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Hagen F, Vorberg L, Thamm F, Ditt H, Maier A, Brendel JM, Ghibes P, Bongers MN, Krumm P, Nikolaou K, Horger M. Improved detection of small pulmonary embolism on unenhanced computed tomography using an artificial intelligence-based algorithm - a single centre retrospective study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING 2024:10.1007/s10554-024-03222-8. [PMID: 39196450 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-024-03222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
To preliminarily verify the feasibility of a deep-learning (DL) artificial intelligence (AI) model to localize pulmonary embolism (PE) on unenhanced chest-CT by comparison with pulmonary artery (PA) CT angiography (CTA). In a monocentric study, we retrospectively reviewed 99 oncological patients (median age in years: 64 (range: 28-92 years); percentage of female: 39.4%) who received unenhanced and contrast-enhanced chest CT examinations in one session between January 2020 and October 2022 and who were diagnosed incidentally with PE. Findings in the unenhanced images were correlated with the contrast-enhanced images, which were considered the gold standard for central, segmental and subsegmental PE. The new algorithm was trained and tested based on the 99 unenhanced chest-CT image data sets. Based on them, candidate boxes, which were output by the model, were post-processed by evaluating whether the predicted box intersects with the patient's lung segmentation at any position. The AI-based algorithm proved to have an overall sensitivity of 54.5% for central, of 81.9% for segmental and 80.0% for subsegmental PE if taking n = 20 candidate boxes into account. Depending on the localization of the pulmonary embolism, the detection rate for only one box was: 18.1% central, 34.7% segmental and 0.0% subsegmental. The median volume of the clots differed significantly between the three subgroups and was 846.5 mm3 (IQR:591.1-964.8) in central, 201.3 mm3 (IQR:98.3-390.9) in segmental and 110.6 mm3 (IQR:94.3-128.0) in subsegmental PA (p < 0.05). The new algorithm proved to have high sensitivity in detecting PE in particular in segmental/subsegmental localization and may guide to decide whether a second contrast enhanced CT is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Hagen
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Linda Vorberg
- Pattern Recognition Lab, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
- Computed Tomography, Siemens Healthineers AG, Forchheim, Germany
| | - Florian Thamm
- Pattern Recognition Lab, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Ditt
- Computed Tomography, Siemens Healthineers AG, Forchheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Maier
- Pattern Recognition Lab, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Jan Michael Brendel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Ghibes
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Malte Niklas Bongers
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Krumm
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marius Horger
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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Lennartz S, Zopfs D, Große Hokamp N. Dual-energy CT revisited: a focused review of clinical use cases. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2024; 196:794-806. [PMID: 38176436 DOI: 10.1055/a-2203-2945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lennartz
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Zopfs
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nils Große Hokamp
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Saeed S, Niehoff JH, Boriesosdick J, Michael A, Woeltjen MM, Surov A, Moenninghoff C, Borggrefe J, Kroeger JR. Minimizing Contrast Media Dose in CT Pulmonary Angiography with Clinical Photon Counting Using High Pitch Technique. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:686-692. [PMID: 37393176 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.05.018] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate the potential to reduce the amount of iodinated contrast media (CM) for computer tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) with a novel photon-counting-detector CT (PCCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Overall, 105 patients referred for CTPA were retrospectively included in this study. CTPA was performed using bolus tracking and high-pitch dual-source scanning (FLASH mode) on a novel PCCT (Naeotom Alpha, Siemens Healthineers). CM (Accupaque 300, GE Healthcare) dose was lowered stepwise following the introduction of the new CT scanner. Thus, patients could be divided into 3 groups as follows: group 1, n = 29, 35 ml of CM; group 2, n = 62, 45 ml of CM and group 3, n = 14, 60 ml of CM. Four readers independently assessed the image quality (Likert-scale 1-5) and adequate assessment of the segmental pulmonary arteries. Additionally, the pulmonary arterial contrast opacification was measured. RESULTS The subjective image quality was rated highest in group 1 with 4.6 compared to 4.5 (group 2) and 4.1 (group 3) with a significant difference between groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.001) and between groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.003). In all groups, almost all segmental pulmonary arteries could be assessed adequately without significant differences (18.5 vs. 18.7 vs. 18.4). Mean attenuation in the pulmonary trunk did not differ significantly between groups 321 ± 92 HU versus 345 ± 93 HU versus 347 ± 88 HU (p = 0.69). CONCLUSION Significant CM dose reduction is possible without a reduction in image quality. PCCT enables diagnostic CTPA with 35 ml of CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saher Saeed
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Julius H Niehoff
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jan Boriesosdick
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Arwed Michael
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Matthias M Woeltjen
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Alexey Surov
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christoph Moenninghoff
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jan Borggrefe
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jan Robert Kroeger
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Pannenbecker P, Huflage H, Grunz JP, Gruschwitz P, Patzer TS, Weng AM, Heidenreich JF, Bley TA, Petritsch B. Photon-counting CT for diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism: potential for contrast medium and radiation dose reduction. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:7830-7839. [PMID: 37311805 PMCID: PMC10598187 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09777-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the image quality of an ultra-low contrast medium and radiation dose CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) protocol for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism using a clinical photon-counting detector (PCD) CT system and compare its performance to a dual-energy-(DE)-CTPA protocol on a conventional energy-integrating detector (EID) CT system. METHODS Sixty-four patients either underwent CTPA with the novel scan protocol on the PCD-CT scanner (32 patients, 25 mL, CTDIvol 2.5 mGy·cm) or conventional DE-CTPA on a third-generation dual-source EID-CT (32 patients, 50 mL, CTDIvol 5.1 mGy·cm). Pulmonary artery CT attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise-ratio were assessed as objective criteria of image quality, while subjective ratings of four radiologists were compared at 60 keV using virtual monoenergetic imaging and polychromatic standard reconstructions. Interrater reliability was determined by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Effective dose was compared between patient cohorts. RESULTS Subjective image quality was deemed superior by all four reviewers for 60-keV PCD scans (excellent or good ratings in 93.8% of PCD vs. 84.4% of 60 keV EID scans, ICC = 0.72). No examinations on either system were considered "non-diagnostic." Objective image quality parameters were significantly higher in the EID group (mostly p < 0.001), both in the polychromatic reconstructions and at 60 keV. The ED (1.4 vs. 3.3 mSv) was significantly lower in the PCD cohort (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS PCD-CTPA allows for considerable reduction of contrast medium and radiation dose in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism, while maintaining good to excellent image quality compared to conventional EID-CTPA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Clinical PCD-CT allows for spectral assessment of pulmonary vasculature with high scan speed, which is beneficial in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism, frequently presenting with dyspnea. Simultaneously PCD-CT enables substantial reduction of contrast medium and radiation dose. KEY POINTS • The clinical photon-counting detector CT scanner used in this study allows for high-pitch multi-energy acquisitions. • Photon-counting computed tomography allows for considerable reduction of contrast medium and radiation dose in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. • Subjective image quality was rated best for 60-keV photon-counting scans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstr. 6, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstr. 6, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstr. 6, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstr. 6, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theresa S Patzer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstr. 6, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas M Weng
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstr. 6, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julius F Heidenreich
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstr. 6, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten A Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstr. 6, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Petritsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacherstr. 6, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
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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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Ozawa Y, Ohno Y, Nagata H, Tamokami K, Nishikimi K, Oshima Y, Hamabuchi N, Matsuyama T, Ueda T, Toyama H. Advances for Pulmonary Functional Imaging: Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for Pulmonary Functional Imaging. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2295. [PMID: 37443688 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132295] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) can improve the differentiation of material by using two different X-ray energy spectra, and may provide new imaging techniques to diagnostic radiology to overcome the limitations of conventional CT in characterizing tissue. Some techniques have used dual-energy imaging, which mainly includes dual-sourced, rapid kVp switching, dual-layer detectors, and split-filter imaging. In iodine images, images of the lung's perfused blood volume (PBV) based on DECT have been applied in patients with pulmonary embolism to obtain both images of the PE occluding the pulmonary artery and the consequent perfusion defects in the lung's parenchyma. PBV images of the lung also have the potential to indicate the severity of PE, including chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Virtual monochromatic imaging can improve the accuracy of diagnosing pulmonary vascular diseases by optimizing kiloelectronvolt settings for various purposes. Iodine images also could provide a new approach in the area of thoracic oncology, for example, for the characterization of pulmonary nodules and mediastinal lymph nodes. DECT-based lung ventilation imaging is also available with noble gases with high atomic numbers, such as xenon, which is similar to iodine. A ventilation map of the lung can be used to image various pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Ozawa
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Ohno
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
- Joint Research Laboratory of Advanced Medical Imaging, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nagata
- Joint Research Laboratory of Advanced Medical Imaging, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
| | - Keigo Tamokami
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
| | - Keitaro Nishikimi
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuka Oshima
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
| | - Nayu Hamabuchi
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takahiro Matsuyama
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ueda
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Toyama
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
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Meloni A, Cademartiri F, Pistoia L, Degiorgi G, Clemente A, De Gori C, Positano V, Celi S, Berti S, Emdin M, Panetta D, Menichetti L, Punzo B, Cavaliere C, Bossone E, Saba L, Cau R, La Grutta L, Maffei E. Dual-Source Photon-Counting Computed Tomography-Part III: Clinical Overview of Vascular Applications beyond Cardiac and Neuro Imaging. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113798. [PMID: 37297994 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is an emerging technology that is expected to radically change clinical CT imaging. PCCT offers several advantages over conventional CT, which can be combined to improve and expand the diagnostic possibilities of CT angiography. After a brief description of the PCCT technology and its main advantages we will discuss the new opportunities brought about by PCCT in the field of vascular imaging, while addressing promising future clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Bioengineering, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Degiorgi
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Clemente
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carmelo De Gori
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Bioengineering, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Celi
- BioCardioLab, Department of Bioengineering, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Sergio Berti
- Cardiology Unit, Ospedale del Cuore, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- Department of Cardiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniele Panetta
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Menichetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Bruna Punzo
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS SynLab-SDN, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS SynLab-SDN, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Eduardo Bossone
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedale Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cau
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Ludovico La Grutta
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties-ProMISE, Department of Radiology, University Hospital "P. Giaccone", 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Erica Maffei
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Monasterio/CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Value of low-keV virtual monoenergetic plus dual-energy computed tomographic imaging for detection of acute pulmonary embolism. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277060. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective
To compare diagnostic values between the 40 keV virtual monoenergetic plus (40 keV VMI+) dual source dual energy computed tomography (DSDECT) pulmonary angiography images and the standard mixed (90 and 150 kV) images for the detection of acute pulmonary embolism (PE).
Methods
Chest DSDECTs of 64 patients who were suspected of having acute PE were retrospectively reviewed by two independent reviewers. The assessments of acute PE of all patients on a per-location basis were compared between the 40 keV VMI+ and the standard mixed datasets (reference standard) with a two-week interval.
Results
This study consisted of 64 patients (33 women and 31 men; mean age, 60.2 years; range 18–90 years), with a total of 512 locations. The interobserver agreement (Kappa) for detection of acute PE using the 40 keV VMI+ images and the standard mixed CT images were 0.7478 and 0.8750 respectively. The area under receiver operating characteristics (AuROC) for diagnosis of acute PE using the 40 keV VMI+ was 0.882. Four locations (0.78%) revealed a false negative result. Hypodense filling defects were identified in twelve locations (1.95%) in the 40 keV VMI+ images but had been interpreted as a negative study in the standard mixed CT images. The repeated reviews revealed that each location contained a hypodense filling defect but was overlooked on the standard mixed CT images.
Conclusions
Low-energy VMI + DSDECT images have beneficial in improving the diagnostic value of acute PE in doubtful or disregarded standard mixed images.
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Yalynska T, Polacin M, Frauenfelder T, Martini K. Impact of Photon Counting Detector CT Derived Virtual Monoenergetic Images on the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112715. [PMID: 36359558 PMCID: PMC9689164 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the impact of virtual-monoenergetic-image (VMI) energies on the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in photon-counting-detector computed-tomography (PCD-CT). Methods: Eighty patients (median age 60.4 years) with suspected PE were retrospectively included. Scans were performed on PCD-CT in the multi-energy mode at 120 kV. VMIs from 40−70 keV in 10 keV intervals were reconstructed. CT-attenuation was measured in the pulmonary trunk and the main branches of the pulmonary artery. Signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio was calculated. Two radiologists evaluated subjective-image-quality (noise, vessel-attenuation and sharpness; five-point-Likert-scale, non-diagnostic−excellent), the presence of hardening artefacts and presence/visibility of PE. Results: Signal was highest at the lowest evaluated VMI (40 keV; 1053.50 HU); image noise was lowest at the highest VMI (70 keV; 15.60 HU). Highest SNR was achieved at the lowest VMI (p < 0.05). Inter-reader-agreement for subjective analysis was fair to excellent (k = 0.373−1.000; p < 0.001). Scores for vessel-attenuation and sharpness were highest at 40 keV (both:5, range 4/3−5; k = 1.000); scores for image-noise were highest at 70 keV (4, range 3−5). The highest number of hardening artifacts were reported at 40 keV (n = 22; 28%). PE-visualization was rated best at 50 keV (4.7; range 4−5) and decreased with increasing VMI-energy (r = −0.558; p < 0.001). Conclusions: While SNR was best at 40 keV, subjective PE visibility was rated highest at 50 keV, potentially owing to the lower image noise and hardening artefacts.
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Azour L, Ko JP, Toussie D, Gomez GV, Moore WH. Current imaging of PE and emerging techniques: is there a role for artificial intelligence? Clin Imaging 2022; 88:24-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kayun Z, Karim M, Muhammad N, Aljewaw O, Chew M, Harun H. Implication of applying iterative reconstruction on Low Contrast Detectability in CT brain examination. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2021.109676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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The influence of iterative reconstruction level on image quality and radiation dose in CT pulmonary angiography examinations. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2020.108989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Association of Radiation Doses and Cancer Risks from CT Pulmonary Angiography Examinations in Relation to Body Diameter. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10090681. [PMID: 32917029 PMCID: PMC7554806 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to estimate the probability of cancer risk induced by CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) examinations concerning effective body diameter. One hundred patients who underwent CTPA examinations were recruited as subjects from a single institution in Kuala Lumpur. Subjects were categorized based on their effective diameter size, where 19–25, 25–28, and >28 cm categorized as Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The mean value of the body diameter of the subjects was 26.82 ± 3.12 cm, with no significant differences found between male and female subjects. The risk of cancer in breast, lung, and liver organs was 0.009%, 0.007%, and 0.005% respectively. The volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol) was underestimated, whereas the size-specific dose estimates (SSDEs) provided a more accurate description of the radiation dose and the risk of cancer. CTPA examinations are considered safe but it is essential to implement a protocol optimized following the As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle.
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Establishment of CTPA Local Diagnostic Reference Levels with Noise Magnitude as a Quality Indicator in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10090680. [PMID: 32916913 PMCID: PMC7555305 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to establish the local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) examinations based on body size with regard to noise magnitude as a quality indicator. The records of 127 patients (55 males and 72 females) who had undergone CTPAs using a 128-slice CT scanner were retrieved. The dose information, scanning acquisition parameters, and patient demographics were recorded in standardized forms. The body size of patients was categorized into three groups based on their anteroposterior body length: P1 (14–19 cm), P2 (19–24 cm), and P3 (24–31 cm), and the radiation dose exposure was statistically compared. The image noise was determined quantitatively by measuring the standard deviation of the region of interest (ROI) at five different arteries—the ascending and descending aorta, pulmonary trunk, and the left and right main pulmonary arteries. We observed that the LDRL values were significantly different between body sizes (p < 0.05), and the median values of the CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) for P1, P2, and P3 were 6.13, 8.3, and 21.40 mGy, respectively. It was noted that the noise reference values were 23.78, 24.26, and 23.97 HU for P1, P2, and P3, respectively, which were not significantly different from each other (p > 0.05). The CTDIvol of 9 mGy and dose length product (DLP) of 329 mGy∙cm in this study were lower than those reported by other studies conducted elsewhere. This study successfully established the LDRLs of a local healthcare institution with the inclusion of the noise magnitude, which is comparable with other established references.
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Cicero G, Ascenti G, Albrecht MH, Blandino A, Cavallaro M, D'Angelo T, Carerj ML, Vogl TJ, Mazziotti S. Extra-abdominal dual-energy CT applications: a comprehensive overview. Radiol Med 2020; 125:384-397. [PMID: 31925704 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-019-01126-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Unlike conventional computed tomography, dual-energy computed tomography is a relatively novel technique that exploits ionizing radiations at different energy levels. The separate radiation sets can be achieved through different technologies, such as dual source, dual layers or rapid switching voltage. Body tissue molecules vary for their specific atomic numbers and electron density, and the interaction with different sets of radiations results in different attenuations, allowing to their final distinction. In particular, iodine recognition and quantification have led to important information about intravenous contrast medium delivery within the body. Over the years, useful post-processing algorithms have also been validated for improving tissue characterization. For instance, contrast resolution improvement and metal artifact reduction can be obtained through virtual monoenergetic images, dose reduction by virtual non-contrast reconstructions and iodine distribution highlighting through iodine overlay maps. Beyond the evaluation of the abdominal organs, dual-energy computed tomography has also been successfully employed in other anatomical districts. Although lung perfusion is one of the most investigated, this evaluation has been extended to narrowly fields of application, such as musculoskeletal, head and neck, vascular and cardiac. The potential pool of information provided by dual-energy technology is already wide and not completely explored, yet. Therefore, its performance continues to raise increasing interest from both radiologists and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cicero
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Policlinico "G. Martino" Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Ascenti
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Policlinico "G. Martino" Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Moritz H Albrecht
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alfredo Blandino
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Policlinico "G. Martino" Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Marco Cavallaro
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Policlinico "G. Martino" Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tommaso D'Angelo
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Policlinico "G. Martino" Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Ludovica Carerj
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Policlinico "G. Martino" Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
| | - Thomas J Vogl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Silvio Mazziotti
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Policlinico "G. Martino" Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy
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Harun HH, Karim MKA, Abbas Z, Sabarudin A, Muniandy SC, Ibahim MJ. Effect of iterative reconstruction algorithm levels on noise index and figure-of-merit in CT pulmonary angiography examinations. JOURNAL OF X-RAY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2020; 28:893-903. [PMID: 32741801 DOI: 10.3233/xst-200699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the influence of iterative reconstruction (IR) levels on Computed Tomography (CT) image quality and to establish Figure of Merit (FOM) value for CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) examinations. METHODS Images of 31 adult patients who underwent CTPA examinations in our institution from March to April 2019 were retrospectively collected. Other data, such as scanning parameters, radiation dose and body habitus information from the subjects were also recorded. Six different levels of IR were applied to the volume data of the subjects. Five circles of the region of interest (ROI) were drawn in five different arteries namely, pulmonary trunk, right pulmonary artery, left pulmonary artery, ascending aorta and descending aorta. The mean Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was obtained, and the FOM was calculated in a fraction of the SNR2 divided by volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol) and SNR2 divided by the size-specific dose estimates (SSDE). RESULTS Overall, we observed that the mean value of CTDIvol and SSDE were 13.79±7.72 mGy and 17.25±8.92 mGy, respectively. Notably, SNR values significantly increase with increase of the IR level (p < 0.05). There are also significant differences (p < 0.05) in the FOM for both SNR2/SSDE and SNR2/CTDIvol attained in different IR levels. CONCLUSION We successfully evaluate the value of radiation dose and image quality performance and set up a figure of merit for both parameters to further verify scanning protocols by radiology personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Harun
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - M K A Karim
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Z Abbas
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - A Sabarudin
- Department of Diagnostic & Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysiainstitution>
| | - S C Muniandy
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M J Ibahim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
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