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Wolman DN, Kuraitis G, Sussman E, Pulli B, Wouters A, Wang J, Wang A, Lansberg MG, Heit JJ. Dual-Energy CTA Iodine Map Reconstructions Improve Visualization of Residual Cerebral Aneurysms following Endovascular Coiling. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2024:ajnr.A8305. [PMID: 39089873 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a8305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Material-specific reconstructions of dual-energy CTA (DECTA) can highlight iodinated contrast, subtract predefined materials, and reduce metal artifact. We present a technique to improve detection of residual aneurysms after endovascular coiling by which iodine-map DECTA (IM-DECTA) reconstructions subtract platinum coil artifacts in MIP images (MIP IM-DECTA) and assess if IM-DECTA offers improved detection over conventional CTA (CCTA) or monoenergetic DECTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included consecutive patients who underwent endovascular aneurysm coiling with follow-up DECTA and DSA within 24 months. DECTA was performed at 80- and 150-kVp tube voltages on a rapid kV-switching single-source Revolution scanner. CCTA and IM-DECTA series were reconstructed. Reference-standard DSA was compared with CCTA, 50- and 70-keV virtual monochromatic DECTA, IM-DECTA, and MIP IM-DECTA. Blinded to DSA data, cross-section images were reviewed in consensus by 3 neurointerventionalists for residual aneurysms and assigned modified Raymond-Roy classifications (mRRC). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each series is reported relative to DSA, and single-factor ANOVA and pair-wise Spearman correlation coefficients compared the accuracy of each series. Readers provided ROI measurements of HU deviation adjacent to the aneurysm neck for quantitative noise assessment and qualitatively scored each series on a 3-point Likert-style scale ranging from uninterpretable to excellent image quality. RESULTS Twenty-one patients with 25 coiled aneurysms were included. Mean time from DECTA to DSA was 286 ± 212 days. IM-DECTA and MIP IM-DECTA most sensitively (89% and 90%) and specifically (93% and 93%) detected residual aneurysms relative to CCTA (6% and 86%). Relative to DSA, IM-DECTA and MIP IM-DECTA most accurately detected (92% versus 28% for CCTA) and classified residual aneurysms by mRRC (ρC-CTA = -0.08; ρIM = 0.50; ρIM-MIP = 0.55; P < .001). Reader consensus reported the best image quality at the aneurysm neck with IM-DECTA and MIP IM-DECTA, with 56% of CCTAs considered uninterpretable versus 0% of IM-DECTAs, and image noise was significantly lower for IM-DECTA (27.9 ± 3.6 HU) or MIP IM-DECTA (26.8 ± 3.5 HU) than CCTA (103.2 ± 13.3 HU; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS MIP IM-DECTA can subtract coil mass artifact and is more sensitive and specific than CCTA for the detection of residual aneurysms after endovascular coiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan N Wolman
- From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging (D.N.W.), The Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Gabriella Kuraitis
- Department of Radiology (G.K., B.P., A.Wouters, J.W., A.Wang, J.J.H.), Neuroimaging and Neurointervention Section, Stanford University Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Eric Sussman
- Department of Neurosurgery (E.S.), Hartford Hospital, Ayer Neuroscience Institute, Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Benjamin Pulli
- Department of Radiology (G.K., B.P., A.Wouters, J.W., A.Wang, J.J.H.), Neuroimaging and Neurointervention Section, Stanford University Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Anke Wouters
- Department of Radiology (G.K., B.P., A.Wouters, J.W., A.Wang, J.J.H.), Neuroimaging and Neurointervention Section, Stanford University Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Radiology (G.K., B.P., A.Wouters, J.W., A.Wang, J.J.H.), Neuroimaging and Neurointervention Section, Stanford University Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Adam Wang
- Department of Radiology (G.K., B.P., A.Wouters, J.W., A.Wang, J.J.H.), Neuroimaging and Neurointervention Section, Stanford University Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Maarten G Lansberg
- Department of Neurology (M.G.L.), Stanford University Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Jeremy J Heit
- Department of Radiology (G.K., B.P., A.Wouters, J.W., A.Wang, J.J.H.), Neuroimaging and Neurointervention Section, Stanford University Hospital, Palo Alto, California
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Zhou X, Cui M, Liu Y, Wu Y, Hu D, Zhai D, Qin M, Shen J, Ju S, Fan G, Cai W. Low Dose Iodinated Contrast Material and Radiation for Virtual Monochromatic Imaging in Craniocervical Dual-Layer Spectral Detector Computed Tomography Angiography: A Prospective and Randomized Study. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:2501-2510. [PMID: 38135625 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.12.004] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the feasibility of virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI) of dual-layer spectral detector computed tomography (SDCT) to reduce iodinated contrast material (CM) and radiation dose in craniocervical computed tomography angiography (CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 280 consecutively selected patients performed craniocervical CTA with SDCT were prospectively selected and randomly divided into four groups (A, DoseRight index (DRI) 31, iopromide 370mgI/mL, volume 0.8 mL/kg; B, DRI 26, iopromide 370mgI/mL, volume 0.4 mL/kg; C, DRI 26, ioversol 320mgI/mL, volume 0.4 mL/kg; D, DRI 26, iohexol 300mgI/mL, volume 0.4 mL/kg). 50-70 kiloelectron volts (keV) VMIs in group B were reconstructed and compared to group A to select the optimal keV. Then, the optimal keV in groups B, C and D was reconstructed and compared. Objective image quality, including vascular attenuation, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), was evaluated. Subjective image quality was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. In addition, the effective dose (ED), iodine load and iodine delivery rate (IDR) were compared between groups A and D. RESULTS 55 keV VMI was the optimal VMI in group B. The objective and subjective image quality of 55 keV VMI in group B were equal to or better than those of the CI in group A. The SNR, CNR and subjective image quality in group D were similar to those in group B (P > 0.05). The ED, iodine load and IDR of group D were reduced by 44%, 59% and 19%, respectively, when compared to those of group A. CONCLUSION Low dose iodinated CM and radiation for 55 keV VMI in craniocervical CTA using SDCT could still provide equivalent or better image quality than the conventional scanning protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuzhi Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Gusu, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China (X.Z., M.C., Y.L., Y.W., D.H., D.Z., J.S., G.F., W.C.)
| | - Manman Cui
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Gusu, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China (X.Z., M.C., Y.L., Y.W., D.H., D.Z., J.S., G.F., W.C.)
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Gusu, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China (X.Z., M.C., Y.L., Y.W., D.H., D.Z., J.S., G.F., W.C.)
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Gusu, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China (X.Z., M.C., Y.L., Y.W., D.H., D.Z., J.S., G.F., W.C.)
| | - Dongliang Hu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Gusu, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China (X.Z., M.C., Y.L., Y.W., D.H., D.Z., J.S., G.F., W.C.)
| | - Duchang Zhai
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Gusu, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China (X.Z., M.C., Y.L., Y.W., D.H., D.Z., J.S., G.F., W.C.)
| | - Mingyu Qin
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215026, Jiangsu, China (M.Q.)
| | - Junkang Shen
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Gusu, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China (X.Z., M.C., Y.L., Y.W., D.H., D.Z., J.S., G.F., W.C.)
| | - Shenghong Ju
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China (S.J.)
| | - Guohua Fan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Gusu, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China (X.Z., M.C., Y.L., Y.W., D.H., D.Z., J.S., G.F., W.C.)
| | - Wu Cai
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Gusu, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, China (X.Z., M.C., Y.L., Y.W., D.H., D.Z., J.S., G.F., W.C.).
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Kazimierczak W, Kazimierczak N, Wilamowska J, Wojtowicz O, Nowak E, Serafin Z. Enhanced visualization in endoleak detection through iterative and AI-noise optimized spectral reconstructions. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3845. [PMID: 38360941 PMCID: PMC10869818 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54502-1] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
To assess the image quality parameters of dual-energy computed tomography angiography (DECTA) 40-, and 60 keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) combined with deep learning-based image reconstruction model (DLM) and iterative reconstructions (IR). CT scans of 28 post EVAR patients were enrolled. The 60 s delayed phase of DECTA was evaluated. Objective [noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)] and subjective (overall image quality and endoleak conspicuity - 3 blinded readers assessment) image quality analyses were performed. The following reconstructions were evaluated: VMI 40, 60 keV VMI; IR VMI 40, 60 keV; DLM VMI 40, 60 keV. The noise level of the DLM VMI images was approximately 50% lower than that of VMI reconstruction. The highest CNR and SNR values were measured in VMI DLM images. The mean CNR in endoleak in 40 keV was accounted for as 1.83 ± 1.2; 2.07 ± 2.02; 3.6 ± 3.26 in VMI, VMI IR, and VMI DLM, respectively. The DLM algorithm significantly reduced noise and increased lesion conspicuity, resulting in higher objective and subjective image quality compared to other reconstruction techniques. The application of DLM algorithms to low-energy VMIs significantly enhances the diagnostic value of DECTA in evaluating endoleaks. DLM reconstructions surpass traditional VMIs and IR in terms of image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Kazimierczak
- Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Jagiellońska 13-15, 85-067, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
- Kazimierczak Private Medical Practice, Dworcowa 13/u6a, 85-009, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
- University Hospital No 1 in Bydgoszcz, Marii Skłodowskiej - Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Natalia Kazimierczak
- Kazimierczak Private Medical Practice, Dworcowa 13/u6a, 85-009, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Justyna Wilamowska
- Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Jagiellońska 13-15, 85-067, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- University Hospital No 1 in Bydgoszcz, Marii Skłodowskiej - Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Olaf Wojtowicz
- Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Jagiellońska 13-15, 85-067, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- University Hospital No 1 in Bydgoszcz, Marii Skłodowskiej - Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Ewa Nowak
- University Hospital No 1 in Bydgoszcz, Marii Skłodowskiej - Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Serafin
- Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Jagiellońska 13-15, 85-067, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- University Hospital No 1 in Bydgoszcz, Marii Skłodowskiej - Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Jingxuan J, Baohui G, Jingyi Z, Hongmei G, Minda L, Ye H, Yuehua L. Dual-energy computed tomography angiography-based quantification of lesion net water uptake to identify stroke onset time. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23540. [PMID: 38169834 PMCID: PMC10758880 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To explore whether dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) angiography can provide reliable quantitative information on net water uptake (NWU) of ischemic brain to identify stroke patients within 4.5 h. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 142 patients with stroke occurrence and who underwent DECT angiography between August 2016 and May 2022. DECT angiography manual drawn the ischemic area by referring to the normal area of the contralateral hemisphere and follow-up images. The NWU in the ischemic area was determined using virtual non-contrast and monoenergetic (VNC &VM) images acquired from DECT angiography. The NWU values in the ischemic area were compared between stroke patients within and beyond 4.5 h. The diagnostic performance of the NWU values derived from the VNC and VM images was assessed through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Additionally, Furthermore, we examined the correlation between the NWU values and the stroke onset time. Results Seventy-eight (54.93 %) stroke patients underwent DECT angiography and within 4.5 h. These patients with lower median National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) scores on admission than those beyond 4.5 h (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the group within 4.5 h had lower NWU values than did the group beyond 4.5 h on all VNC and VM images (p < 0.001). The analysis revealed that the NWU values determined using the VM (60 keV) images had the highest predictive efficiency (AUC, 0.95; sensitivity, 100 %; and specificity, 89.06 %) and showed the strongest positive correlation with stroke onset time (r-value = 0.58, p < 0.001). Conclusions Our findings showed that DECT angiography-based quantification of NWU helps identify the stroke patients within 4.5 h with high predictive efficiency. Thus, NWU values determined using VM (60 keV) images could serve as a significant biomarker for stroke onset time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Jingxuan
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guan Baohui
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou Jingyi
- Department of Radiology, Kunshan second People's Hospital, Kunshan, China
| | - Gu Hongmei
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Li Minda
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hua Ye
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Li Yuehua
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Farhadi F, Sahbaee P, Rajagopal JR, Nikpanah M, Saboury B, Gutjahr R, Biassou NM, Shah R, Flohr TG, Samei E, Pritchard WF, Malayeri AA, Bluemke DA, Jones EC. Virtual monoenergetic imaging in photon-counting CT of the head and neck. Clin Imaging 2023; 102:109-115. [PMID: 37672849 PMCID: PMC10838526 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2023.08.004] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Advantages of virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) have been reported for dual energy CT of the head and neck, and more recently VMIs derived from photon-counting (PCCT) angiography of the head and neck. We report image quality metrics of VMI in a PCCT angiography dataset, expanding the anatomical regions evaluated and extending observer-based qualitative methods further than previously reported. METHODS In a prospective study, asymptomatic subjects underwent contrast enhanced PCCT of the head and neck using an investigational scanner. Image sets of low, high, and full spectrum (Threshold-1) energies; linear mix of low and high energies (Mix); and 23 VMIs (40-150 keV, 5 keV increments) were generated. In 8 anatomical locations, SNR and radiologists' preferences for VMI energy levels were measured using a forced-choice rank method (4 observers) and ratings of image quality using visual grading characteristic (VGC) analysis (2 observers) comparing VMI to Mix and Threshold-1 images. RESULTS Fifteen subjects were included (7 men, 8 women, mean 57 years, range 46-75). Among all VMIs, SNRs varied by anatomic location. The highest SNRs were observed in VMIs. Radiologists preferred 50-60 keV VMIs for vascular structures and 75-85 keV for all other structures. Cumulative ratings of image quality averaged across all locations were higher for VMIs with areas under the curve of VMI vs Mix and VMI vs Threshold-1 of 0.67 and 0.68 for the first reader and 0.72 and 0.76 for the second, respectively. CONCLUSION Preferred keV level and quality ratings of VMI compared to mixed and Threshold-1 images varied by anatomical location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Farhadi
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Jayasai R Rajagopal
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Carl E. Ravin Advanced Imaging Laboratories, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Moozhan Nikpanah
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Babak Saboury
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Nadia M Biassou
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ritu Shah
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Ehsan Samei
- Carl E. Ravin Advanced Imaging Laboratories, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William F Pritchard
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Center for Interventional Oncology, Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ashkan A Malayeri
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David A Bluemke
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Jones
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Kazimierczak W, Nowak E, Kazimierczak N, Jankowski T, Jankowska A, Serafin Z. The value of metal artifact reduction and iterative algorithms in dual energy CT angiography in patients after complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20700. [PMID: 37876478 PMCID: PMC10590777 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale and objectives Evaluation of the diagnostic value of linearly blended (LB) and virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) reconstruction techniques with and without metal artifacts reduction (MAR) and of adaptive statistical iterative reconstructions (ASIR) in the assessment of target vessels after branched/fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (f/brEVAR) procedures. Materials and methods CT scans of 28 patients were used in this study. Arterial phase of examination was obtained using a dual-energy fast-kVp switching scanner. CT numbers in the aorta, celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and renal arteries were measured in the following reconstructions: LB, VMI 60 keV, VMI MAR 60 keV, VMI ASIR 60 % 60 keV. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were calculated for each reconstruction. Luminal diameters (measurements at 2 levels of stent) and subjective image quality (5-point Likert scale) were assessed (2 readers, blinded to the type of reconstruction). Results The highest mean values of CNR and SNR in vascular structures were obtained in VMI MAR 60 keV (CNR 12.526 ± 2.46, SNR 17.398 ± 2.52), lower in VMI 60 keV (CNR 11.508 ± 2.01, SNR 16.524 ± 2.07) and VMI ASIR (CNR 11.086 ± 1.78, SNR 15.928 ± 1.82), and the lowest in LB (CNR 6.808 ± 0.79, SNR 11.492 ± 0.79) reconstructions. There were no statistically significant differences in the measurements of the stent width between reconstructions (p > 0.05). The highest subjective image quality was obtained in the ASIR VMI (4.25 ± 0.44) and the lowest in the MAR VMI (1.57 ± 0.5) reconstruction. Conclusion Despite obtaining the highest values of SNR and CNR in the MAR VMI reconstruction, the subjective diagnostic value was the lowest for this technique due to significant artifacts. The type of reconstruction did not significantly affect vessel diameter measurements (p > 0.05). Iterative reconstructions raised both objective and subjective image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Kazimierczak
- Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Jagiellońska 13-15, 85-067, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- University Hospital No 1 in Bydgoszcz, Marii Skłodowskiej – Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Kazimierczak Private Medical Practice, Dworcowa 13/u6a, 85-009, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Ewa Nowak
- University Hospital No 1 in Bydgoszcz, Marii Skłodowskiej – Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Natalia Kazimierczak
- Kazimierczak Private Medical Practice, Dworcowa 13/u6a, 85-009, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jankowski
- Jankowscy Private Dental Practice, Czerwonego Krzyża 24, 68-200, Żary, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jankowska
- Jankowscy Private Dental Practice, Czerwonego Krzyża 24, 68-200, Żary, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Serafin
- Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Jagiellońska 13-15, 85-067, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- University Hospital No 1 in Bydgoszcz, Marii Skłodowskiej – Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Jiang J, Gu H, Li M, Hua Y, Wang S, Dai L, Li Y. The Value of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Parameters in the Evaluation of Clot Composition. Acad Radiol 2023; 30:1866-1873. [PMID: 36587997 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2022.12.023] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the value of dual-energy computed tomography angiography (DE-CTA) derived parameters as a quantitative biomarker of thrombus composition in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS AIS patients who underwent DE-CTA before thrombectomy between August 2016 and September 2022 were included in this study. We assessed the relative proportion of red blood cells (RBCs) and the fibrin/platelet ratio (F/P) of the retrieved clots and categorized the clots as RBC-dominant (RBCs > F/P) or F/P-dominant (F/P > RBCs). The thrombus based parameters were measured on polyenergetic images (PEI), virtual monoenergetic (VM), virtual non-contrast (VNC), iodine concentration (IC), and effective atomic number (Zeff) images respectively, and the slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit curve (λHU) was calculated. These parameters were compared in the DE-CTA images of RBC- and F/P-dominant thrombi. The diagnostic performance of the parameters was analyzed using the ROC curve. Correlations between thrombus composition and DE-CTA-derived parameters were assessed. RESULTS The retrieved clots in 54 of 88 patients (61.36%) were RBC-dominant. The RBC-dominant thrombi showed significantly higher VNC values and lower IC, λHU, and Zeff values than the F/P-dominant thrombi (p < 0.05). The CT density measured on IC images showed the largest AUC value (AUC, 0.94; sensitivity, 77.78%; specificity, 100.00%). The Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient values showed that CT density measured on IC images of the thrombus showed the strongest association with the proportion of RBCs (r = -0.64, p < 0.001) and F/P (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS DE-CTA-derived parameters, especially the CT density measured on IC images, could be associated with thrombus composition and allow for personalized thrombectomy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Jiang
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongmei Gu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minda Li
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ye Hua
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Lisong Dai
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China.
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Dunning CAS, Rajendran K, Inoue A, Rajiah P, Weber N, Fletcher JG, McCollough CH, Leng S. Optimal Virtual Monoenergetic Photon Energy (keV) for Photon-Counting-Detector Computed Tomography Angiography. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2023; 47:569-575. [PMID: 36790898 PMCID: PMC10349687 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000001450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the optimal photon energy for virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) in computed tomography angiography (CTA) using photon-counting-detector (PCD) CT. METHODS Under institutional review board approval, 10 patients (abdominal, n = 4; lower extremity, n = 3; head and neck, n = 3) were scanned on an investigational PCD-CT (Count Plus, Siemens Healthcare) at 120 or 140 kV. All images were iteratively reconstructed with Bv48 kernel and 2-mm slice thickness. Axial and coronal VMI maximum-intensity projections were created in the range 40 to 65 keV (5-keV steps). Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated for major arteries in each VMI series. Two radiologists blindly ranked each VMI series for overall image quality and visualization of small vessels and pathology. The median and SD of scores for each photon energy were calculated. In addition, readers identified any VMIs that distinguished itself from others in terms of vessel/pathology visualization or artifacts. RESULTS Mean iodine CNR was highest in 40-keV VMIs for all evaluated arteries. Across readers, the 50-keV VMI had the highest combined score (2.00 ± 1.11). Among different body parts, the 45-keV VMI was ranked highest for the head-and-neck (1.75 ± 0.68) and lower extremity (2.00 ± 1.41) CTA. Meanwhile, 50- and 55-keV VMIs were ranked highest for abdominal (2.50 ± 1.35 and 2.50 ± 1.56) CTA. The 40-keV VMI received the highest score for iodine visualization in vessels, and the 65-keV VMI for reduced metal/calcium-blooming artifacts. CONCLUSIONS Quantitatively, VMIs at 40 keV had the highest CNR in major arterial vasculature using PCD-CTA. Based on radiologists' preference, the 45- and 50-keV VMIs were optimal for small body parts (eg, head and neck and lower extremity) and large body parts (eg, abdomen), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shuai Leng
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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9
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Wei J, Hu H, He X, Bao H. GSI CTA evaluation of the vertebrobasilar artery in normal adults at high altitude. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1094401. [PMID: 37293285 PMCID: PMC10244571 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1094401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Vascular geometry is influenced by several factors during its growth and development. Here, we compared the differences in vertebrobasilar geometry among residents of a plateau region at different altitudes and investigated the relationship between vascular geometry and altitude. Methods Data of some adults in the plateau region who experienced vertigo and headache as the main symptoms but had no evident abnormalities found during imaging examination were collected. They were divided into three groups based on an altitude gradient: group A (1,800-2,500 masl), group B (2,500-3,500 masl), and group C (over 3,500 masl). They underwent head-neck energy-spectrum computed tomography angiography with a gemstone spectral imaging scanning protocol. The following indices were observed: (1) vertebrobasilar geometric configurations (walking, tuning fork, lambda, and no confluence), (2) vertebral artery (VA) hypoplasia, (3) the bending number of bilateral VA intracranial segment, (4) length and tortuosity of the basilar artery (BA), and (5) anteroposterior (AP)-mid-BA angle, BA-VA angle, lateral-mid-BA angle, and VA-VA angle. Results Of the 222 subjects, 84 of them were included in group A, 76 in group B, and 62 in group C. The number of participants in walking, tuning fork, lambda, and no confluence geometries was 93, 71, 50, and 8, respectively. As altitude increased, the tortuosity of the BA also increased (1.05 ± 0.06 vs. 1.06 ± 0.08 vs. 1.10 ± 0.13, P = 0.005), as did the lateral-mid-BA angle (23.18° ± 9.53° vs. 26.05° ± 10.10° vs. 31.07° ± 15.12°, P = 0.007) and the BA-VA angle (32.98° ± 17.85° vs. 34.51° ± 17.96° vs. 41.51° ± 19.22°, P = 0.024). There was a relatively weak positive correlation between the altitude and the tortuosity of the BA (rs = 0.190, P = 0.005), the lateral-mid-BA angle (rs = 0.201, P = 0.003), and the BA-VA angle (rs = 0.183, P = 0.006) which showed a significant difference. Compared with groups A and B, there were more multibending groups and fewer oligo-bending groups in group C (P < 0.001). There was no difference found in the vertebral artery hypoplasia, actual length of the BA, VA-VA angle, and AP-mid-BA angle among the three groups. Conclusion As the altitude increased, the tortuosity of the BA and the sagittal angle of the vertebrobasilar arterial system also increased. The increase in altitude can lead to changes in vertebrobasilar geometry.
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Bucolo GM, D'Angelo T, Yel I, Koch V, Gruenewald LD, Othman AE, Alizadeh LS, Overhoff DP, Waldeck S, Martin SS, Mazziotti S, Ascenti G, Blandino A, Vogl TJ, Booz C. Virtual Monoenergetic Imaging of Lower Extremities Using Dual-Energy CT Angiography in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13101790. [PMID: 37238274 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13101790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common metabolic disorder in the world and an important risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). CT angiography represents the method of choice for the diagnosis, pre-operative planning, and follow-up of vascular disease. Low-energy dual-energy CT (DECT) virtual mono-energetic imaging (VMI) has been shown to improve image contrast, iodine signal, and may also lead to a reduction in contrast medium dose. In recent years, VMI has been improved with the use of a new algorithm called VMI+, able to obtain the best image contrast with the least possible image noise in low-keV reconstructions. PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of VMI+ DECT reconstructions on quantitative and qualitative image quality in the evaluation of the lower extremity runoff. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated DECT angiography of lower extremities in patients suffering from diabetes who had undergone clinically indicated DECT examinations between January 2018 and January 2023. Images were reconstructed with standard linear blending (F_0.5) and low VMI+ series were generated from 40 to 100 keV, in an interval of 15 keV. Vascular attenuation, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated for objective analysis. Subjective analysis was performed using five-point scales to evaluate image quality, image noise, and diagnostic assessability of vessel contrast. RESULTS Our final study cohort consisted of 77 patients (41 males). Attenuation values, CNR, and SNR were higher in 40-keV VMI+ reconstructions compared to the remaining VMI+ and standard F_0.5 series (HU: 1180.41 ± 45.09; SNR: 29.91 ± 0.99; CNR: 28.60 ± 1.03 vs. HU 251.32 ± 7.13; SNR: 13.22 ± 0.44; CNR: 10.57 ± 0.39 in standard F_0.5 series) (p < 0.0001). Subjective image rating was significantly higher in 55-keV VMI+ images compared to the other VMI+ and standard F_0.5 series in terms of image quality (mean score: 4.77), image noise (mean score: 4.39), and assessability of vessel contrast (mean value: 4.57) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS DECT 40-keV and 55-keV VMI+ showed the highest objective and subjective parameters of image quality, respectively. These specific energy levels for VMI+ reconstructions could be recommended in clinical practice, providing high-quality images with greater diagnostic suitability for the evaluation of lower extremity runoff, and potentially needing a lower amount of contrast medium, which is particularly advantageous for diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Mauro Bucolo
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Tommaso D'Angelo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ibrahim Yel
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vitali Koch
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Leon D Gruenewald
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ahmed E Othman
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Leona Soraja Alizadeh
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, 56072 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Daniel P Overhoff
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, 56072 Koblenz, Germany
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephan Waldeck
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, 56072 Koblenz, Germany
- Institute of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Simon S Martin
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Silvio Mazziotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ascenti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Alfredo Blandino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Thomas J Vogl
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Booz
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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11
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Tan Z, Zhang L, Sun X, Yang M, Wu H, Wang J. Dual-layer spectral CT improves the image quality of cerebral unenhanced CT scan in children. Eur J Radiol 2023; 164:110879. [PMID: 37182416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.110879] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the image quality and determine the optimal energies of virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) in unenhanced pediatric cerebral scans by dual-layer spectral detector computed tomography (DLCT). METHODS Fifty-three consecutive unenhanced cerebral scans by a DLCT scanner in children (age ≤ 12 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Conventional images (CI) and VMIs were reconstructed. The gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), posterior fossa, and subcalvarial artifac tindex (PFAI, SAI) were calculated. Two radiologists independently determined the image quality using a 5-point Likert-type scale based on GM - WM differentiation (GWMA), subcalvarialspace (SAA), beam hardening artifacts in the posterior fossa (PFAA), and the overall diagnostic quality. The student t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to determining the statistical significance. RESULTS Compared with CI, superior noise were observed in VMI at low keV levels and were lowest at 100 keV (P < 0.001); the SNR and CNR were significantly higher at the 45 keV to 75 keV levels (all Ps of <0.005). The best GWMA were noticed at the 50 keV level compared to other keV levels (all P < 0.05). The optimal SAA and PFAA were found at 100 keV, respectively. The assessment of overall diagnostic quality was the best at 50 keV (P < 0.013 to < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The VMI scan significantly improved the quality of pediatric cerebral images compared with those from CI. The optimal energy level for the brainparenchyma was 50 keV while those for subcalvarial space and posterior fossa were 100 keV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwu Tan
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Lan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Xiaojie Sun
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Hongying Wu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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12
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Ståhl F, Almqvist H, Kolloch J, Aspelin Å, Gontu V, Hummel E, van Vlimmeren M, Simon M, Thran A, Holmberg Å, Mazya MV, Söderman M, Delgado AF. Dual-Layer Detector Cone-Beam CT Angiography for Stroke Assessment: First-in-Human Results (the Next Generation X-ray Imaging System Trial). AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:523-529. [PMID: 37055159 PMCID: PMC10171384 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7835] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In patients with stroke, IV cone-beam CTA in the angiography suite could be an alternative to CTA to shorten the door-to-thrombectomy time. However, image quality in cone-beam CTA is typically limited by artifacts. This study evaluated a prototype dual-layer detector cone-beam CT angiography versus CTA in patients with stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective, single-center trial enrolled consecutive patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke on initial CT. Intracranial arterial segment vessel conspicuity and artifact presence were evaluated on dual-layer cone-beam CTA 70-keV virtual monoenergetic images and CTA. Eleven predetermined vessel segments were matched for every patient. Twelve patients were necessary to show noninferiority to CTA. Noninferiority was determined by the exact binomial test; the 1-sided lower performance boundary was prospectively set to 80% (98.75% CI). RESULTS Twenty-one patients had matched image sets (mean age, 72 years). After excluding examinations with movement or contrast media injection issues, all readers individually considered dual-layer cone-beam CT angiography noninferior to CTA (CI boundary, 93%, 84%, 80%, respectively) when evaluating arteries relevant in candidates for intracranial thrombectomy. Artifacts were more prevalent compared with CTA. The majority assessment rated each individual segment except M1 as having noninferior conspicuity compared with CTA. CONCLUSIONS In a single-center stroke setting, dual-layer detector cone-beam CTA virtual monoenergetic images are noninferior to CTA under certain conditions. Notably, the prototype is hampered by a long scan time and is not capable of contrast media bolus tracking. After excluding examinations with such scan issues, readers considered dual-layer detector cone-beam CTA noninferior to CTA, despite more artifacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ståhl
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (F.S., H.A., J.K., Å.A., V.G., Å.H., M. Söderman, A.F.D.)
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (F.S., H.A., V.G., M.V.M., M. Söderman, A.F.D.) Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - H Almqvist
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (F.S., H.A., J.K., Å.A., V.G., Å.H., M. Söderman, A.F.D.)
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (F.S., H.A., V.G., M.V.M., M. Söderman, A.F.D.) Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Kolloch
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (F.S., H.A., J.K., Å.A., V.G., Å.H., M. Söderman, A.F.D.)
| | - Å Aspelin
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (F.S., H.A., J.K., Å.A., V.G., Å.H., M. Söderman, A.F.D.)
| | - V Gontu
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (F.S., H.A., J.K., Å.A., V.G., Å.H., M. Söderman, A.F.D.)
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (F.S., H.A., V.G., M.V.M., M. Söderman, A.F.D.) Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E Hummel
- Image Guided Therapy (E.H., M.v.V.), Phillips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands
| | - M van Vlimmeren
- Image Guided Therapy (E.H., M.v.V.), Phillips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands
| | - M Simon
- Philips Research Hamburg (M. Simon, A.T.), Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Thran
- Philips Research Hamburg (M. Simon, A.T.), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Å Holmberg
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (F.S., H.A., J.K., Å.A., V.G., Å.H., M. Söderman, A.F.D.)
| | - M V Mazya
- Neurology (M.V.M.), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (F.S., H.A., V.G., M.V.M., M. Söderman, A.F.D.) Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Söderman
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (F.S., H.A., J.K., Å.A., V.G., Å.H., M. Söderman, A.F.D.)
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (F.S., H.A., V.G., M.V.M., M. Söderman, A.F.D.) Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A F Delgado
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (F.S., H.A., J.K., Å.A., V.G., Å.H., M. Söderman, A.F.D.)
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience (F.S., H.A., V.G., M.V.M., M. Söderman, A.F.D.) Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Martin SS, Kolaneci J, Czwikla R, Booz C, Gruenewald LD, Albrecht MH, Thompson ZM, Lenga L, Yel I, Vogl TJ, Wichmann JL, Koch V. Dual-Energy CT for the Detection of Portal Vein Thrombosis: Improved Diagnostic Performance Using Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstructions. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071682. [PMID: 35885585 PMCID: PMC9317258 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the diagnostic performance of noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic images (VMI+) in dual-energy CT (DECT) of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) compared to standard reconstructions. Method: This retrospective, single-center study included 107 patients (68 men; mean age, 60.1 ± 10.7 years) with malignant or cirrhotic liver disease and suspected PVT who had undergone contrast-enhanced portal-phase DECT of the abdomen. Linearly blended (M_0.6) and virtual monoenergetic images were calculated using both standard VMI and noise-optimized VMI+ algorithms in 20 keV increments from 40 to 100 keV. Quantitative measurements were performed in the portal vein for objective contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) calculation. The image series showing the greatest CNR were further assessed for subjective image quality and diagnostic accuracy of PVT detection by two blinded radiologists. Results: PVT was present in 38 subjects. VMI+ reconstructions at 40 keV revealed the best objective image quality (CNR, 9.6 ± 4.3) compared to all other image reconstructions (p < 0.01). In the standard VMI series, CNR peaked at 60 keV (CNR, 4.7 ± 2.1). Qualitative image parameters showed the highest image quality rating scores for the 60 keV VMI+ series (median, 4) (p ≤ 0.03). The greatest diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of PVT was found for the 40 keV VMI+ series (sensitivity, 96%; specificity, 96%) compared to M_0.6 images (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 92%), 60 keV VMI (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 97%), and 60 keV VMI+ reconstructions (sensitivity, 92%; specificity, 97%) (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: Low-keV VMI+ reconstructions resulted in significantly improved diagnostic performance for the detection of PVT compared to other DECT reconstruction algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon S. Martin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.K.); (R.C.); (C.B.); (L.D.G.); (M.H.A.); (L.L.); (I.Y.); (T.J.V.); (J.L.W.); (V.K.)
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)69-6301-80414; Fax: +49-(0)69-6301-7288
| | - Jetlir Kolaneci
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.K.); (R.C.); (C.B.); (L.D.G.); (M.H.A.); (L.L.); (I.Y.); (T.J.V.); (J.L.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Rouben Czwikla
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.K.); (R.C.); (C.B.); (L.D.G.); (M.H.A.); (L.L.); (I.Y.); (T.J.V.); (J.L.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Christian Booz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.K.); (R.C.); (C.B.); (L.D.G.); (M.H.A.); (L.L.); (I.Y.); (T.J.V.); (J.L.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Leon D. Gruenewald
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.K.); (R.C.); (C.B.); (L.D.G.); (M.H.A.); (L.L.); (I.Y.); (T.J.V.); (J.L.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Moritz H. Albrecht
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.K.); (R.C.); (C.B.); (L.D.G.); (M.H.A.); (L.L.); (I.Y.); (T.J.V.); (J.L.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Zachary M. Thompson
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Lukas Lenga
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.K.); (R.C.); (C.B.); (L.D.G.); (M.H.A.); (L.L.); (I.Y.); (T.J.V.); (J.L.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Ibrahim Yel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.K.); (R.C.); (C.B.); (L.D.G.); (M.H.A.); (L.L.); (I.Y.); (T.J.V.); (J.L.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Thomas J. Vogl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.K.); (R.C.); (C.B.); (L.D.G.); (M.H.A.); (L.L.); (I.Y.); (T.J.V.); (J.L.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Julian L. Wichmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.K.); (R.C.); (C.B.); (L.D.G.); (M.H.A.); (L.L.); (I.Y.); (T.J.V.); (J.L.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Vitali Koch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (J.K.); (R.C.); (C.B.); (L.D.G.); (M.H.A.); (L.L.); (I.Y.); (T.J.V.); (J.L.W.); (V.K.)
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14
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Michael AE, Boriesosdick J, Schoenbeck D, Lopez-Schmidt I, Kroeger JR, Moenninghoff C, Horstmeier S, Pennig L, Borggrefe J, Niehoff JH. Photon Counting CT Angiography of the Head and Neck: Image Quality Assessment of Polyenergetic and Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstructions. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061306. [PMID: 35741116 PMCID: PMC9222087 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The purpose of the present study was the evaluation of the image quality of polyenergetic and monoenergetic reconstructions (PERs and MERs) of CT angiographies (CTAs) of the head and neck acquired with the novel photon counting CT (PCCT) method in clinical routine. Methods: Thirty-seven patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Quantitative image parameters of the extracranial, intracranial and cerebral arteries were evaluated for the PER and MER (40–120 keV). Additionally, two radiologists rated the perceived image quality. Results: The mean CTDIvol used in the PCCT was 8.31 ± 1.19 mGy. The highest signal within the vessels was detected in the 40 keV MER, whereas the lowest noise was detected in the 115 keV MER. The most favorable contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) were detected in the PER and low keV MER. In the qualitative image analysis, the PER was superior to the MER in all rated criteria. For MER, 60–65 keV was rated as best image quality. Conclusion: Overall, PCCT offers excellent image quality for CTAs of the head and neck. At the current state, the PER of the PCCT seems to be the most favorable reconstruction for diagnostic reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwed Elias Michael
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, 32429 Minden, Germany; (J.B.); (D.S.); (I.L.-S.); (J.R.K.); (C.M.); (S.H.); (J.B.); (J.H.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-571-790-4601
| | - Jan Boriesosdick
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, 32429 Minden, Germany; (J.B.); (D.S.); (I.L.-S.); (J.R.K.); (C.M.); (S.H.); (J.B.); (J.H.N.)
| | - Denise Schoenbeck
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, 32429 Minden, Germany; (J.B.); (D.S.); (I.L.-S.); (J.R.K.); (C.M.); (S.H.); (J.B.); (J.H.N.)
| | - Ingo Lopez-Schmidt
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, 32429 Minden, Germany; (J.B.); (D.S.); (I.L.-S.); (J.R.K.); (C.M.); (S.H.); (J.B.); (J.H.N.)
| | - Jan Robert Kroeger
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, 32429 Minden, Germany; (J.B.); (D.S.); (I.L.-S.); (J.R.K.); (C.M.); (S.H.); (J.B.); (J.H.N.)
| | - Christoph Moenninghoff
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, 32429 Minden, Germany; (J.B.); (D.S.); (I.L.-S.); (J.R.K.); (C.M.); (S.H.); (J.B.); (J.H.N.)
| | - Sebastian Horstmeier
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, 32429 Minden, Germany; (J.B.); (D.S.); (I.L.-S.); (J.R.K.); (C.M.); (S.H.); (J.B.); (J.H.N.)
| | - Lenhard Pennig
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Jan Borggrefe
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, 32429 Minden, Germany; (J.B.); (D.S.); (I.L.-S.); (J.R.K.); (C.M.); (S.H.); (J.B.); (J.H.N.)
| | - Julius Henning Niehoff
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, 32429 Minden, Germany; (J.B.); (D.S.); (I.L.-S.); (J.R.K.); (C.M.); (S.H.); (J.B.); (J.H.N.)
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Yi Y, Xu C, Guo N, Sun J, Lu X, Yu S, Wang Y, Vembar M, Jin Z, Wang Y. Performance of an Artificial Intelligence-based Application for the Detection of Plaque-based Stenosis on Monoenergetic Coronary CT Angiography: Validation by Invasive Coronary Angiography. Acad Radiol 2022; 29 Suppl 4:S49-S58. [PMID: 34895831 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2021.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To explore the value of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based application for identifying plaque-specific stenosis and obstructive coronary artery disease from monoenergetic spectral reconstructions on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 71 consecutive patients (52 men, 19 women; 63.3 ± 10.7 years) who underwent coronary CTA and invasive coronary angiography for diagnosing coronary artery disease. The conventional 120 kVp images and eight different virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) (from 40 keV to 140 keV at increment of 10 keV) were reconstructed. An AI system automatically detected plaques from the conventional 120 kVp images and VMIs and calculated the degree of stenosis, which was further compared to invasive coronary angiography. The assessment was performed at a segment, vessel, and patient level. RESULTS Vessel and segment-based analyses showed comparable diagnostic performance between conventional CTA images and VMIs from 50 keV to 90 keV. For vessel-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of conventional CTA were 74.3% (95% CI: 64.9%-82.0%), 85.6% (95% CI: 77.0%-91.4%), 84.3% (95% CI: 75.2%-90.7%), 76.1% (95% CI: 67.1%-83.3%) and 79.8% (95% CI: 73.7%-84.9%), respectively; the average sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy values of the VMIs ranging from 50 keV to 90 keV were 71.6%, 90.7%, 87.5%, 64.1% and 81.6%, respectively. For plaque-based assessment, diagnostic performance of the average VMIs ranging from 50 keV to 100 keV showed no significant statistical difference in diagnostic accuracy compared to those of conventional CTA images in detecting calcified (91.4% vs. 93.8%, p > 0.05), noncalcified (92.6% vs. 85.2%, p > 0.05) or mixed (80.2% vs. 81.2%, p > 0.05) stenosis, although the specificity was slightly higher (53.4% vs. 40.0%, p > 0.05) in detecting stenosis caused by mixed plaques. For VMIs above 100 keV, the diagnostic accuracy dropped significantly. CONCLUSION Our study showed that the performance of an AI-based application employed to detect significant coronary stenosis in virtual monoenergetic reconstructions ranging from 50 keV to 90 keV was comparable to conventional 120 kVp reconstructions.
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Dai G, Duan J, Zheng L, He M, Dai Y, Zhang M, Chu S. Comparison of lung image quality between CT Ark and Brilliance 64 CT during COVID-19. BMC Med Imaging 2021; 21:192. [PMID: 34903187 PMCID: PMC8666470 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-021-00720-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This study is to compare the lung image quality between shelter hospital CT (CT Ark) and ordinary CT scans (Brilliance 64) scans. METHODS The patients who received scans with CT Ark or Brilliance 64 CT were enrolled. Their lung images were divided into two groups according to the scanner. The objective evaluation methods of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were used. The subjective evaluation methods including the evaluation of the fine structure under the lung window and the evaluation of the general structure under the mediastinum window were compared. Kappa method was used to assess the reliability of the subjective evaluation. The subjective evaluation results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. SNR and CNR were tested using independent sample t tests. RESULTS There was no statistical difference in somatotype of enrolled subjects. The Kappa value between the two observers was between 0.68 and 0.81, indicating good consistency. For subjective evaluation results, the rank sum test P value of fine structure evaluation and general structure evaluation by the two observers was ≥ 0.05. For objective evaluation results, SNR and CNR between the two CT scanners were significantly different (P<0.05). Notably, the absolute values of SNR and CNR of the CT Ark were larger than Brilliance 64 CT scanner. CONCLUSION CT Ark is fully capable of scanning the lungs of the COVID-19 patients during the epidemic in the shelter hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonghua Dai
- Department of Radiology, East Hospital, Tongji University, No. 150, Jimo Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Jiying Duan
- Department of Radiology, East Hospital, Tongji University, No. 150, Jimo Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Liang Zheng
- Research Center for Translation Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Miao He
- Department of Radiology, East Hospital, Tongji University, No. 150, Jimo Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Yanshan Dai
- Department of Radiology, East Hospital, Tongji University, No. 150, Jimo Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200120, China
- China International Emergency Medical Team, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, East Hospital, Tongji University, No. 150, Jimo Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200120, China
- China International Emergency Medical Team, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Shuguang Chu
- Department of Radiology, East Hospital, Tongji University, No. 150, Jimo Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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17
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Zopfs D, Lennartz S, Abdullayev N, Lichtenstein T, Laukamp KR, Reimer RP, Kabbasch C, Borggrefe J, Schlamann M, Neuhaus V, Große Hokamp N. Generally applicable window settings of low-keV virtual monoenergetic reconstructions in dual-layer CT-angiography of the head and neck. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:3408-3417. [PMID: 34341719 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Increased vessel contrast in low-keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) in spectral detector CT angiography of the head and neck requires adaption of window settings. Aim of this study was to define generally applicable window settings of low-keV VMI. Methods Two radiologists determined ideal subjective window settings for VMI40-70 keV in 54 patients. To obtain generally applicable window settings, center and width values were modeled against the attenuation of the internal carotid artery (HUICA). This modeling was performed with and without respect to keV. Subsequently, image quality of VMI40-70 keV was assessed using the model-based determined window settings. Results With decreasing keV values, HUICA increased significantly in comparison to conventional images (CI) (P<0.05 for 40-60 keV). No significant differences between modelled and individually recorded window settings were found confirming validity of the obtained models (P values: 0.2-1.0). However, modelling with respect to keV was marginally less precise. Conclusions Window settings of low-keV VMI can be semi-automatically determined in dependency of the ICA attenuation in spectral detector CTA of the head and neck. The reported models are a promising tool to leverage the improved image quality of these images in clinical routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zopfs
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simon Lennartz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nuran Abdullayev
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thorsten Lichtenstein
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kai Roman Laukamp
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Robert Peter Reimer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christoph Kabbasch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Borggrefe
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marc Schlamann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Victor Neuhaus
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nils Große Hokamp
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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18
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Hamid S, Nasir MU, So A, Andrews G, Nicolaou S, Qamar SR. Clinical Applications of Dual-Energy CT. Korean J Radiol 2021; 22:970-982. [PMID: 33856133 PMCID: PMC8154785 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2020.0996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dual-energy CT (DECT) provides insights into the material properties of tissues and can differentiate between tissues with similar attenuation on conventional single-energy imaging. In the conventional CT scanner, differences in the X-ray attenuation between adjacent structures are dependent on the atomic number of the materials involved, whereas in DECT, the difference in the attenuation is dependent on both the atomic number and electron density. The basic principle of DECT is to obtain two datasets with different X-ray energy levels from the same anatomic region and material decomposition based on attenuation differences at different energy levels. In this article, we discuss the clinical applications of DECT and its potential robust improvements in performance and postprocessing capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saira Hamid
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Muhammad Umer Nasir
- Department of Medical Imaging, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Aaron So
- Department of Medical Biophyics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry Western University London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gordon Andrews
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Savvas Nicolaou
- Department of Medical Imaging, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sadia Raheez Qamar
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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D'Angelo T, Lenga L, Arendt CT, Bucher AM, Peterke JL, Caruso D, Mazziotti S, Ascenti G, Blandino A, Othman AE, Martin SS, Albrecht MH, Bodelle B, Vogl TJ, Wichmann JL. Carotid and cerebrovascular dual-energy computed tomography angiography: Optimization of window settings for virtual monoenergetic imaging reconstruction. Eur J Radiol 2020; 130:109166. [PMID: 32693314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2020.109166] [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: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dedicated post-processing of dual-energy computed tomography angiography (DE-CTA) datasets has been shown to allow for increased vascular contrast. The goal of our study was to define optimal window settings for displaying virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) reconstructed from dual-energy carotid and cerebrovascular DE-CTA. METHODS Fifty-seven patients who underwent clinically-indicated carotid and cerebrovascular third-generation dual-source DE-CTA were retrospectively evaluated. Standard linearly-blended (M_0.6), 70-keV traditional VMI (M70), and 40-keV noise-optimized VMI (M40+) reconstructions were analyzed. For M70 and M40+ datasets, the subjectively best window setting (width and level, B-W/L) was independently determined by two observers and subsequently related with aortic arch attenuation to calculate optimized values (O-W/L) using linear regression. Subjective evaluation of image quality (IQ) between W/L settings were assessed by two additional readers. Repeated measures analysis of variance were performed to compare W/L settings and IQ indices between M_0.6, M70, and M40 + . RESULTS B-W/L and O-W/L for M70 were 580/210 and 560/200, and for M40+ were 1630/570 and 1560/550, respectively, higher than standard DE-CTA W/L settings (450/100). Highest subjective scores were observed for M40+ regarding overall IQ (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Application of O-W/L settings is mandatory to optimize subjective IQ of VMI reconstructions of DE-CTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso D'Angelo
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, "G. Martino" University Hospital Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Lukas Lenga
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christophe T Arendt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas M Bucher
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia L Peterke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Damiano Caruso
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "La Sapienza'' University Hospital, Latina, Italy
| | - Silvio Mazziotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, "G. Martino" University Hospital Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ascenti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, "G. Martino" University Hospital Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Alfredo Blandino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, "G. Martino" University Hospital Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Ahmed E Othman
- Department for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon S Martin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Moritz H Albrecht
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Boris Bodelle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas J Vogl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julian L Wichmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
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McCollough CH, Boedeker K, Cody D, Duan X, Flohr T, Halliburton SS, Hsieh J, Layman RR, Pelc NJ. Principles and applications of multienergy CT: Report of AAPM Task Group 291. Med Phys 2020; 47:e881-e912. [DOI: 10.1002/mp.14157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kirsten Boedeker
- Canon (formerly Toshiba) Medical Systems Corporation 1440 Warnall Ave Los Angeles CA 90024 USA
| | - Dianna Cody
- University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 7163 Spanish Grant Galveston TX 77554‐7756 USA
| | - Xinhui Duan
- Southwestern Medical Center University of Texas 5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dallas TX 75390‐9071 USA
| | - Thomas Flohr
- Siemens Healthcare GmbH Siemensstr. 3 Forchheim BY 91031 Germany
| | | | - Jiang Hsieh
- GE Healthcare Technologies 3000 N. Grandview Blvd. W-1190 Waukesha WI 53188 USA
| | - Rick R. Layman
- University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 7163 Spanish Grant Galveston TX 77554‐7756 USA
| | - Norbert J. Pelc
- Stanford University 443 Via Ortega, Room 203 Stanford CA 94305‐4125 USA
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21
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Cavallo AU, Patterson AJ, Thomas R, Alaiti MA, Attizzani GF, Laukamp K, Große Hokamp N, Bezerra H, Gilkeson R, Rajagopalan S. Low dose contrast CT for transcatheter aortic valve replacement assessment: Results from the prospective SPECTACULAR study (spectral CT assessment prior to TAVR). J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2020; 14:68-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2019.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Barrera CA, Otero HJ, White AM, Saul D, Biko DM. Image Quality of ECG-Triggered High-Pitch, Dual-Source Computed Tomography Angiography for Cardiovascular Assessment in Children. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2020; 49:23-28. [DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Kraus MS, Selo N, Kiefer LS, Esser M, Albtoush OM, Weiss J, Wichmann JL, Bamberg F, Othman AE. Advanced Virtual Monoenergetic Imaging: Improvement of Visualization and Differentiation of Intramuscular Lesions in Portal-Venous-phase Contrast-enhanced Dual-energy CT. Acad Radiol 2019; 26:1457-1465. [PMID: 30879946 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of advanced monoenergetic imaging (MEI+) postprocessing algorithm on the visualization of various intramuscular lesions on portal-venous-phase contrast-enhanced dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-nine patients (64.3 ± 11.1 years; 26 males) with various intramuscular lesions ranging from malignancy, bleeding, inflammation, edematous changes, and benign neoplasms were included and underwent DECT (100/Sn150kV). Postprocessing with MEI+ technique was used to reconstruct images at four different keV levels (40, 60, 80, 100) and compared to the standard portal-venous-phase CT (CTpv) images. Image quality was assessed qualitatively (conspicuity, delineation, sharpness, noise, and confidence) by two independent readers using 5-point Likert scales, 5 = excellent; as well as quantitatively by calculating signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR), and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for lesion characterization. RESULTS Highest lesion enhancement and diagnostic confidence were observed in MEI+ 40 keV, with significant differences to CTpv (p < 0.001), as well as for malignant lesions (highest conspicuity, noise, and sharpness in MEI+ 40 keV; p < 0.001). CNR calculations revealed highest values for MEI+ 40 keV followed by 60 keV with significant differences to CTpv, and increasing energy levels. ROC analysis showed highest diagnostic accuracy for 40-keV MEI+ datasets regarding the detection of malignant/benign lesions with AUC values of 98.9% (95%-confidence interval: 96.5, 100) and a standard error of 1.2, further AUC values decreased to 83.6% for MEI+100. CONCLUSION MEI+ at low keV levels can significantly improve lesion detection of benign versus malignant intramuscular entities in patients undergoing portal-venous-phase DECT scans due to increased CNR.
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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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25
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Kim TM, Choi YH, Cheon JE, Kim WS, Kim IO, Park JE, Shin SM, Pak SY, Krauss B. Optimal Kiloelectron Volt for Noise-Optimized Virtual Monoenergetic Images of Dual-Energy Pediatric Abdominopelvic Computed Tomography: Preliminary Results. Korean J Radiol 2019; 20:283-294. [PMID: 30672168 PMCID: PMC6342763 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2017.0507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare quantitative and qualitative image quality parameters in pediatric abdominopelvic dual-energy CT (DECT) using noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) and conventional VMI at different kiloelectron volt (keV) levels. Materials and Methods Thirty-six consecutive abdominopelvic DECT scans were retrospectively included. Noise-optimized VMI and conventional VMI were reconstructed at seven energy levels, from 40 keV to 100 keV at 10 keV intervals. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the liver, pancreas, and aorta were objectively measured and compared. Image quality was evaluated subjectively regarding image noise, image blurring of solid organ, bowel image quality and severity of beam-hardening artifacts. Optimal monoenergetic levels in keV for both algorithms were determined based on overall image quality score. Results The maximal CNR and SNR values for all investigated organs were observed at 40 keV in noise-optimized VMI (CNR and SNR of liver, pancreas, aorta in order [CNR; 20.93, 17.34, 46.75: SNR; 37.39, 33.80, 63.21]), at 60–70 keV and at 70 keV in conventional VMI (CNR; 8.12, 5.67, 15.97: SNR; 19.57, 16.66, 26.65). In qualitative image analysis, noise-optimized VMI and conventional VMI showed the best overall image quality scores at 60 keV and at 70 keV, respectively. Noise-optimized VMI at 60 keV showed superior CNRs, SNRs, and overall image quality scores compared to conventional VMI at 70 keV (p < 0.001). Conclusion Optimal energy levels for noise-optimized VMI and conventional VMI were 60 keV and at 70 keV, respectively. Noise-optimized VMI shows superior CNRs, SNRs and subjective image quality over conventional VMI, at the optimal energy level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taek Min Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Hun Choi
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jung Eun Cheon
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo Sun Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - In One Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Eun Park
- Department of Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Mi Shin
- Department of Radiology, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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Reimer RP, Flatten D, Lichtenstein T, Zopfs D, Neuhaus V, Kabbasch C, Maintz D, Borggrefe J, Große Hokamp N. Virtual Monoenergetic Images from Spectral Detector CT Enable Radiation Dose Reduction in Unenhanced Cranial CT. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2019; 40:1617-1623. [PMID: 31537517 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Our aim was to evaluate whether improved gray-white matter differentiation in cranial CT by means of 65- keV virtual monoenergetic images enables a radiation dose reduction compared to conventional images. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred forty consecutive patients undergoing 171 spectral detector CTs of the head between February and November 2017 (56 ± 19 years of age; male/female ratio, 56%/44%) were retrospectively included. The tube current-time product was reduced during the study period, resulting in 61, 55, and 55 patients being examined with 320, 290, and 260 mAs, respectively. All other scanning parameters were kept identical. The volume CT dose index was recorded. ROIs were placed in gray and white matter on conventional images and copied to identical positions in 65- keV virtual monoenergetic images. The contrast-to-noise ratio was calculated. Two radiologists blinded to the reconstruction technique evaluated image quality on a 5-point Likert-scale. Statistical assessment was performed using ANOVA and Wilcoxon test adjusted for multiple comparisons. RESULTS The mean volume CT dose index was 55, 49.8, and 44.7 mGy using 320, 290, and 260 mAs, respectively. Irrespective of the volume CT dose index, noise was significantly lower in 65- keV virtual monoenergetic images compared with conventional images (65- keV virtual monoenergetic images/conventional images: extraocular muscle with 49.8 mGy, 3.7 ± 1.3/5.6 ± 1.6 HU, P < .001). Noise slightly increased with a reduced radiation dose (eg, extraocular muscle in conventional images: 5.3 ± 1.4/5.6 ± 1.6/6.1 ± 2.1 HU). Overall, the contrast-to-noise ratio in 65- keV virtual monoenergetic images was superior to that in conventional images irrespective of the volume CT dose index (P < .001). Particularly, 65-keV virtual monoenergetic images with 44.7 mGy showed significantly lower noise and a higher contrast-to-noise ratio than conventional images with 55 mGy (P < .001). Subjective analysis confirmed better image quality in 65- keV virtual monoenergetic images, even using 44.7 mGy. CONCLUSIONS The 65-keV virtual monoenergetic images from spectral detector CT allow radiation dose reduction in cranial CT. While this proof of concept included a radiation dose reduction of 19%, our data suggest that even greater reduction appears achievable.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Reimer
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Flatten
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - T Lichtenstein
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Zopfs
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - V Neuhaus
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C Kabbasch
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Maintz
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Borggrefe
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - N Große Hokamp
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Arendt CT, Czwikla R, Lenga L, Wichmann JL, Albrecht MH, Booz C, Martin SS, Leithner D, Tischendorf P, Blandino A, Vogl TJ, D'Angelo T. Improved coronary artery contrast enhancement using noise-optimised virtual monoenergetic imaging from dual-source dual-energy computed tomography. Eur J Radiol 2019; 122:108666. [PMID: 31786506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2019.108666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To define optimal kiloelectron volt (keV) settings for virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) reconstruction at dual-energy coronary computed tomography angiography (DE-CCTA). METHOD Fifty-one DE-CCTA data sets (33 men; mean age, 63.9 ± 13.2 years) were reconstructed as standard linearly-blended images (F_0.6; 60% of 90 kVp, 40% of 150 kVpSn), and with traditional (VMI) and noise-optimised (VMI+) algorithms from 40 to 100 keV in 10-keV intervals. Objective image quality was assessed with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements. Three observers subjectively evaluated vascular contrast, image sharpness, noise and delineation of coronary plaques. RESULTS Median values for objective image analysis were highest in VMI + series at 40 keV (SNR, 44.5; CNR: 33.5), significantly superior (allp < 0.001) to the best VMI series at 70 keV (SNR, 28.1; CNR, 18.4) and standard F_0.6 images (SNR, 23.2; CNR, 15.6). Overall subjective metrics achieved higher scores at 40-keV VMI+ series in comparison to 70-keV VMI series and F_0.6 images (all p < 0.001), with optimal vascular contrast (5; ICC, 0.90), good image sharpness (4; 0.88), low noise (4; 0.82), and optimal plaque delineation (5; 0.89). CONCLUSIONS DE-CCTA image reconstruction with 40-keV VMI + allows for significant improvement of both objective and subjective image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe T Arendt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rouben Czwikla
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lukas Lenga
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julian L Wichmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Moritz H Albrecht
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Christian Booz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simon S Martin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Doris Leithner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Patricia Tischendorf
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alfredo Blandino
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, Policlinico G. Martino - University Hospital Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Thomas J Vogl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tommaso D'Angelo
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Section of Radiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, Policlinico G. Martino - University Hospital Messina, Messina, Italy
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Topçuoğlu OM, Sarıkaya B. Fast kilovoltage-switching dual-energy CT offering lower x-ray dose than single-energy CT for the chest: a quantitative and qualitative comparison study of the two methods of acquisition. Diagn Interv Radiol 2019; 25:204-209. [PMID: 31085505 PMCID: PMC6521909 DOI: 10.5152/dir.2019.18412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to compare the size-specific dose estimates (SSDE), computed tomography (CT) dose indices and image quality parameters of the chest CTs obtained with fast kilovoltage-switching (FKS) dual-energy (DE) CT versus those with single-energy (SE) CT. METHODS Patients who had chest SECT within the last 6 months were prospectively scanned with chest FKS-DECT. Quantitative comparison was made by calculating the mean SSDE, CTDIvol, contrast, noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for both acquisitions. Two radiologists evaluated the chest SECT and DECT images qualitatively blinded to the technique used. The paired Student's t test was utilized for comparing the quantitative and qualitative data. Inter- and intraobserver agreement were also assessed. RESULTS A total of 42 patients were included. The mean SSDE, CTDIvol, contrast, noise, CNR, and SNR for SECT versus DECT were 12.7±2.2 mGy vs. 9.3±1.2 mGy (P = 0.001), 10.9±2.4 mGy vs. 8±1.2 mGy (P < 0.001), 211.9±44.7 vs. 216.3±59 (P = 0.350), 12.9±2.4 vs. 13.9±3.7 (P = 0.086), 13.5±5.2 vs. 13.3±8.4 (P = 0.548) and 12±3.5 vs. 11.5±3.4 (P = 0.774), respectively. Interobserver reproducibility was high for contrast, noise, CNR, and SNR (ICC = 0.89, 0.85, 0.93, and 0.82, respectively; all P < 0.05). Intraobserver reproducibility was high for contrast, noise, CNR, and SNR (ICC = 0.80, 0.77, 0.85, and 0.88, respectively; all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The mean SSDE of the chest CTs obtained with FKS-DECT were 26.8% lower than those with SECT with significant difference for the objective assessment and there was no significant difference for the subjective assessment of the image qualities, in this series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Melih Topçuoğlu
- From the Department of Radiology (O.M.T. ) Yeditepe University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Başar Sarıkaya
- From the Department of Radiology (O.M.T. ) Yeditepe University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
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D'Angelo T, Cicero G, Mazziotti S, Ascenti G, Albrecht MH, Martin SS, Othman AE, Vogl TJ, Wichmann JL. Dual energy computed tomography virtual monoenergetic imaging: technique and clinical applications. Br J Radiol 2019; 92:20180546. [PMID: 30919651 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20180546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dual energy CT (DECT) has evolved into a commonly applied imaging technique in clinical routine due to its unique post-processing opportunities for improved evaluation of all body areas. Reconstruction of virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) series has shown beneficial effects for both non-contrast and contrast-enhanced DECT due to the flexibility to calculate low-keV VMI reconstructions to increase contrast and iodine attenuation, or to compute high-keV VMI reconstructions to reduce beam-hardening artefacts. The goal of this review article is to explain the technical background of VMI and noise-optimized VMI+ algorithms and to give an overview of useful clinical applications of the VMI technique in DECT of various body regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso D'Angelo
- 1 Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, Policlinico G. Martino - University Hospital Messina , Messina , Italy.,2 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Division of Experimental Imaging, University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Giuseppe Cicero
- 1 Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, Policlinico G. Martino - University Hospital Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Silvio Mazziotti
- 1 Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, Policlinico G. Martino - University Hospital Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Giorgio Ascenti
- 1 Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, Policlinico G. Martino - University Hospital Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Moritz H Albrecht
- 2 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Division of Experimental Imaging, University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Simon S Martin
- 2 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Division of Experimental Imaging, University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Ahmed E Othman
- 3 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen , Tübingen , Germany
| | - Thomas J Vogl
- 2 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Division of Experimental Imaging, University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Julian L Wichmann
- 2 Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Division of Experimental Imaging, University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt , Germany
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The Optimal Energy Level of Virtual Monochromatic Images From Spectral CT for Reducing Beam-Hardening Artifacts Due to Contrast Media in the Thorax. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2018; 211:557-563. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.17.19377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Barrera CA, Otero HJ, White AM, Saul D, Biko DM. Depiction of the native coronary arteries during ECG-triggered High-Pitch Dual-Source Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in children: Determinants of image quality. Clin Imaging 2018; 52:240-245. [PMID: 30142610 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assess the image quality of ECG-triggered High-Pitch Dual-Source CTA for the evaluation of native coronaries in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between August 2014 and September 2017, 45 children with morphologically normal cardiac chambers had cardiac prospective ECG-triggered High-Pitch Dual-Source CTA. Two pediatric radiologists blinded to clinical data, independently reviewed each case. The coronary arteries were evaluated using a four-point scale quality score according to the coronary segment. Attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured using values from the air, inter-ventricular septum and ascending aorta at the level of the sinuses of Valsalva. RESULTS 225 coronary segments were assessed showed a mean score of 2.40 ± 0.73, 94.2% had diagnostic image quality. The best and worst average quality were seen in segment 5 and 2, respectively. Inter-observer agreement was moderate for all segments except for segment 1, which was excellent. Worse quality scores were significantly associated with younger patients and low body mass index as well as with higher heart rates in all segments. The mean observed heart rate and BSA in patients with diagnostic image quality were below 77 bpm and over 1.4 m2 respectively. There is no significant association between attenuation, SNR and CNR with image quality. CONCLUSIONS Prospective ECG-triggered High-Pitch Dual-Source Computed Tomography Angiography achieves consistent and diagnostic image quality for coronary artery assessment at a low effective dose in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Barrera
- Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street & Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Hansel J Otero
- Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street & Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ammie M White
- Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street & Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David Saul
- Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street & Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David M Biko
- Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street & Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Große Hokamp N, Höink AJ, Doerner J, Jordan DW, Pahn G, Persigehl T, Maintz D, Haneder S. Assessment of arterially hyper-enhancing liver lesions using virtual monoenergetic images from spectral detector CT: phantom and patient experience. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2018; 43:2066-2074. [PMID: 29185013 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-017-1411-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate a benefit from virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (VMIs) for assessment of arterially hyper-enhancing liver lesions in phantom and patients and to compare hybrid-iterative and spectral image reconstructions of conventional images (CI-IR and CI-SR). METHODS All imaging was performed on a SDCT (Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands). Images of a non-anthropomorphic phantom with a lesion-mimicking insert (containing iodine in water solution) and arterial-phase images from contrast-enhanced patient examinations were evaluated. VMIs (40-200 keV, 10 keV increment), CI-IR, and CI-SR were reconstructed using different strengths of image denoising. ROIs were placed in lesions, liver/matrix, muscle; signal-to-noise, contrast-to-noise, and lesion-to-liver ratios (SNR, CNR, and LLR) were calculated. Qualitatively, 40, 70, and 110 keV and CI images were assessed by two radiologists on five-point Likert scales regarding overall image quality, lesion assessment, and noise. RESULTS In phantoms, SNR was increased threefold by VMI40keV compared with CI-IR/SR (5.8 ± 1.1 vs. 18.8 ± 2.2, p ≤ 0.001), while no difference was found between CI-IR and CI-SR (p = 1). Denoising was capable of noise reduction by 40%. In total, 20 patients exhibiting 51 liver lesions were assessed. Attenuation was the highest in VMI40keV, while image noise was comparable to CI-IR resulting in a threefold increase of CNR/LLR (CI-IR 1.3 ± 0.8/4.4 ± 2.0, VMI40keV: 3.8 ± 2.7/14.2 ± 7.5, p ≤ 0.001). Subjective lesion delineation was the best in VMI40keV image (p ≤ 0.01), which also provided the lowest perceptible noise and the best overall image quality. CONCLUSIONS VMIs improve assessment of arterially hyper-enhancing liver lesions since they increase lesion contrast while maintaining low image noise throughout the entire keV spectrum. These data suggest that to consider VMI screening after arterially hyper-enhancing liver lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Große Hokamp
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - A J Höink
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Doerner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - D W Jordan
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - G Pahn
- Philips Clinical Science CT, Hamburg, Germany
| | - T Persigehl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Maintz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Haneder
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
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De Santis D, Eid M, De Cecco CN, Jacobs BE, Albrecht MH, Varga-Szemes A, Tesche C, Caruso D, Laghi A, Schoepf UJ. Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Cardiothoracic Vascular Imaging. Radiol Clin North Am 2018; 56:521-534. [PMID: 29936945 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Dual energy computed tomography is becoming increasingly widespread in clinical practice. It can expand on the traditional density-based data achievable with single energy computed tomography by adding novel applications to help reach a more accurate diagnosis. The implementation of this technology in cardiothoracic vascular imaging allows for improved image contrast, metal artifact reduction, generation of virtual unenhanced images, virtual calcium subtraction techniques, cardiac and pulmonary perfusion evaluation, and plaque characterization. The improved diagnostic performance afforded by dual energy computed tomography is not associated with an increased radiation dose. This review provides an overview of dual energy computed tomography cardiothoracic vascular applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico De Santis
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Marwen Eid
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Carlo N De Cecco
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Brian E Jacobs
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Moritz H Albrecht
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany
| | - Akos Varga-Szemes
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Christian Tesche
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen, Lazarettstraße 36, Munich 80636, Germany
| | - Damiano Caruso
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Andrea Laghi
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Uwe Joseph Schoepf
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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Noid G, Tai A, Schott D, Mistry N, Liu Y, Gilat-Schmidt T, Robbins JR, Li XA. Technical Note: Enhancing soft tissue contrast and radiation-induced image changes with dual-energy CT for radiation therapy. Med Phys 2018; 45:4238-4245. [PMID: 29972868 DOI: 10.1002/mp.13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this work is to investigate the use of low-energy monoenergetic decompositions obtained from dual-energy CT (DECT) to enhance image contrast and the detection of radiation-induced changes of CT textures in pancreatic cancer. METHODS The DECT data acquired for 10 consecutive pancreatic cancer patients during routine nongated CT-guided radiation therapy (RT) using an in-room CT (Definition AS Open, Siemens Healthcare, Malvern, PA) were analyzed. With a sequential DE protocol, the scanner rapidly performs two helical acquisitions, the first at a tube voltage of 80 kVp and the second at a tube voltage of 140 kVp. Virtual monoenergetic images across a range of energies from 40 to 140 keV were reconstructed using an image-based material decomposition. Intravenous (IV) bolus-free contrast enhancement in pancreas patient tumors was measured across a spectrum of monoenergies. For treatment response assessment, the changes in CT histogram features (including mean CT number (MCTN), entropy, kurtosis) in pancreas tumors were measured during treatment. The results from the monoenergetic decompositions were compared to those obtained from the standard 120 kVp CT protocol for the same subjects. RESULTS Data of monoenergetic decompositions of the 10 patients confirmed the expected enhancement of soft tissue contrast as the energy is decreased. The changes in the selected CT histogram features in the pancreas during RT delivery were amplified with the low-energy monoenergetic decompositions, as compared to the changes measured from the 120 kVp CTs. For the patients studied, the average reduction in the MCTN in pancreas from the first to the last (the 28th) treatment fraction was 4.09 HU for the standard 120 kVp and 11.15 HU for the 40 keV monoenergetic decomposition. CONCLUSIONS Low-energy monoenergetic decompositions from DECT substantially increase soft tissue contrast and increase the magnitude of radiation-induced changes in CT histogram textures during RT delivery for pancreatic cancer. Therefore, quantitative DECT may assist the detection of early RT response.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Noid
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - An Tai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Diane Schott
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Nilesh Mistry
- Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., 40 Liberty Blvd., Malvern, PA, 19355-9998, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Taly Gilat-Schmidt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53201-1881, USA
| | - Jared R Robbins
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - X Allen Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
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The utility of dual-energy CT for metal artifact reduction from intracranial clipping and coiling. RADIOLOGIA 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rxeng.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Mera Fernández D, Santos Armentia E, Bustos Fiore A, Villanueva Campos AM, Utrera Pérez E, Souto Bayarri M. The utility of dual-energy CT for metal artifact reduction from intracranial clipping and coiling. RADIOLOGIA 2018; 60:312-319. [PMID: 29699711 DOI: 10.1016/j.rx.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the ability of dual-energy CT (DECT) to reduce metal-related artifacts in patients with clips and coils in head CT angiography, and to analyze the differences in this reduction between both type of devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirteen patients (6 clips, 7 coils) were selected and retrospectively analized. Virtual monoenergetic images (MEI) with photon energies from 40 to 150 keV were obtained. Noise was measured at the area of maximum artifact. Subjective evaluation of streak artifact was performed by two radiologists independently. Differences between noise values in all groups were tested by using the ANOVA test. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between clips and coils. Coheńs κ statistic was used to determine interobserver agreement. RESULTS The lowest noise value was observed at high energy levels (p<0,05). Noise was higher in the coil group than in the clip group (p<0.001). Interobserver agreement was good (κ=0.72). CONCLUSIONS TCED with MEI helps to minimize the artifact from clips ands coils in patients who undergo head CT angiography. The reduction of the artifact is greater in patients with surgical clipping than in patients with endovascular coiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mera Fernández
- Departamento de Radiología, Hospital Povisa, Vigo, Pontevedra, España.
| | - E Santos Armentia
- Departamento de Radiología, Hospital Povisa, Vigo, Pontevedra, España
| | - A Bustos Fiore
- Servicio de Diagnóstico por la Imagen, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, España
| | | | - E Utrera Pérez
- Departamento de Radiología, Hospital Povisa, Vigo, Pontevedra, España
| | - M Souto Bayarri
- Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, XXI de Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, España
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Zhao L, Li F, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Jiang Y, Wang X, Gu J, Li D. Assessment of an advanced virtual monoenergetic reconstruction technique in cerebral and cervical angiography with third-generation dual-source CT: Feasibility of using low-concentration contrast medium. Eur Radiol 2018; 28:4379-4388. [PMID: 29654560 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-018-5407-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the feasibility of low-concentration contrast media (LC-CM) in cerebral and cervical dual-energy CT angiography (DE-CTA) using an advanced monoenergetic (Mono+) reconstruction technique. METHODS Sixty-five consecutive patients prospectively selected to undergo cerebral and cervical DE-CTA were randomised into two groups: 32 patients (63.7 ± 9.7 years) in the high-concentration contrast medium (HC-CM) group with iopromide 370 and 33 patients (60.7 ± 10.8 years) in the low-concentration contrast medium (LC-CM) group with iodixanol 270. Traditional monoenergetic (Mono) and Mono+ images from 40 to 100 keV levels (at 10-keV intervals) and the standard mixed (Mixed, 120 kVp equivalent) images were reconstructed. Subjective image quality parameters included the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and objective image quality parameters were evaluated and compared between the two groups. RESULTS The 40-keV Mono+ images in the LC-CM group showed comparable objective CNR (common carotid arteries: 83.7 ± 24.5 vs. 78.1 ± 23.2; internal carotid arteries: 82.2 ± 26.8 vs. 76.8 ± 24.1; middle cerebral arteries: 72.5 ± 24.6 vs. 70.6 ± 19.2; all p > 0.05) and subjective image scores (3.95 ± 0.19 vs. 3.83 ± 0.35; p > 0.05) compared with Mixed images in the HC-CM group. CONCLUSION The Mono+ reconstruction technique could reduce the concentration of iodinated CM in the diagnosis of cerebral and cervical angiography. KEY POINTS • Mono+ shows decreased noise and superior CNR compared with Mono. • The 40-keV Mono+ images show the highest CNR in the LC-CM group. • The Mono+ reconstruction technique could reduce the concentration of iodinated CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Fengtan Li
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Zewei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yingjian Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Jun Gu
- Siemens Healthineers, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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Zopfs D, Lennartz S, Laukamp K, Große Hokamp N, Mpotsaris A, Maintz D, Borggrefe J, Neuhaus V. Improved depiction of atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis in virtual monoenergetic reconstructions of venous phase dual-layer computed tomography in comparison to polyenergetic reconstructions. Eur J Radiol 2018; 100:36-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Leithner D, Mahmoudi S, Wichmann JL, Martin SS, Lenga L, Albrecht MH, Booz C, Arendt CT, Beeres M, D'Angelo T, Bodelle B, Vogl TJ, Scholtz JE. Evaluation of virtual monoenergetic imaging algorithms for dual-energy carotid and intracerebral CT angiography: Effects on image quality, artefacts and diagnostic performance for the detection of stenosis. Eur J Radiol 2018; 99:111-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Utilization of virtual mono-energetic images (MonoE) derived from a dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT) for the assessment of abdominal arteries in venous contrast phase scans. Eur J Radiol 2017; 99:28-33. [PMID: 29362148 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the utilization of virtual mono-energetic images (MonoE) at low kiloelectron volt (keV) levels derived from a dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT) for the assessment of abdominal arteries in venous contrast phase scans using arterial phase imaging as an internal reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 50 patients who received arterial and venous phase imaging of the abdomen on a SDCT system were included in this study. Absolute attenuation, noise, signal- and contrast to noise ratios (SNR; CNR) as well as arterial diameters in defined landmarks were assessed. In arterial phase, conventional reconstructions (CRART) as well as MonoEART at 40keV and in venous phase, conventional reconstructions (CRVEN) as well as MonoEVEN at 70 and 40keV were investigated and intra-individual comparisons were performed. If an artery stenosis (10 patients) was present, the degree of stenosis was assessed according to the system of the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET). RESULTS MonoE 40keV yielded significantly higher attenuation values (in arterial as well as in venous phase) compared to CRART (p<0.001) while noise levels were substantially low. This resulted in markedly superior SNR and CNR in large vessel compared to CRART. Luminal diameters were significantly smaller in MonoE 40keV in both contrast phases compared to CRART (p<0.001), whereas no significant differences were found between both MonoE reconstructions (p≥0.92). The degree of vessel stenosis was significantly higher in MonoE 40keV of both contrast phases compared to CRART (p≥0.02). CONCLUSION MonoE at low keV of venous contrast phase scans derived from a novel SDCT are suitable for the assessment of arteries in the abdomen and subsequent stenosis assessment. However, MonoE at 40keV constantly showed significant smaller luminal diameters than the corresponding conventional reconstructions (including the reference standard). This is possibly due to an improved differentiation of the vessel lumen from the wall and raises the question, which imaging technique should be used as an appropriate reference standard for vascular SDCT imaging studies.
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Advanced virtual monochromatic reconstruction of dual-energy unenhanced brain computed tomography in children: comparison of image quality against standard mono-energetic images and conventional polychromatic computed tomography. Pediatr Radiol 2017; 47:1648-1658. [PMID: 28656326 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-017-3908-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced virtual monochromatic reconstruction from dual-energy brain CT has not been evaluated in children. OBJECTIVE To determine the most effective advanced virtual monochromatic imaging energy level for maximizing pediatric brain parenchymal image quality in dual-energy unenhanced brain CT and to compare this technique with conventional monochromatic reconstruction and polychromatic scanning. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using both conventional (Mono) and advanced monochromatic reconstruction (Mono+) techniques, we retrospectively reconstructed 13 virtual monochromatic imaging energy levels from 40 keV to 100 keV in 5-keV increments from dual-source, dual-energy unenhanced brain CT scans obtained in 23 children. We analyzed gray and white matter noise ratios, signal-to-noise ratios and contrast-to-noise ratio, and posterior fossa artifact. We chose the optimal mono-energetic levels and compared them with conventional CT. RESULTS For Mono+maximum optima were observed at 60 keV, and minimum posterior fossa artifact at 70 keV. For Mono, optima were at 65-70 keV, with minimum posterior fossa artifact at 75 keV. Mono+ was superior to Mono and to polychromatic CT for image-quality measures. Subjective analysis rated Mono+superior to other image sets. CONCLUSION Optimal virtual monochromatic imaging using Mono+ algorithm demonstrated better image quality for gray-white matter differentiation and reduction of the artifact in the posterior fossa.
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Neuhaus V, Große Hokamp N, Abdullayev N, Maus V, Kabbasch C, Mpotsaris A, Maintz D, Borggrefe J. Comparison of virtual monoenergetic and polyenergetic images reconstructed from dual-layer detector CT angiography of the head and neck. Eur Radiol 2017; 28:1102-1110. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-5081-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Potter CA, Sodickson AD. Dual-Energy CT in Emergency Neuroimaging: Added Value and Novel Applications. Radiographics 2017; 36:2186-2198. [PMID: 27831844 DOI: 10.1148/rg.2016160069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Dual-energy computed tomography (CT) is a powerful diagnostic tool that is becoming more widely clinically available. Dual-energy CT has the potential to aid in the detection or add diagnostic confidence in the evaluation of a variety of emergent neurologic conditions with use of postprocessing techniques that allow one to take advantage of the different x-ray energy-dependent absorption behaviors of different materials. Differentiating iodine from hemorrhage may help in delineating CT angiographic spot signs, which are small foci of intracranial hemorrhage seen on CT angiograms in cases of acute hemorrhage. Bone subtraction can be used to effectively exclude osseous structures surrounding enhancing vessels at imaging for improved vessel visualization and to create images that are similar in appearance to three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging vessel reconstructions. Bone subtraction may also be helpful for improving the conspicuity of small extra-axial fluid collections and extra-axial masses. Material characterization can be helpful for clarifying whether small foci of intermediate attenuation represent hemorrhage, calcification, or a foreign material, and it may also be useful for quantifying the amount of hemorrhage or iodine in preexisting or incidentally detected lesions. Virtual monochromatic imaging also can be used to problem solve in challenging cases. ©RSNA, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Potter
- From the Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Aaron D Sodickson
- From the Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115
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Martin SS, Wichmann JL, Weyer H, Scholtz JE, Leithner D, Spandorfer A, Bodelle B, Jacobi V, Vogl TJ, Albrecht MH. Endoleaks after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair: Improved detection with noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic dual-energy CT. Eur J Radiol 2017; 94:125-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Doerner J, Wybranski C, Byrtus J, Houbois C, Hauger M, Heneweer C, Siedek F, Hickethier T, Große Hokamp N, Maintz D, Haneder S. Intra-individual comparison between abdominal virtual mono-energetic spectral and conventional images using a novel spectral detector CT. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183759. [PMID: 28837641 PMCID: PMC5570320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantitatively and qualitatively assess abdominal arterial and venous phase contrast-enhanced spectral detector computed tomography (SDCT) virtual mono-energetic (MonoE) datasets in comparison to conventional CT reconstructions provided by the same system. MATERIALS AND METHODS Conventional and MonoE images at 40-120 kilo-electron volt (keV) levels with a 10 keV increment as well as 160 and 200 keV were reconstructed in abdominal SDCT datasets of 55 patients. Attenuation, image noise, and contrast- / signal-to-noise ratios (CNR, SNR) of vessels and solid organs were compared between MonoE and conventional reconstructions. Two readers assessed contrast conditions, detail visualization, overall image quality and subjective image noise with both, fixed and adjustable window settings. RESULTS Attenuation, CNR and SNR of vessels and solid organs showed a stepwise increase from high to low keV reconstructions in both contrast phases while image noise stayed stable at low keV MonoE reconstruction levels. Highest levels were found at 40 keV MonoE reconstruction (p<0.001), respectively. Solid abdominal organs showed a stepwise decrease from low to high energy levels in regard to attenuation, CNR and SNR with significantly higher values at 40 and 50 keV, compared to conventional images. The 70 keV MonoE was comparable to conventional poly-energetic reconstruction (p≥0.99). Subjective analysis displayed best image quality for the 70 keV MonoE reconstruction level in both phases at fixed standard window presets and at 40 keV if window settings could be adjusted. CONCLUSION SDCT derived low keV MonoE showed markedly increased CNR and SNR values due to constantly low image noise values over the whole energy spectrum from 40 to 200 keV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Doerner
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Christian Wybranski
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jonathan Byrtus
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Houbois
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Myriam Hauger
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carola Heneweer
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Siedek
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tilman Hickethier
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nils Große Hokamp
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Maintz
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Haneder
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Improvement of Image Quality in Unenhanced Dual-Layer CT of the Head Using Virtual Monoenergetic Images Compared With Polyenergetic Single-Energy CT. Invest Radiol 2017; 52:470-476. [DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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D’Angelo T, Mazziotti S, Ascenti G, Wichmann JL. Miscellaneous and Emerging Applications of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for the Evaluation of Pathologies in the Head and Neck. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2017; 27:469-482. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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50
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Image quality evaluation of dual-layer spectral detector CT of the chest and comparison with conventional CT imaging. Eur J Radiol 2017; 93:52-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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