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Klemenz AC, Beckert L, Manzke M, Lang CI, Weber MA, Meinel FG. Influence of Deep Learning Based Image Reconstruction on Quantitative Results of Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:2259-2267. [PMID: 38582685 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of deep learning-based imaging reconstruction (DLIR) on quantitative results of coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) and to evaluate the potential of DLIR for radiation dose reduction in CACS. METHODS For a retrospective cohort of 100 consecutive patients (mean age 62 ±10 years, 40% female), CACS scans were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR-V in 30%, 60% and 90% strength) and DLIR in low, medium and high strength. CACS was quantified semi-automatically and compared between image reconstructions. In a phantom study, a cardiac calcification insert was scanned inside an anthropomorphic thorax phantom at standard dose, 50% dose and 25% dose. FBP reconstructions at standard dose served as the reference standard. RESULTS In the patient study, DLIR led to a mean underestimation of Agatston score by 3.5, 6.4 and 11.6 points at low, medium and high strength, respectively. This underestimation of Agatston score was less pronounced for DLIR than for ASiR-V. In the phantom study, quantitative CACS results increased with reduced radiation dose and decreased with increasing strength of DLIR. Medium strength DLIR reconstruction at 50% dose reduction and high strength DLIR reconstruction at 75% dose reduction resulted in quantitative CACS results that were comparable to FBP reconstructions at standard dose. CONCLUSION Compared to FBP as the historical reference standard, DLIR leads to an underestimation of CACS but this underestimation is more moderate than with ASiR-V. DLIR can offset the increase in image noise and calcium score at reduced dose and may thus allow for substantial radiation dose reductions in CACS studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Christin Klemenz
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Pediatric Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Rostock, Schillingallee 36, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Lynn Beckert
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Pediatric Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Rostock, Schillingallee 36, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Mathias Manzke
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Pediatric Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Rostock, Schillingallee 36, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Cajetan I Lang
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Marc-André Weber
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Pediatric Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Rostock, Schillingallee 36, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Felix G Meinel
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Pediatric Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Rostock, Schillingallee 36, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
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Otgonbaatar C, Jeon PH, Ryu JK, Shim H, Jeon SH, Ko SM, Kim H. Coronary artery calcium quantification: comparison between filtered-back projection, hybrid iterative reconstruction, and deep learning reconstruction techniques. Acta Radiol 2023; 64:2393-2400. [PMID: 37211615 DOI: 10.1177/02841851231174463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reference protocol for the quantification of coronary artery calcium (CAC) should be updated to meet the standards of modern imaging techniques. PURPOSE To assess the influence of filtered-back projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR), and three levels of deep learning reconstruction (DLR) on CAC quantification on both in vitro and in vivo studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS In vitro study was performed with a multipurpose anthropomorphic chest phantom and small pieces of bones. The real volume of each piece was measured using the water displacement method. In the in vivo study, 100 patients (84 men; mean age = 71.2 ± 8.7 years) underwent CAC scoring with a tube voltage of 120 kVp and image thickness of 3 mm. The image reconstruction was done with FBP, hybrid IR, and three levels of DLR including mild (DLRmild), standard (DLRstd), and strong (DLRstr). RESULTS In the in vitro study, the calcium volume was equivalent (P = 0.949) among FBP, hybrid IR, DLRmild, DLRstd, and DLRstr. In the in vivo study, the image noise was significantly lower in images that used DLRstr-based reconstruction, when compared images other reconstructions (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the calcium volume (P = 0.987) and Agatston score (P = 0.991) among FBP, hybrid IR, DLRmild, DLRstd, and DLRstr. The highest overall agreement of Agatston scores was found in the DLR groups (98%) and hybrid IR (95%) when compared to standard FBP reconstruction. CONCLUSION The DLRstr presented the lowest bias of agreement in the Agatston scores and is recommended for the accurate quantification of CAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pil-Hyun Jeon
- Department of Radiology, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University of Korea, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Kyun Ryu
- Medical Imaging AI Research Center, Canon Medical Systems Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hackjoon Shim
- Medical Imaging AI Research Center, Canon Medical Systems Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- ConnectAI Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Jeon
- Department of Radiology, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University of Korea, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Min Ko
- Department of Radiology, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University of Korea, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Kim
- Department of Radiology, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University of Korea, Wonju, Republic of Korea
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Fink N, Zsarnoczay E, Schoepf UJ, O'Doherty J, Griffith JP, Pinos D, Tesche C, Ricke J, Willemink MJ, Varga-Szemes A, Emrich T. Radiation Dose Reduction for Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring Using a Virtual Noniodine Algorithm on Photon-Counting Detector Computed-Tomography Phantom Data. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13091540. [PMID: 37174932 PMCID: PMC10177425 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: On the basis of the hypothesis that virtual noniodine (VNI)-based coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) is feasible at reduced radiation doses, this study assesses the impact of radiation dose reduction on the accuracy of this VNI algorithm on a photon-counting detector (PCD)-CT. Methods: In a systematic in vitro setting, a phantom for CACS simulating three chest sizes was scanned on a clinical PCD-CT. The standard radiation dose was chosen at volumetric CT dose indices (CTDIVol) of 1.5, 3.3, 7.0 mGy for small, medium-sized, and large phantoms, and was gradually reduced by adjusting the tube current resulting in 100, 75, 50, and 25%, respectively. VNI images were reconstructed at 55 keV, quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR)1, and at 60 keV/QIR4, and evaluated regarding image quality (image noise (IN), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)), and CACS. All VNI results were compared to true noncontrast (TNC)-based CACS at 70 keV and standard radiation dose (reference). Results: INTNC was significantly higher than INVNI, and INVNI at 55 keV/QIR1 higher than at 60 keV/QIR4 (100% dose: 16.7 ± 1.9 vs. 12.8 ± 1.7 vs. 7.7 ± 0.9; p < 0.001 for every radiation dose). CNRTNC was higher than CNRVNI, but it was better to use 60 keV/QIR4 (p < 0.001). CACSVNI showed strong correlation and agreement at every radiation dose (p < 0.001, r > 0.9, intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). The coefficients of the variation in root-mean squared error were less than 10% and thus clinically nonrelevant for the CACSVNI of every radiation dose. Conclusion: This phantom study suggests that CACSVNI is feasible on PCD-CT, even at reduced radiation dose while maintaining image quality and CACS accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Fink
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Emese Zsarnoczay
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Medical Imaging Center, Semmelweis University, Korányi Sándor utca 2, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - U Joseph Schoepf
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Jim O'Doherty
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Siemens Medical Solutions, 40 Liberty Boulevard, Malvern, PA 19355, USA
| | - Joseph P Griffith
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Daniel Pinos
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Christian Tesche
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Munich University Clinic, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Ricke
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin J Willemink
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Akos Varga-Szemes
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Tilman Emrich
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of Johannes-Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Systematic assessment of coronary calcium detectability and quantification on four generations of CT reconstruction techniques: a patient and phantom study. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2023; 39:221-231. [PMID: 36598691 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-022-02703-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In computed tomography, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores are influenced by image reconstruction. The effect of a newly introduced deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR) on CAC scoring in relation to other algorithms is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of four generations of image reconstruction techniques (filtered back projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), and DLR) on CAC detectability, quantification, and risk classification. First, CAC detectability was assessed with a dedicated static phantom containing 100 small calcifications varying in size and density. Second, CAC quantification was assessed with a dynamic coronary phantom with velocities equivalent to heart rates of 60-75 bpm. Both phantoms were scanned and reconstructed with four techniques. Last, scans of fifty patients were included and the Agatston calcium score was calculated for all four reconstruction techniques. FBP was used as a reference. In the phantom studies, all reconstruction techniques resulted in less detected small calcifications, up to 22%. No clinically relevant quantification changes occurred with different reconstruction techniques (less than 10%). In the patient study, the cardiovascular risk classification resulted, for all reconstruction techniques, in excellent agreement with the reference (κ = 0.96-0.97). However, MBIR resulted in significantly higher Agatston scores (61 (5.5-435.0) vs. 81.5 (9.25-435.0); p < 0.001) and 6% reclassification rate. In conclusion, HIR and DLR reconstructed scans resulted in similar Agatston scores with excellent agreement and low-risk reclassification rate compared with routine reconstructed scans (FBP). However, caution should be taken with low Agatston scores, as based on phantom study, detectability of small calcifications varies with the used reconstruction algorithm, especially with MBIR and DLR.
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Vecsey-Nagy M, Jermendy ÁL, Suhai FI, Panajotu A, Csőre J, Borzsák S, Fontanini DM, Kolossváry M, Vattay B, Boussoussou M, Csobay-Novák C, Merkely B, Maurovich-Horvat P, Szilveszter B. Model-based adaptive filter for a dedicated cardiovascular CT scanner: Assessment of image noise, sharpness and quality. Eur J Radiol 2021; 145:110032. [PMID: 34800835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.110032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Filtered back projection (FBP) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) are ubiquitously applied in the reconstruction of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) datasets. However, currently no data is available on the impact of a model-based adaptive filter (MBAF2), recently developed for a dedicated cardiac scanner. PURPOSE Our aim was to determine the effect of MBAF2 on subjective and objective image quality parameters of coronary arteries on CCTA. METHODS Images of 102 consecutive patients referred for CCTA were evaluated. Four reconstructions of coronary images (FBP, ASIR, MBAF2, ASIR + MBAF2) were co-registered and cross-section were assessed for qualitative (graininess, sharpness, overall image quality) and quantitative [image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)] image quality parameters. Image noise and signal were measured in the aortic root and the left main coronary artery, respectively. Graininess, sharpness, and overall image quality was assessed on a 4-point Likert scale. RESULTS As compared to FBP, ASIR, and MBAF2, ASIR + MBAF2 resulted in reduced image noise [53.1 ± 12.3, 30.6 ± 8.5, 36.3 ± 4.2, 26.3 ± 4.0 Hounsfield units (HU), respectively; p < 0.001], improved SNR (8.4 ± 2.6, 14.1 ± 3.6, 11.8 ± 2.3, 16.3 ± 3.3 HU, respectively; p < 0.001) and CNR (9.4 ± 2.7, 15.9 ± 4.0, 13.3 ± 2.5, 18.3 ± 3.5 HU, respectively; p < 0.001). No difference in sharpness was observed amongst the reconstructions (p = 0.08). Although ASIR + MBAF2 was non-superior to ASIR regarding overall image quality (p = 0.99), it performed better than FBP (p < 0.001) and MBAF2 (p < 0.001) alone. CONCLUSION The combination of ASIR and MBAF2 resulted in reduced image noise and improved SNR and CNR. The implementation of MBAF2 in clinical practice may result in improved noise reduction performance and could potentiate radiation dose reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milán Vecsey-Nagy
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Ádám Levente Jermendy
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Imre Suhai
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexisz Panajotu
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Csőre
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sarolta Borzsák
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Márton Kolossváry
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Borbála Vattay
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Melinda Boussoussou
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Csobay-Novák
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pál Maurovich-Horvat
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary; Medical Imaging Centre, Semmelweis University, 78.a Ulloi av., 1082 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Szilveszter
- MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 68. Varosmajor st., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
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Coronary Calcium Scoring with First Generation Dual-Source Photon-Counting CT-First Evidence from Phantom and In-Vivo Scans. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091708. [PMID: 34574049 PMCID: PMC8466604 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the accuracy of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring on a dual-source photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT). An anthropomorphic chest phantom underwent ECG-gated sequential scanning on a PCD-CT at 120 kV with four radiation dose levels (CTDIvol, 2.0–8.6 mGy). Polychromatic images at 120 kV (T3D) and virtual monoenergetic images (VMI), from 60 to 75 keV without quantum iterative reconstruction (no QIR) and QIR strength levels 1–4, were reconstructed. For reference, the same phantom was scanned on a conventional energy-integrating detector CT (120 kV; filtered back projection) at identical radiation doses. CAC scoring in 20 patients with PCD-CT (120 kV; no QIR and QIR 1–4) were included. In the phantom, there were no differences between CAC scores of different radiation doses (all, p > 0.05). Images with 70 keV, no QIR (CAC score, 649); 65 keV, QIR 3 (656); 65 keV; QIR4 (648) and T3D, QIR4 (656) showed a <1% deviation to the reference (653). CAC scores significantly decreased at increasing QIR levels (all, p < 0.001) and for each 5 keV-increase (all, p < 0.001). Patient data (median CAC score: 86 [inter-quartile range: 38–978] at 70 keV) confirmed relationships and differences between reconstructions from the phantom. First phantom and in-vivo experience with a clinical dual-source PCD-CT system shows accurate CAC scoring with VMI reconstructions at different radiation dose levels.
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Pan YK, Sun MH, Wang JJ, Chen XB, Kan XJ, Ge YH, Guo ZP. Effect of different reconstruction algorithms on coronary artery calcium scores using the reduced radiation dose protocol: a clinical and phantom study. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:1504-1517. [PMID: 33816187 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms on coronary artery calcium (CAC) score quantification using the reduced radiation dose (RRD) protocol in an anthropomorphic phantom and in patients. Methods A thorax phantom, containing 9 calcification inserts with varying hydroxyapatite (HA) densities, was scanned with the reference protocol [120 kv, 80 mAs, filtered back projection (FBP)] and RRD protocol (120 kV, 20-80 mAs, 5 mAs interval) using a 256-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner. Raw data were reconstructed with different reconstruction algorithms [iDose4 levels 1-7 and iterative model reconstruction (IMR) levels 1-3]. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and Agatston score (AS) were calculated for each image series. The correction factor was derived from linear regression analysis between the reference image series and other image series with different parameters. Additionally, 40 patients were scanned with the RRD protocol (50 mAs) and reconstructed with FBP, iDose4 level 4, and IMR level 2. AS was calculated for the 3-group image series, and was corrected by applying a correction factor for the IMR group. The agreement of risk stratification with different reconstruction algorithms was also analyzed. Results For the phantom study, the iDose4 and IMR groups had significantly higher SNR and CNR than the FBP group (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the total AS after comparing image series reconstructed with iDose4 (level 1-7) and FBP (all P>0.05), while AS from the IMR (level 1-3) image series were lower than the FBP group (all P<0.05). The tube current of 50 mAs was determined for the clinical study, and the correction factor was 1.14. For the clinical study, the median AS from the iDose4 and IMR groups were both significantly lower compared to the FBP image series [(112.89 (63.01, 314.09), 113.22 (64.78, 364.95) vs. 118.59 (65.05, 374.48), both P<0.05]. After applying the correction factor, the adjusted AS from the IMR group was not significantly different from that of the FBP group [126.48 (69.62, 355.85) vs. 118.59 (65.05, 374.48), P=0.145]. Moreover, the agreement in risk stratification between FBP and IMR improved from 0.81 to 0.85. Conclusions The RRD CAC scoring scan using the IMR reconstruction algorithm is clinically feasible, and a correction factor can help reduce the AS underestimation effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kun Pan
- Department of Radiology, Central China Fuwai Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ming-Hua Sun
- Department of Radiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Department of Radiology of Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jia-Jia Wang
- Department of Radiology, Central China Fuwai Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Xiao-Jing Kan
- Department of Radiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Department of Radiology of Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying-Hui Ge
- Department of Radiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Department of Radiology of Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Liu H, Wingert A, Wang J, Zhang J, Wang X, Sun J, Chen F, Khalid SG, Jiang J, Zheng D. Extraction of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques From Computed Tomography Imaging: A Review of Recent Methods. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:597568. [PMID: 33644127 PMCID: PMC7903898 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.597568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Atherosclerotic plaques are the major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD). Currently, computed tomography (CT) is the most commonly applied imaging technique in the diagnosis of CAD. However, the accurate extraction of coronary plaque geometry from CT images is still challenging. Summary of Review: In this review, we focused on the methods in recent studies on the CT-based coronary plaque extraction. According to the dimension of plaque extraction method, the studies were categorized into two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ones. In each category, the studies were analyzed in terms of data, methods, and evaluation. We summarized the merits and limitations of current methods, as well as the future directions for efficient and accurate extraction of coronary plaques using CT imaging. Conclusion: The methodological innovations are important for more accurate CT-based assessment of coronary plaques in clinical applications. The large-scale studies, de-blooming algorithms, more standardized datasets, and more detailed classification of non-calcified plaques could improve the accuracy of coronary plaque extraction from CT images. More multidimensional geometric parameters can be derived from the 3D geometry of coronary plaques. Additionally, machine learning and automatic 3D reconstruction could improve the efficiency of coronary plaque extraction in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Liu
- Research Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine, and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra Wingert
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine, and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Jian'an Wang
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jucheng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Engineering, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinhong Wang
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Syed Ghufran Khalid
- Research Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dingchang Zheng
- Research Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Coronary computed tomography angiography using model-based iterative reconstruction algorithms in the detection of significant coronary stenosis: how the plaque type influences the diagnostic performance. Pol J Radiol 2019; 84:e522-e529. [PMID: 32082450 PMCID: PMC7016499 DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2019.91259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the ability of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) algorithm in detecting significant coronary artery stenosis compared with invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Material and methods We retrospectively identified 55 patients who underwent CCTA using the MBIR algorithm with evidence of at least one significant stenosis (≥ 50%) and an ICA within three months. Patients were stratified based on calcium score; stenoses were classified by type and by coronary segment involved. Dose-length-product was compared with the literature data obtained with previous reconstruction algorithms. Coronary artery stenosis was estimated on ICAs based on a qualitative method. Results CCTA data were confirmed by ICA in 89% of subjects, and in 73% and 94% of patients with CS < 400 and ≥ 400, respectively. ICA confirmed 81% of calcific stenoses, 91% of mixed, and 67% of soft plaques. Both the dose exposure of patients with prospective acquisition (34) and the exposure of the whole population were significantly lower than the standard of reference (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007). Conclusions CCTA with MBIR is valuable in detecting significant coronary artery stenosis with a solid reduction of radiation dose. Diagnostic performance was influenced by plaque composition, being lower compared with ICA for patients with lower CAC score and soft plaques; the visualisation of an intraluminal hypodensity could cause false positives, particularly in D1 and MO segments.
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Tayal U, King L, Schofield R, Castellano I, Stirrup J, Pontana F, Earls J, Nicol E. Image reconstruction in cardiovascular CT: Part 2 - Iterative reconstruction; potential and pitfalls. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2019; 13:3-10. [PMID: 31014928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The use of IR in CT previously has been prohibitively complicated and time consuming, however improvements in computer processing power now make it possible on almost all CT scanners. Due to its potential to allow scanning at lower doses, IR has received a lot of attention in the medical literature and has become a successful commercial product. Its use in cardiovascular CT has been driven in part due to concerns about radiation dose and image quality. This manuscript discusses the various vendor permutations of iterative reconstruction (IR) in detail and critically appraises the current clinical research available on the various IR techniques used in cardiovascular CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Tayal
- Department of Cardiovascular CT, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
| | - L King
- Joint Department of Physics, The Royal Marsden, London, UK.
| | - R Schofield
- Department of Cardiovascular CT, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
| | - I Castellano
- Joint Department of Physics, The Royal Marsden, London, UK.
| | - J Stirrup
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK.
| | - F Pontana
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, Lille University Hospital, France.
| | - J Earls
- George Washington University Hospital, Washington DC, USA.
| | - E Nicol
- Department of Cardiovascular CT, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina Stewart
- Department of Medical Physics, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicholas W Weir
- Department of Medical Physics, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David E Newby
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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12
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Lee J, Kim TH, Lee BK, Yoon YW, Kwon HM, Hong BK, Min PK, Choi EY, Oh CS, Park CH. Diagnostic accuracy of low-radiation coronary computed tomography angiography with low tube voltage and knowledge-based model reconstruction. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1308. [PMID: 30718631 PMCID: PMC6362232 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37870-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with a low-radiation protocol and iterative model reconstruction (IMR), in comparison with invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Sixty-one patients (45 males; mean age, 61.9 ± 9.2 years) with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent CCTA and ICA were retrospectively enrolled. CCTA was performed with low tube voltage (80 or 100 kVp), low tube current (100–200 mAs), prospective ECG triggering, and IMR using a 64-slice computed tomography scanner. Coronary artery disease was defined as luminal narrowing of >50%, as assessed using CCTA and ICA. The sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive value, and accuracy of CCTA were examined. The mean radiation dose of CCTA was 1.05 ± 0.36 mSv. No non-diagnostic segment was noted. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of CCTA were 86.4%, 96.1%, 80.3%, 97.5%, and 94.6% on a per segment basis, 93.1%, 94.7%, 88.3%, 97.0%, and 94.2% on a per vessel basis, and 100%, 83.3%, 93.5%, 100%, and 95.1% on a per patient basis, respectively. In conclusion, a low-radiation CCTA protocol with IMR may be useful for diagnosing coronary artery disease, as it reduces the radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohee Lee
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Kwon Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Won Yoon
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuck Moon Kwon
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum Kee Hong
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil-Ki Min
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Young Choi
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Suk Oh
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Hwan Park
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Kolossváry M, Szilveszter B, Karády J, Drobni ZD, Merkely B, Maurovich-Horvat P. Effect of image reconstruction algorithms on volumetric and radiomic parameters of coronary plaques. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2018; 13:325-330. [PMID: 30447949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volumetric and radiomic analysis of atherosclerotic plaques on coronary CT angiography have been shown to predict high-risk plaque morphology and to predict patient outcomes. However, there is limited information whether image reconstruction algorithms and preprocessing steps (type of binning, number of bins used for discretization) may influence parameter values. METHODS We retrospectively identified 60 coronary lesions on coronary CT angiography (CTA). All images were reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP), hybrid (HIR) and model-based (MIR) iterative reconstruction. Plaques were segmented manually on HIR images and copied to FBP and MIR images to ensure identical voxels were analyzed. Overall, 4 volumetric and 169 radiomic parameters were calculated. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess reproducibility between image reconstructions, while linear regression analysis was used to assess the effect of preprocessing steps done before calculating radiomic metrics. RESULTS All volumetric and radiomic metrics had ICC>0.90 except for first-order statistics: mode, harmonic mean, minimum (0.45, 0.76, 0.84; respectively) and gray level co-occurrence (GLCM) parameters: inverse difference sum and sum variance (0.01, 0.04; respectively). Among GLCM parameters 90% were significantly affected by the type of binning and 100% by the number of bins. In case of gray level run length matrix parameters 100% of metrics were affected by both preprocessing steps. CONCLUSIONS Volumetric and radiomic statistics are robust to image reconstruction algorithms. However, all radiomic variables were affected by preprocessing steps therefore, showing the need for standardization before being implemented into everyday clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márton Kolossváry
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest Hungary, 68. Varosmajor Street, 1122, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Bálint Szilveszter
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest Hungary, 68. Varosmajor Street, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Júlia Karády
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest Hungary, 68. Varosmajor Street, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Dóra Drobni
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest Hungary, 68. Varosmajor Street, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest Hungary, 68. Varosmajor Street, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pál Maurovich-Horvat
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest Hungary, 68. Varosmajor Street, 1122, Budapest, Hungary
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Kim DJ, Kim C, Shin C, Lee SK, Ko CS, Lee KY. Impact of Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction on the Correlation between Computed Tomography Quantification of a Low Lung Attenuation Area and Airway Measurements and Pulmonary Function Test Results in Normal Subjects. Korean J Radiol 2018; 19:1187-1195. [PMID: 30386150 PMCID: PMC6201968 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2018.19.6.1187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare correlations between pulmonary function test (PFT) results and different reconstruction algorithms and to suggest the optimal reconstruction protocol for computed tomography (CT) quantification of low lung attenuation areas and airways in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods A total of 259 subjects with normal PFT and chest CT results were included. CT scans were reconstructed using filtered back projection, hybrid-iterative reconstruction, and model-based IR (MIR). For quantitative analysis, the emphysema index (EI) and wall area percentage (WA%) were determined. Subgroup analysis according to smoking history was also performed. Results The EIs of all the reconstruction algorithms correlated significantly with the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) (all p < 0.001). The EI of MIR showed the strongest correlation with FEV1/FVC (r = -0.437). WA% showed a significant correlation with FEV1 in all the reconstruction algorithms (all p < 0.05) correlated significantly with FEV1/FVC for MIR only (p < 0.001). The WA% of MIR showed the strongest correlations with FEV1 (r = -0.205) and FEV1/FVC (r = -0.250). In subgroup analysis, the EI of MIR had the strongest correlation with PFT in both ever-smoker and never-smoker subgroups, although there was no significant difference in the EI between the reconstruction algorithms. WA% of MIR showed a significantly thinner airway thickness than the other algorithms (49.7 ± 7.6 in ever-smokers and 49.5 ± 7.5 in never-smokers, all p < 0.001), and also showed the strongest correlation with PFT in both ever-smoker and never-smoker subgroups. Conclusion CT quantification of low lung attenuation areas and airways by means of MIR showed the strongest correlation with PFT results among the algorithms used, in normal subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Jung Kim
- Department of Radiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Korea
| | - Cherry Kim
- Department of Radiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Korea
| | - Chol Shin
- Department of Pulmonology, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Korea
| | - Seung Ku Lee
- Institute for Human Genomic Study, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Korea
| | - Chang Sub Ko
- Department of Radiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Korea
| | - Ki Yeol Lee
- Department of Radiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Korea
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Tesche C, Duguay TM, Schoepf UJ, van Assen M, De Cecco CN, Albrecht MH, Varga-Szemes A, Bayer RR, Ebersberger U, Nance JW, Thilo C. Current and future applications of CT coronary calcium assessment. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2018; 16:441-453. [PMID: 29734858 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2018.1474347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Computed tomographic (CT) coronary artery calcium scoring (CAC) has been validated as a well-established screening method for cardiovascular risk stratification and treatment management that is used in addition to traditional risk factors. The purpose of this review is to present an update on current and future applications of CAC. Areas covered: The topic of CAC is summarized from its introduction to current application with focus on the validation and clinical integration including cardiovascular risk prediction and outcome, cost-effectiveness, impact on downstream medical testing, and the technical advances in scanner and software technology that are shaping the future of CAC. Furthermore, this review aims to provide guidance for the appropriate clinical use of CAC. Expert commentary: CAC is a well-established screening test in preventive care that is underused in daily clinical practice. The widespread clinical implementation of CAC will be decided by future technical advances in CT image acquisition, cost-effectiveness, and reimbursement status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Tesche
- a Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,b Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine , Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen , Munich , Germany
| | - Taylor M Duguay
- a Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - U Joseph Schoepf
- a Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,c Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - Marly van Assen
- a Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,d Center for Medical Imaging North East Netherlands , University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Carlo N De Cecco
- a Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - Moritz H Albrecht
- a Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,e Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology , University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Akos Varga-Szemes
- a Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - Richard R Bayer
- a Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,c Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - Ullrich Ebersberger
- a Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,b Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine , Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen , Munich , Germany
| | - John W Nance
- a Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - Christian Thilo
- f Department of Internal Medicine I - Cardiology , Central Hospital of Augsburg , Augsburg , Germany
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van der Werf NR, Willemink MJ, Willems TP, Greuter MJW, Leiner T. Influence of iterative reconstruction on coronary calcium scores at multiple heart rates: a multivendor phantom study on state-of-the-art CT systems. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 34:947-957. [DOI: 10.1007/s10554-017-1292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Halliburton SS, Tanabe Y, Partovi S, Rajiah P. The role of advanced reconstruction algorithms in cardiac CT. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2017; 7:527-538. [PMID: 29255694 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2017.08.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Non-linear iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms have been increasingly incorporated into clinical cardiac CT protocols at institutions around the world. Multiple IR algorithms are available commercially from various vendors. IR algorithms decrease image noise and are primarily used to enable lower radiation dose protocols. IR can also be used to improve image quality for imaging of obese patients, coronary atherosclerotic plaques, coronary stents, and myocardial perfusion. In this article, we will review the various applications of IR algorithms in cardiac imaging and evaluate how they have changed practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuki Tanabe
- Cardiothoracic Imaging, Radiology Department, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sasan Partovi
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Prabhakar Rajiah
- Cardiothoracic Imaging, Radiology Department, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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19
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Iterative beam-hardening correction with advanced modeled iterative reconstruction in low voltage CT coronary calcium scoring with tin filtration: Impact on coronary artery calcium quantification and image quality. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2017; 11:354-359. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Dose reduction techniques in coronary calcium scoring: The effect of iterative reconstruction combined with low tube voltage on calcium scores in a thoracic phantom. Eur J Radiol 2017; 93:229-235. [PMID: 28668419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To define a dose-reduced coronary calcium CT protocol that provides similar calcium score values as a conventional 120kVp protocol. METHODS A thorax phantom containing 100 calcifications was scanned with the reference protocol (120kVp, 90 ref mAs, FBP) and 30 dose-reduced protocols (70-110kVp, 90 ref mAs, FBP and iterative reconstruction (IR) levels 1-5) with 3rd generation dual-source CT. For protocols that yielded similar detectability and calcium scores as the reference protocol, additional scans were acquired at reduced ref mAs. Kendall's τb and independent-samples-median test were used to determine trends and differences in contrast/signal-to-noise ratio (CNR and SNR), dose and calcium scores. RESULTS The detectability and calcium scores decreased at increasing IR levels (τb<-0.825, p<0.001) and increasing tube voltage (τb<-0.679, p<0.001). For 90kVp-IR3 and 100kVp-IR1, similar detectability and calcium score was found compared to the reference protocol (p>0.206). For these protocols, lower tube currents did not affect the detectability and Agatston score (p>0.206), while CNR and SNR were similar/higher compared to the reference protocol (0.008<p<0.206). Dose reduction was 60.6% (90kVp-IR3) and 43.6% (100kVp-IR1). CONCLUSIONS The protocol of 90kVp-IR3 and 100kVp-IR1 yielded similar calcium detectability, Agatston score and image quality as the reference protocol, with dose reduction up to 60.6%.
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Chen Z, Boldeanu I, Nepveu S, Durand M, Chin AS, Kauffmann C, Mansour S, Soulez G, Tremblay C, Chartrand-Lefebvre C. In vivo coronary artery plaque assessment with computed tomography angiography: is there an impact of iterative reconstruction on plaque volume and attenuation metrics? Acta Radiol 2017; 58:660-669. [PMID: 27650033 DOI: 10.1177/0284185116664229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) allows the evaluation of coronary plaque volume and low attenuation (lipid-rich) component, for plaque vulnerability assessment. Purpose To determine the effect of iterative reconstruction (IR) on coronary plaque volume and composition. Material and Methods Consecutive patients without coronary artery disease were prospectively enrolled for 256-slice CT. Images were reconstructed with both filtered back projection (FBP) and a hybrid IR algorithm (iDose4, Philips) levels 1, 3, 5, and 7. Coronary plaques were assessed according to predefined Hounsfield unit (HU) attenuation intervals, for total plaque and HU-interval volumes. Results Fifty-three patients (mean age, 53.6 years) were included. Noise was significantly decreased and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) / contrast-to-noise (CNR) were both significantly improved at all IR levels in comparison to FBP. Plaque characterization was performed in 41 patients for a total of 125 plaques. Total plaque volume ranged from 104.4 ± 120.7 to 107.4 ± 128.9 mm3 and low attenuation plaque component from 40.5 ± 54.7 to 43.5 ± 58.9 mm3, with no statistically significant differences between all IR levels and FBP ( P = 0.786 and P ≥ 0.078, respectively). Conclusion IR improved image quality. Total and low attenuation plaque volumes were similar using either IR or FBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyi Chen
- Radiology Department, University of Montreal Medical Center (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Irina Boldeanu
- Radiology Department, University of Montreal Medical Center (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Simon Nepveu
- Radiology Department, University of Montreal Medical Center (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Madeleine Durand
- Medicine Department, University of Montreal Medical Center (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne S Chin
- Radiology Department, University of Montreal Medical Center (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Claude Kauffmann
- Radiology Department, University of Montreal Medical Center (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Samer Mansour
- Medicine Department, University of Montreal Medical Center (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gilles Soulez
- Radiology Department, University of Montreal Medical Center (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cécile Tremblay
- Medicine Department, University of Montreal Medical Center (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carl Chartrand-Lefebvre
- Radiology Department, University of Montreal Medical Center (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Reiber JHC, De Sutter J, Schoenhagen P, Stillman AE, Vande Veire NRL. Cardiovascular imaging 2016 in the International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 33:761-770. [PMID: 28315986 PMCID: PMC5406479 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-017-1111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johan H C Reiber
- Department of Radiology, Division of Image Processing, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Johan De Sutter
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Maria Middelares Gent and University Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul Schoenhagen
- Department of Radiology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Arthur E Stillman
- Department of Radiology, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nico R L Vande Veire
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Maria Middelares Gent and Free University Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
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Tesche C, De Cecco CN, Schoepf UJ, Duguay TM, Albrecht MH, De Santis D, Varga-Szemes A, Lesslie VW, Ebersberger U, Bayer RR, Canstein C, Hoffmann E, Allmendinger T, Nance JW. CT coronary calcium scoring with tin filtration using iterative beam-hardening calcium correction reconstruction. Eur J Radiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Fuchs A, Groen JM, Arnold BA, Nikolovski S, Knudsen AD, Kühl JT, Nordestgaard BG, Greuter MJ, Kofoed KF. Assessment of coronary calcification using calibrated mass score with two different multidetector computed tomography scanners in the Copenhagen General Population Study. Eur J Radiol 2017; 88:21-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2016.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Oda S, Utsunomiya D, Nakaura T, Funama Y, Yuki H, Kidoh M, Hirata K, Taguchi N, Honda K, Takaoka H, Iyama Y, Katahira K, Noda K, Oshima S, Tokuyasu S, Yamashita Y. The Influence of Iterative Reconstruction on Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring-Phantom and Clinical Studies. Acad Radiol 2017; 24:295-301. [PMID: 27913107 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES We compared the effect of iterative model reconstruction (IMR), filtered back projection (FBP), and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) on coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS CAC scans of 30 consecutive patients (18 men and 12 women, age 70.1 ± 12.2 years) were reconstructed with FBP, HIR, and IMR, and the image noise was measured on all images. Two radiologists independently measured the CAC scores using semiautomated software, and interobserver agreement was evaluated. Statistical analysis included the Spearman correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS The mean image noise on FBP, HIR, and IMR images was 48.0 ± 7.9, 29.6 ± 4.8, and 9.3 ± 1.3 Hounsfield units, respectively. The difference among all reconstruction combinations was significant (P < .01). The CAC score on HIR and IMR scans was 4.2% and 8.9% lower, respectively, than the CAC score on FBP images. There was no significant difference in the mean CAC score among the three reconstructions. The interobserver correlation was excellent for all three reconstructions (r2 = 0.96 FBP, 0.99 HIR, 0.99 IMR); the best Bland-Altman measure of agreement was with IMR, followed by HIR and FBP. CONCLUSION For CAC scoring, IMR can reduce the image noise and blooming artifacts, and consequently lowers the measured CAC score. IMR can lessen measurement variability and yield stable, reproducible measurements.
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Tesche C, De Cecco CN, Vliegenthart R, Albrecht MH, Varga-Szemes A, Duguay TM, Ebersberger U, Bayer RR, Canstein C, Schmidt B, Allmendinger T, Litwin SE, Morris PB, Flohr TG, Hoffmann E, Schoepf UJ. Accuracy and Radiation Dose Reduction Using Low-Voltage Computed Tomography Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring With Tin Filtration. Am J Cardiol 2017; 119:675-680. [PMID: 27986261 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2016.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study prospectively investigated the accuracy and radiation dose reduction of CT coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) using a 100 kVp acquisition protocol with tin filtration (Sn100 kVp) compared with the standard 120 kVp acquisition protocol; 70 patients (59% men, 62.1 ± 10.7 years) who underwent a clinically indicated CACS acquisition using the standard 120 kVp protocol on a third-generation dual-source CT system were enrolled. An additional Sn100 kVp CACS scan was performed. Agatston scores and categories, percentile-based risk categorization, and radiation dose estimates were derived from 120 and Sn100 kVp studies and compared. Median Agatston scores from the Sn100 and 120 kVp acquisitions were 38.2 and 41.2, respectively (p <0.0001). Excellent correlation of Agatston scores was found between the 2 acquisitions (r = 0.99, p <0.0001). Although the Agatston scores were systematically lower with Sn100 than with 120 kVp, the comparison of Agatston score categories and percentile-based cardiac risk categories showed excellent agreement (κ = 0.98 and κ = 0.98). Image noise was 26.3 ± 5.7 Hounsfield units in Sn100 kVp and 17.6 ± 4.1 Hounsfield units in 120 kVP scans (p <0.0001). The dose-length product was 14.1 ± 3.7 mGy·cm with Sn100 kVp and 58.5 ± 23.5 mGy·cm with 120 kVp scans (p <0.0001), resulting in a significantly lower effective radiation dose (0.19 ± 0.05 vs 0.82 ± 0.32 mSv, p <0.0001) for Sn100 kVp scans. CACS using a low-voltage tin filtration protocol shows excellent correlation and agreement with the standard method with regard to the Agatston score and subsequent cardiac risk categorization, while achieving a 75% reduction in radiation dose.
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Sathiyakumar V, Blumenthal RS, Nasir K, Martin SS. Addressing Knowledge Gaps in the 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk: a Review of Recent Coronary Artery Calcium Literature. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2017; 19:7. [DOI: 10.1007/s11883-017-0643-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Iterative model reconstruction reduces calcified plaque volume in coronary CT angiography. Eur J Radiol 2016; 87:83-89. [PMID: 28065380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of iterative model reconstruction (IMR) on calcified plaque quantification as compared to filtered back projection reconstruction (FBP) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS Raw image data of 52 patients who underwent 256-slice CTA were reconstructed with IMR, HIR and FBP. We evaluated qualitative, quantitative image quality parameters and quantified calcified and partially calcified plaque volumes using automated software. RESULTS Overall qualitative image quality significantly improved with HIR as compared to FBP, and further improved with IMR (p<0.01 all). Contrast-to-noise ratios were improved with IMR, compared to HIR and FBP (51.0 [43.5-59.9], 20.3 [16.2-25.9] and 14.0 [11.2-17.7], respectively, all p<0.01) Overall plaque volumes were lowest with IMR and highest with FBP (121.7 [79.3-168.4], 138.7 [90.6-191.7], 147.0 [100.7-183.6]). Similarly, calcified volumes (>130 HU) were decreased with IMR as compared to HIR and FBP (105.9 [62.1-144.6], 110.2 [63.8-166.6], 115.9 [81.7-164.2], respectively, p<0.05 all). High-attenuation non-calcified volumes (90-129 HU) yielded similar values with FBP and HIR (p=0.81), however it was lower with IMR (p < 0.05 both). Intermediate- (30-89 HU) and low-attenuation (<30 HU) non-calcified volumes showed no significant difference (p=0.22 and p=0.67, respectively). CONCLUSIONS IMR improves image quality of coronary CTA and decreases calcified plaque volumes.
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Correction Factors for CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring Using Advanced Modeled Iterative Reconstruction Instead of Filtered Back Projection. Acad Radiol 2016; 23:1480-1489. [PMID: 27614365 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2016.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Iterative reconstruction (IR) computed tomography (CT) techniques allow for radiation dose reduction while maintaining image quality. However, CT coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores may be influenced by certain IR algorithms. The aim of our study is to identify suitable correction factors to ensure consistency between IR and filtered back projection (FBP)-based CAC scoring. MATERIAL AND METHODS A phantom study was performed to derive suitable correction factors for CAC scores and volume (VOL) values with advanced modeled iterative reconstruction (or ADMIRE) strength level 3 (ADM3) and 5 (ADM5) vs FBP. CT data from 40 patients were retrospectively analyzed, and CAC score and VOL values were obtained following reconstruction with FBP, ADM3, and ADM5. Linear regression analysis was performed to obtain correction factors. Results with and without application of the correction factors were compared. Inter-reader agreement for risk class stratification was analyzed. RESULTS Phantom experiments determined a correction factor of 1.14 for ADM3 and 1.25 for ADM5. FBP-based CAC scores (897 ± 1413) were significantly higher than uncorrected scores with ADM3 (746 ± 1184, P ≤ .001) and ADM5 (640 ± 1036, P ≤ .001). After application of correction factors, no significant differences were found for CAC scores based on FBP (897 ± 1413) and ADM3 (853 ± 1353, P = .07). The inter-reader agreement for risk stratification was excellent (k = 0.91). CONCLUSION ADM3 can be applied to CAC scoring with use of a correction factor. When applying a correction factor of 1.14, excellent agreement with standard FBP for both CAC score and VOL can be achieved.
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Impact of Advanced Modeled Iterative Reconstruction on Coronary Artery Calcium Quantification. Acad Radiol 2016; 23:1506-1512. [PMID: 27742177 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate the influence of advanced modeled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE) on the coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores by computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty patients underwent CAC imaging with dual-source 192-slice CT. Agatston, volume and mass score were calculated from filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstructions with different levels of ADMIRE. Friedman test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for multiple comparisons of CAC values and the difference ratio among different ADMIRE groups using FBP as reference. RESULTS The median Agatston score (range) using FBP was 115 (0.1-3047) and significantly decreased with incremental ADMIRE levels 1-5: 96 (0.1-2813), 91 (0-2764), 87 (0-2699), 80 (0-2590), 70 (0-2440); all P < 0.001. In comparison with FBP Agatston, volume and mass scores significantly decreased with increasing ADMIRE levels 1-5 (P < 0.001): from -12% to -39%, from -14% to -41%, and from -13% to -40%, respectively. In four patients with low calcium burden, the use of ADMIRE 2 or higher resulted in the disappearance of calcium that was detectable using FBP or ADMIRE 1. The decrease of CAC in high-level ADMIRE resulted in a reassignment to a lower Agatston risk group in 27%. CONCLUSIONS ADMIRE causes a substantial reduction of the CAC scores measured by cardiac CT, which leads to an underestimation of cardiovascular risk scores in some patients.
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Choi AD, Leifer ES, Yu J, Shanbhag SM, Bronson K, Arai AE, Chen MY. Prospective evaluation of the influence of iterative reconstruction on the reproducibility of coronary calcium quantification in reduced radiation dose 320 detector row CT. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2016; 10:359-63. [PMID: 27591767 PMCID: PMC7458582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary artery calcium (CAC) predicts coronary heart disease events and is important for individualized cardiac risk assessment. This report assesses the interscan variability of CT for coronary calcium quantification using image acquisition with standard and reduced radiation dose protocols and whether the use of reduced radiation dose acquisition with iterative reconstruction (IR; "reduced-dose/IR ") allows for similar image quality and reproducibility when compared to standard radiation dose acquisition with filtered back projection (FBP; "standard-dose/FBP") on 320-detector row computed tomography (320-CT). METHODS 200 consecutive patients (60 ± 9 years, 59% male) prospectively underwent two standard- and two reduced-dose acquisitions (800 total scans, 1600 reconstructions) using 320 slice CT and 120 kV tube voltage. Automated tube current modulation was used and for reduced-dose scans, prescribed tube current was lowered by 70%. Image noise and Agatston scores were determined and compared. RESULTS Regarding stratification by Agatston score categories (0, 1-10, 11-100, 101-400, >400), reduced-dose/IR versus standard-dose/FBP had excellent agreement at 89% (95% CI: 86-92%) with kappa 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81-0.90). Standard-dose/FBP rescan agreement was 93% (95% CI: 89-96%) with kappa = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.86-0.95) while reduced-dose/IR rescan agreement was similar at 91% (95% CI: 87-94%) with kappa 0.88 (95% CI: 0.83-0.93). Image noise was significantly higher but clinically acceptable for reduced-dose/IR (18 Hounsfield Unit [HU] mean) compared to standard-dose/FBP (16 HU; p < 0.0001). Median radiation exposure was 74% lower for reduced- (0.37 mSv) versus standard-dose (1.4 mSv) acquisitions. CONCLUSION Rescan agreement was excellent for reduced-dose image acquisition with iterative reconstruction and standard-dose acquisition with filtered back projection for the quantification of coronary calcium by CT. These methods make it possible to reduce radiation exposure by 74%. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01621594. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER NCT01621594.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Choi
- Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Division of Cardiology and Department of Radiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eric S Leifer
- Office of Biostatistics Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeannie Yu
- Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sujata M Shanbhag
- Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kathie Bronson
- Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew E Arai
- Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Abstract
Coronary computed tomography (CT) allows for the acquisition of thin slices of the heart and coronary arteries, which can be used to detect and quantify coronary artery calcium (CAC), a marker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Despite the proven clinical value in cardiac risk prognostication, there remain concerns regarding radiation exposure from CAC CT scans. There have been several recent technical advancements that allow for significant radiation dose reduction in CAC scoring. This paper reviews the clinical utility and recent literature in low radiation dose CAC scoring.
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