting detector computed tomography system. MATERIALS AND METHODS Coronary artery calcium scoring was evaluated in an anthropomorphic chest phantom simulating 3 different patient sizes by using 2 extension rings (small: 300 × 200 mm, medium: 350 × 250 mm, large: 400 × 300 mm) and in patients (n = 61; final analyses only in patients with coronary calcifications [n = 34; 65.4 ± 10.0 years; 73.5% male]), who underwent nonenhanced and contrast-enhanced, electrocardiogram-gated, cardiac computed tomography on a photon counting detector system. Phantom and patient data were reconstructed using a VNI reconstruction algorithm at different VMI (55-80 keV) and QIR (strength 1-4) levels (CACSVNI). True noncontrast (TNC) scans at 70 keV and QIR "off" were used as reference for phantom and patient studies (CACSTNC). RESULTS In vitro and in vivo CACSVNI showed strong correlation (r > 0.9, P < 0.001 for all) and excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9 for all) with CACSTNC at all investigated VMI and QIR levels. Phantom and patient CACSVNI significantly increased with decreasing keV levels (in vitro: from 475.2 ± 26.3 at 80 keV up to 652.5 ± 42.2 at 55 keV; in vivo: from 142.5 [7.4/737.7] at 80 keV up to 248.1 [31.2/1144] at 55 keV; P < 0.001 for all), resulting in an overestimation of CACSVNI at 55 keV compared with CACSTNC at 70 keV in some cases (in vitro: 625.8 ± 24.4; in vivo: 225.4 [35.1/959.7]). In vitro CACS increased with rising QIR at low keV. In vivo scores were significantly higher at QIR 1 compared with QIR 4 only at 60 and 80 keV (60 keV: 220.3 [29.6-1060] vs 219.5 [23.7/1048]; 80 keV: 152.0 [12.0/735.6] vs 142.5 [7.4/737.7]; P < 0.001). CACSVNI was closest to CACSTNC at 60 keV, QIR 2 (+0.1%) in the small; 55 keV, QIR 1 (±0%) in the medium; 55 keV, QIR 4 (-0.1%) in the large phantom; and at 60 keV, QIR 1 (-2.3%) in patients. CONCLUSIONS Virtual monoenergetic imaging reconstructions have a significant impact on CACSVNI. The effects of different QIR levels are less consistent and seem to depend on several individual conditions, which should be further investigated.
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Saba L, Loewe C, Weikert T, Williams MC, Galea N, Budde RPJ, Vliegenthart R, Velthuis BK, Francone M, Bremerich J, Natale L, Nikolaou K, Dacher JN, Peebles C, Caobelli F, Redheuil A, Dewey M, Kreitner KF, Salgado R. State-of-the-art CT and MR imaging and assessment of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease: the reporting-a consensus document by the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR). Eur Radiol 2023; 33:1088-1101. [PMID: 36194266 PMCID: PMC9889425 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-09025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR) is the European specialist society of cardiac and vascular imaging. This society's highest priority is the continuous improvement, development, and standardization of education, training, and best medical practice, based on experience and evidence. The present intra-society consensus is based on the existing scientific evidence and on the individual experience of the members of the ESCR writing group on carotid diseases, the members of the ESCR guidelines committee, and the members of the executive committee of the ESCR. The recommendations published herein reflect the evidence-based society opinion of ESCR. The purpose of this second document is to discuss suggestions for standardized reporting based on the accompanying consensus document part I. KEY POINTS: • CT and MR imaging-based evaluation of carotid artery disease provides essential information for risk stratification and prediction of stroke. • The information in the report must cover vessel morphology, description of stenosis, and plaque imaging features. • A structured approach to reporting ensures that all essential information is delivered in a standardized and consistent way to the referring clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Christian Loewe
- Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Weikert
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michelle C Williams
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH164SB, UK
- Edinburgh Imaging Facility QMRI, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicola Galea
- Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ricardo P J Budde
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rozemarijn Vliegenthart
- Department of Radiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Birgitta K Velthuis
- Department of Radiology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Francone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jens Bremerich
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Natale
- Department of Radiological Sciences - Institute of Radiology, Catholic University of Rome, "A. Gemelli" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jean-Nicolas Dacher
- Department of Radiology, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1096 - Rouen University Hospital, F 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Charles Peebles
- Department of Cardiothoracic Radiology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Federico Caobelli
- University Clinic of Nuclear Medicine Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alban Redheuil
- Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic, Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Institute of Cardiology, APHP, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM 1146, CNRS 7371, Paris, France
| | - Marc Dewey
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1371, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl-Friedrich Kreitner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, Mainz Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Salgado
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital & Antwerp University, Holy Heart Lier, Berlaar, Belgium.
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Ren Z, Jiang B, Wu X, Zhang Z, Chen H, Cai H, Fu C. Diagnostic accuracy of dual-energy computed tomography angiography in the differentiation of benign and malignant pelvic masses. Eur J Radiol 2022; 150:110240. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Lv P, Ji A, Zhang R, Guo D, Tang X, Lin J. Circumferential degree of carotid calcification is associated with new ischemic brain lesions after carotid artery stenting. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:2669-2676. [PMID: 34079732 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The relationship between plaque calcification and new ischemic brain lesions after carotid artery stenting (CAS) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine if the circumferential degree of carotid calcification is associated with new ischemic brain lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) after CAS. Methods A total of 96 patients with carotid stenosis of ≥50% who underwent CAS were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent preoperative carotid computed tomography (CT), and preoperative and postoperative brain MRI. The brain MRI sequences included T1WI, T2WI, T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and DWI. The location, circumferential degree, volume, percentage volume, maximum density, mean density, Agatston score of carotid calcification, and total plaque volume were assessed and compared between patients with and without new ischemic brain lesions after CAS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of new ischemic brain lesions. Results All of the 96 patients (67.8±6.8 years of age, 83.3% men) were included in the analysis. New ischemic brain lesions on DWI were observed in 40 patients (41.7%). Patients with new ischemic brain lesions after CAS had a larger circumferential degree of calcification than those without new ischemic brain lesions (P<0.001). There was only a possible trend toward significance for the percentage volume of calcification between the two groups with and without new brain ischemic lesions (P=0.07). No significant differences were found regarding the location (P=0.18), volume (P=0.37), maximum density (P=0.44), mean density (P=0.39), Agatston score (P=0.28), and total plaque volume (P=0.33) of carotid calcification between the DWI+ and DWI- groups. In the multivariate analysis, an increased risk of new ischemic brain lesions was observed in patients with a high score for the circumferential degree of calcification [score 3; odds ratio (OR): 10.7, P<0.001; score 4, OR: 11.7, P=0.038]. Conclusions The circumferential degree of carotid calcification was associated with new ischemic brain lesions after CAS. CAS should be avoided if possible for carotid stenosis with large circumferential calcified plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lv
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - Aihua Ji
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ranying Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - Daqiao Guo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Tang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Lin
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
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Murgia A, Erta M, Suri JS, Gupta A, Wintermark M, Saba L. CT imaging features of carotid artery plaque vulnerability. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1261. [PMID: 33178793 PMCID: PMC7607080 DOI: 10.21037/atm-2020-cass-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite steady advances in medical care, cardiovascular disease remains one of the main causes of death and long-term morbidity worldwide. Up to 30% of strokes are associated with the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. While the degree of stenosis has long been recognized as the main guiding factor in risk stratification and therapeutical decisions, recent evidence suggests that features of unstable, or ‘vulnerable’, plaques offer better prognostication capabilities. This paradigmatic shift has motivated researchers to explore the potentialities of non-invasive diagnostic tools to image not only the lumen, but also the vascular wall and the structural characteristics of the plaque. The present review will offer a panoramic on the imaging modalities currently available to characterize carotid atherosclerotic plaques and, in particular, it will focus on the increasingly important role covered by multidetector computed tomographic angiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Murgia
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato, s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - Marco Erta
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato, s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - Jasjit S Suri
- Stroke Monitoring and Diagnosis Division, AtheroPoint(tm), Roseville, CA, USA
| | - Ajay Gupta
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato, s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
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Effect of energy difference in the evaluation of calcification size and luminal diameter in calcified coronary artery plaque using spectral CT. Jpn J Radiol 2020; 38:1142-1149. [PMID: 32767199 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-020-01027-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated the calcium blooming-reducing effect and the differences of luminal diameter among various-energy virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) using rapid kilovolt-switching dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-five calcified segments in 31 patients were analyzed. For the analysis, 40- to 140-keV VMIs on both non-contrast CT and coronary CT angiography were generated at 10-keV steps, and calcification size and luminal diameter were measured using CT number profile curve and full-width at half-maximum method. We compared calcification size and luminal diameter on each keV VMIs with those on 70-keV VMI. RESULTS There was no significant differences among the 40- to 140-keV VMIs regarding calcification size or luminal diameter. CONCLUSION The 40- to 140-keV VMIs produced by single-source DECT had no effect on the calcification size or luminal diameter in the coronary artery.
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10
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Murgia A, Balestrieri A, Francone M, Lucatelli P, Scapin E, Buckler A, Micheletti G, Faa G, Conti M, Suri JS, Guglielmi G, Carriero A, Saba L. Plaque imaging volume analysis: technique and application. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2020; 10:1032-1047. [PMID: 32968659 PMCID: PMC7487381 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2020.03.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The prevention and management of atherosclerosis poses a tough challenge to public health organizations worldwide. Together with myocardial infarction, stroke represents its main manifestation, with up to 25% of all ischemic strokes being caused by thromboembolism arising from the carotid arteries. Therefore, a vast number of publications have focused on the characterization of the culprit lesion, the atherosclerotic plaque. A paradigm shift appears to be taking place at the current state of research, as the attention is gradually moving from the classically defined degree of stenosis to the identification of features of plaque vulnerability, which appear to be more reliable predictors of recurrent cerebrovascular events. The present review will offer a perspective on the present state of research in the field of carotid atherosclerotic disease, focusing on the imaging modalities currently used in the study of the carotid plaque and the impact that such diagnostic means are having in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Murgia
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari – Polo di Monserrato, s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari) 09045, Italy
| | - Antonella Balestrieri
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari – Polo di Monserrato, s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari) 09045, Italy
| | - Marco Francone
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences-Radiology, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierleone Lucatelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences-Radiology, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Scapin
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari – Polo di Monserrato, s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari) 09045, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Micheletti
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari – Polo di Monserrato, s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari) 09045, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari – Polo San Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari (Cagliari) 09045, Italy
| | - Maurizio Conti
- Diagnostic and Monitoring Division, AtheroPoint™ LLC, Roseville, CA, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering, U of Idaho (Affl.), Idaho, USA
| | - Jasjit S. Suri
- Diagnostic and Monitoring Division, AtheroPoint™ LLC, Roseville, CA, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering, U of Idaho (Affl.), Idaho, USA
| | | | - Alessandro Carriero
- Department of Radiology, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari – Polo di Monserrato, s.s. 554 Monserrato (Cagliari) 09045, Italy
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Al-Baldawi Y, Große Hokamp N, Haneder S, Steinhauser S, Püsken M, Persigehl T, Maintz D, Wybranski C. Virtual mono-energetic images and iterative image reconstruction: abdominal vessel imaging in the era of spectral detector CT. Clin Radiol 2020; 75:641.e9-641.e18. [PMID: 32362502 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2020.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare the quality of virtual mono-energetic (VMI) and polychromatic images reconstructed with hybrid iterative (PCIHIR) or model-based reconstruction (PCIMBR) derived from dual-layer spectral detector computed tomography (SDCT) in arterial phase images to visualise the aorta and abdominal main branches. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective review of 50 patients with abdominal arterial phase scans was undertaken. Attenuation, intraluminal noise, and signal-/contrast-to-noise ratio (S-/CNR) were assessed in the PCIHIR, PCIMBR and VMI40keV, VMI70keV, and VMI100keV images. Contrast, noise, and visualization of soft-plaque, and macro-/micro-calcifications were scored in a blinded reading by two radiologists. RESULTS VMI40keV yielded highest S-/CNR (p≤0.001). VMI70keV and PCIMBR showed comparable SNR (p≥0.999) and yielded higher SNR than PCIHIR. VMI70keV yielded higher CNR than PCIHIR (p<0.001) and PCIMBR (p<0.045). VMI100keV yielded lowest CNR (p≤0.001) and SNR (p≥0.104). In the subjective analysis, VMI40keV outperformed PCIMBR for contrast and noise, PCIMBR scored better than VMI70keV, and the latter scored better than PCIHIR for these categories (all p<0.001). PCIMBR was superior for depiction of soft-plaque and micro-calcifications (p<0.001). VMI100keV visualized micro-calcifications second best (p<0.001) and matched PCIMBR for the depiction of macro-calcifications (p>0.999), while VMI40keV scored second best for depiction of soft-plaque (p<0.020). CONCLUSIONS VMI40keV and VMI70keV yield better S-/CNR than PCIHIR and PCIMBR; however, PCIMBR visualized arteriosclerotic plaques best, followed by VMI40keV for depiction of soft-plaque and VMI100keV for macro- and micro-calcification. Based on the present findings, PCIMBR on conventional CT and VMI40keV supplemented by VMI100keV on SDCT are recommended for the diagnostic assessment of abdominal arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Al-Baldawi
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Cologne, Germany.
| | - N Große Hokamp
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Haneder
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Steinhauser
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute for Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Cologne, Germany
| | - M Püsken
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Cologne, Germany
| | - T Persigehl
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Maintz
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Cologne, Germany
| | - C Wybranski
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Cologne, Germany
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Albrecht MH, Vogl TJ, Martin SS, Nance JW, Duguay TM, Wichmann JL, De Cecco CN, Varga-Szemes A, van Assen M, Tesche C, Schoepf UJ. Review of Clinical Applications for Virtual Monoenergetic Dual-Energy CT. Radiology 2019; 293:260-271. [DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2019182297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Variation of degree of stenosis quantification using different energy level with dual energy CT scanner. Neuroradiology 2018; 61:285-291. [PMID: 30554271 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-018-2142-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the variation in the quantification of the carotid degree of stenosis (DoS) with a dual energy computed tomography (CT), using different energy levels during the image reconstruction. METHODS In this retrospective study, 53 subjects (37 males; mean age 67 ± 11 years; age range 47-83 years) studied with a multi-energy CT scanner were included. Datasets were reconstructed on a dedicated workstation and from the CT raw data multiple datasets were generated at the following monochromatic energy levels: 66, 70, 77, and 86 kilo-electronvolt (keV). Two radiologists independently performed all measurements for quantification of the degree of stenosis. Wilcoxon test was used to test the differences between the Hounsifield unit (HU) values in the plaques at different keV. RESULTS The Wilcoxon analysis showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) in the DoS assessment among the different keVs selected. The Bland-Altman analysis showed that the DoS difference had a linear relation with the keV difference (the bigger is the difference in keV, the bigger is the variation in DoS) and that for different keVs, the difference in DoS is reduced with its increase. CONCLUSION A standardization in the use of the energy level during the image reconstruction should be considered.
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Forte E, Monti S, Parente CA, Beyer L, De Rosa R, Infante T, Cavaliere C, Cademartiri F, Salvatore M, Stroszczynski C, Tedeschi C. Image Quality and Dose Reduction by Dual Source Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography: Protocol Comparison. Dose Response 2018; 16:1559325818805838. [PMID: 30349426 PMCID: PMC6194939 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818805838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To compare image quality and radiation dose among different protocols in patients who underwent a 128-slice dual source computed tomography coronary angiography (DSCT-CTCA). Methods: Ninety patients were retrospectively grouped according to heart rate (HR): 26 patients (group A) with stable HR ≤60 bpm were acquired using high pitch spiral mode (FLASH); 48 patients (group B) with irregular HR ≤60 bpm or stable HR between 60 and 70 bpm using step and shoot mode; and 16 patients (group C) with irregular HR >60 bpm or stable HR ≥70 bpm by retrospective electrocardiogram pulsing acquisition. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) were measured for the main vascular structures. Moreover, the dose-length product and the effective dose were assessed. Results: Both SNR and CNR were higher in group A compared to group C (18.27 ± 0.32 vs 11.22 ± 0.50 and 16.75 ± 0.32 vs 10.17 ± 0.50; P = .001). The effective dose was lower in groups A and B (2.09 ± 1.27 mSv and 4.60 ± 2.78 mSv, respectively) compared to group C (9.61 ± 5.95 mSv) P < .0001. Conclusion: The correct selection of a low-dose, HR-matched CTCA scan protocol with a DSCT scanner provides substantial reduction of radiation exposure and better SNR and CNR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lukas Beyer
- Department of Radiology, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlo Tedeschi
- Department of Radiology, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,P.S.I. Napoli Est, ASL Napoli 1 Centro, Naples, Italy
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Li W, Li A, Wang B, Niu X, Cao X, Wang X, Shi H. Automatic spectral imaging protocol and iterative reconstruction for radiation dose reduction in typical hepatic hemangioma computed tomography with reduced iodine load: a preliminary study. Br J Radiol 2018; 91:20170978. [PMID: 29714501 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20170978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of automatic spectral imaging protocol selection (ASIS) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR) technique in the reduction of radiation and contrast medium dose in typical hepatic hemangioma (HH) dual energy spectral CT (DEsCT). METHODS 62 patients with suspected HH were randomly divided into two groups equally: Group A, conventional 120-kVp CT with standard iodine load; Group B, DEsCT with ASIS technique and reduced iodine load, two sets of monochromatic spectral images were reconstructed: 69 keV level with 30% ASiR (Group B1) and 52 keV level with 50% ASiR (Group B2). The radiation and total iodine dose, quantitative analysis (standard deviation value, contrast-to-noise and contrast enhancement ratio) and qualitative analysis were evaluated. RESULTS No difference was observed in the standard deviation values, subjective image noise, and the diagnostic acceptability score among the three groups (p > 0.05). Contrast to noise [Group B2 vs A, B1 in arterial phase (AP): 19.51 ± 6.29 vs 15.77 ± 5.93, 11.46 ± 2.84; Group B2 vs A, B1 in portal venous phase (PVP): 9.96 ± 2.18 vs 8.19 ± 3.04, 6.01 ± 1.82], contrast enhancement ratio (Group B2 vs A, B1 in AP: 6.88 ± 2.01 vs 5.47 ± 2.01, 4.15 ± 1.28; Group B2 vs A, B1 in PVP: 5.58 ± 1.02 vs 4.54 ± 1.13, 3.49 ± 0.83), and the lesion conspicuity score (Group B2 vs A, B1 in AP: 3.93 ± 0.26 vs 3.45 ± 0.51, 3.10 ± 0.49; Group B2 vs A, B1 in PVP: 3.90 ± 0.31 vs 3.48 ± 0.57, 3.14 ± 0.44) for Group B2 were higher than those in Group A and B1 (p < 0.05). Compared to Group A, the radiation dose and total iodine dose in Group B were reduced by 30 and 41%, respectively (radiation dose in Group B vs A: 5.53 ± 1.59 vs 7.91± 2.71 mSv; iodine dose in Group B vs A: 18.85 ± 2.88 vs 31.78±3.89 ml; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION DEsCT with ASIS and ASiR technique can reduce the radiation dose without image quality degradation as compared to the conventional 120-kVp CT. The monochromatic spectral images at 52 keV level with 50% ASiR allows the reduction in total iodine dose without deteriorating diagnostic performance. Advances in knowledge: ASIS combined with ASiR technique, by using monochromatic spectral images at 52 keV level, represents a feasible imaging protocol to reduce the radiation and total iodine dose in assessment of typical HH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- 1 Department of Medical Imaging, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong , China
| | - Aiyin Li
- 1 Department of Medical Imaging, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong , China
| | - Bin Wang
- 2 Department of Medical Imaging, ZhangQiu district hospital of TCM , Jinan, Shandong , China
| | - Xiuyuan Niu
- 2 Department of Medical Imaging, ZhangQiu district hospital of TCM , Jinan, Shandong , China
| | - Xin Cao
- 1 Department of Medical Imaging, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong , China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- 1 Department of Medical Imaging, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong , China
| | - Hao Shi
- 1 Department of Medical Imaging, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong , China
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Effect of Virtual Monoenergetic Images From Spectral Detector Computed Tomography on Coronary Calcium Blooming. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2018; 42:912-918. [DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000000811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Kamalian S, Lev MH, Pomerantz SR. Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Angiography of the Head and Neck and Related Applications. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2017; 27:429-443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Reynoso E, Rodriguez-Granillo GA, Capunay C, Deviggiano A, Meli F, Carrascosa P. Spectral Signal Density of Carotid Plaque Using Dual-Energy Computed Tomography. J Neuroimaging 2017; 27:511-516. [DOI: 10.1111/jon.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Exequiel Reynoso
- Department of Neuroradiology; Diagnóstico Maipú; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | | | - Carlos Capunay
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging; Diagnóstico Maipú; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | | | - Francisco Meli
- Department of Neuroradiology; Diagnóstico Maipú; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Patricia Carrascosa
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging; Diagnóstico Maipú; Buenos Aires Argentina
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Diagnostic performance of calcification-suppressed coronary CT angiography using rapid kilovolt-switching dual-energy CT. Eur Radiol 2016; 27:2794-2801. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-016-4675-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hadjipanteli A, Kourkoumelis N, Fromme P, Huang J, Speller R. Evaluation of the 3D spatial distribution of the Calcium/Phosphorus ratio in bone using computed-tomography dual-energy analysis. Phys Med 2016; 32:162-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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Singh N, Moody AR, Roifman I, Bluemke DA, Zavodni AEH. Advanced MRI for carotid plaque imaging. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2015; 32:83-9. [PMID: 26293362 PMCID: PMC4706840 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-015-0743-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the ubiquitous underling pathological process that manifests in heart attack and stroke, cumulating in the death of one in three North American adults. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to delineate atherosclerotic plaque components and total plaque burden within the carotid arteries. Using dedicated hardware, high resolution images can be obtained. Combining pre- and post-contrast T1, T2, proton-density, and magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo weighted fat-saturation imaging, plaque components can be defined. Post-processing software allows for semi- and fully automated quantitative analysis. Imaging correlation with surgical specimens suggests that this technique accurately differentiates plaque features. Total plaque burden and specific plaque components such as a thin fibrous cap, large fatty or necrotic core and intraplaque hemorrhage are accepted markers of neuroischemic events. Given the systemic nature of atherosclerosis, emerging science suggests that the presence of carotid plaque is also an indicator of coronary artery plaque burden, although the preliminary data primarily involves patients with stable coronary disease. While the availability and cost-effectiveness of MRI will ultimately be important determinants of whether carotid MRI is adopted clinically in cardiovascular risk assessment, the high accuracy and reliability of this technique suggests that it has potential as an imaging biomarker of future risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Singh
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room AG56b, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Alan R Moody
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room AG56b, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Idan Roifman
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David A Bluemke
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anna E H Zavodni
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room AG56b, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.
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Shinohara Y, Sakamoto M, Kuya K, Kishimoto J, Iwata N, Ohta Y, Fujii S, Watanabe T, Ogawa T. Assessment of carotid plaque composition using fast-kV switching dual-energy CT with gemstone detector: comparison with extracorporeal and virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound. Neuroradiology 2015; 57:889-95. [DOI: 10.1007/s00234-015-1541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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