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Graafen D, Bart W, Halfmann MC, Müller L, Hobohm L, Yang Y, Neufang A, Espinola-Klein C, Pitton MB, Kloeckner R, Varga-Szemes A, Emrich T. In vitro and in vivo optimized reconstruction for low-keV virtual monoenergetic photon-counting detector CT angiography of lower legs. Eur Radiol Exp 2024; 8:89. [PMID: 39090380 PMCID: PMC11294310 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-024-00481-x] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower extremity peripheral artery disease frequently presents with calcifications which reduces the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) angiography, especially below-the-knee. Photon-counting detector (PCD)-CT offers improved spatial resolution and less calcium blooming. We aimed to identify the optimal reconstruction parameters for PCD-CT angiography of the lower legs. METHODS Tubes with different diameters (1-5 mm) were filled with different iodine concentrations and scanned in a water container. Images were reconstructed with 0.4 mm isotropic resolution using a quantitative kernel at all available sharpness levels (Qr36 to Qr76) and using different levels of quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR-2-4). Noise and image sharpness were determined for all reconstructions. Additionally, CT angiograms of 20 patients, reconstructed with a medium (Qr44), sharp (Qr60), and ultrasharp (Qr72) kernel at QIR-2-4, were evaluated by three readers assessing noise, delineation of plaques and vessel walls, and overall quality. RESULTS In the phantom study, increased kernel sharpness led to higher image noise (e.g., 16, 38, 77 HU for Qr44, Qr60, Qr72, and QIR-3). Image sharpness increased with increasing kernel sharpness, reaching a plateau at the medium-high level 60. Higher QIR levels decreased image noise (e.g., 51, 38, 25 HU at QIR-2-4 and Qr60) without reducing vessel sharpness. The qualitative in vivo results confirmed these findings: the sharp kernel (Qr60) with the highest QIR yielded the best overall quality. CONCLUSION The combination of a sharpness level optimized reconstruction kernel (Qr60) and the highest QIR level yield the best image quality for PCD-CT angiography of the lower legs when reconstructed at 0.4-mm resolution. RELEVANCE STATEMENT Using high-resolution PCD-CT angiography with optimized reconstruction parameters might improve diagnostic accuracy and confidence in peripheral artery disease of the lower legs. KEY POINTS Effective exploitation of the potential of PCD-CT angiography requires optimized reconstruction parameters. Too soft or too sharp reconstruction kernels reduce image quality. The highest level of quantum iterative reconstruction provides the best image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Graafen
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Willi Bart
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Moritz C Halfmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner-Site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lukas Müller
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lukas Hobohm
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Achim Neufang
- Department of Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christine Espinola-Klein
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael B Pitton
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Roman Kloeckner
- Institute of Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Akos Varga-Szemes
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Tilman Emrich
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner-Site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Augustin AM, Hartung V, Grunz JP, Hennes JL, Huflage H, Bley TA, Petritsch B, Gruschwitz P. Photon-Counting Detector CT Angiography Versus Digital Subtraction Angiography in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:2973-2986. [PMID: 38403477 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.02.008] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the diagnostic confidence of photon-counting detector CT angiography (PCD-CTA) depending on the used vascular reformatting kernels with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as diagnostic reference standard in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). MATERIAL AND METHODS In 39 patients, 45 lower extremity PCD-CTA with subsequent DSA were analyzed. Advanced PAOD (Fontaine stage 4) was ascertained in 77.8% of patients. CTA post-processing comprised three vascular kernels (Bv36/48/56). Objective image quality assessment included vessel attenuation, image noise, contrast-to-noise (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Subjective evaluation of calcium blooming, vessel sharpness, luminal attenuation and image noise was performed by three radiologists. Diagnostic performance and concordance to DSA were assessed. RESULTS The luminal attenuation remained kernel-independent constant. With sharper kernels, image noise increased substantially, while SNR and CNR decreased. Subjective reduction of calcium blooming and increased vessel sharpness were noted for the sharp Bv56 kernel. While sensitivity in stenosis quantification was comparable between kernels (81.6% vs. 81.5% vs. 81.0%, p = 0.797), specificity increased slightly higher sharpness (71.1% vs. 76.9% vs. 79.6%, p = 0.067). Diagnostic concordance of stenosis ratings compared to DSA increased likewise (Bv36 vs. Bv56, p = 0.002). Severe crural vessel calcifications had no influence on sensitivity, regardless of kernel selection. Contrarily, specificity was substantially worse in severely calcified tibial vessels but could be improved by using the sharp Bv56 kernel (Bv36 vs. Bv56 p = 0.024). Diagnostic confidence was highest for Bv56. CONCLUSION In lower leg PCD-CTA, sharp convolution kernels increase diagnostic confidence compared to DSA by improved vessel delineation and reduced calcium blooming with acceptable image noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie Augustin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Viktor Hartung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Lucca Hennes
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Petritsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Abdalqader ON, Hjouj M, Aljamal M, Hjouj F, Abuzaid M, Mousa M. Reduction of metal artefacts from bilateral hip prostheses during lower extremity computed tomography angiography: an experimental phantom study. J Med Radiat Sci 2024. [PMID: 38941235 DOI: 10.1002/jmrs.797] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Image quality reduction due to metallic artefacts is a significant challenge during vascular computed tomography (CT) imaging of the lower extremities in patients with hip prostheses. This study aims to analyse various reconstruction algorithms' ability to reduce metal artefacts due to two types of hip prostheses during lower extremity CT angiography examinations. METHODS A pelvis phantom was fabricated with the insertion of a tube filled with contrast media to simulate the femoral artery, and the phantom was then CT scanned with and without hip prostheses. Multimodal images were acquired using different kilovoltage peak (kVp) settings and reconstructed with different algorithms, such as filtered back projection (FBP), iterative reconstruction (iDose4), iterative model-based reconstruction (IMR) and orthopaedic metal artefact reduction (O-MAR). Image quality was assessed based on image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and Hounsfield unit (HU) deviation. RESULTS The IMR approach significantly improved image quality compared to iDose4 and FBP. For the vascular region, O-MAR improves SNR by 5 ± 1, 23 ± 5 and 42 ± 9 for FBP, iDose4 and IMR respectively, and improves HU precision towards the baseline values by 49% and 83% for FBP and IMR, respectively. The noise reduction was 71% and 89% for FBP and IMR, and 57% for iDose4. O-MAR greatly enhances SNR corrections among the most severe artefacts, with 29 ± 1 and 43 ± 4 for FBP and IMR, compared to iDose4 by 37 ± 7. CONCLUSION IMR combined with O-MAR could improve the CT angiography of the lower extremities of patients with a hip prosthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omarah N Abdalqader
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health Professions, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Mohammad Hjouj
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health Professions, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Mohammad Aljamal
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine
| | - Fawaz Hjouj
- Department of Mathematics, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Mohamed Abuzaid
- Medical Diagnostic Imaging Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Mahmoud Mousa
- Department of Radiology, Turkish Friendship Hospital, Gaza Strip, Palestine
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Gruschwitz P, Hartung V, Ergün S, Peter D, Lichthardt S, Huflage H, Hendel R, Pannenbecker P, Augustin AM, Kunz AS, Feldle P, Bley TA, Grunz JP. Comparison of ultrahigh and standard resolution photon-counting CT angiography of the femoral arteries in a continuously perfused in vitro model. Eur Radiol Exp 2023; 7:83. [PMID: 38110729 PMCID: PMC10728414 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-023-00398-x] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the emergence of photon-counting CT, ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) imaging can be performed without dose penalty. This study aims to directly compare the image quality of UHR and standard resolution (SR) scan mode in femoral artery angiographies. METHODS After establishing continuous extracorporeal perfusion in four fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens, photon-counting CT angiographies were performed with a radiation dose of 5 mGy and tube voltage of 120 kV in both SR and UHR mode. Images were reconstructed with dedicated convolution kernels (soft: Body-vascular (Bv)48; sharp: Bv60; ultrasharp: Bv76). Six radiologists evaluated the image quality by means of a pairwise forced-choice comparison tool. Kendall's concordance coefficient (W) was calculated to quantify interrater agreement. Image quality was further assessed by measuring intraluminal attenuation and image noise as well as by calculating signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). RESULTS UHR yielded lower noise than SR for identical reconstructions with kernels ≥ Bv60 (p < 0.001). UHR scans exhibited lower intraluminal attenuation compared to SR (Bv60: 406.4 ± 25.1 versus 418.1 ± 30.1 HU; p < 0.001). Irrespective of scan mode, SNR and CNR decreased while noise increased with sharper kernels but UHR scans were objectively superior to SR nonetheless (Bv60: SNR 25.9 ± 6.4 versus 20.9 ± 5.3; CNR 22.7 ± 5.8 versus 18.4 ± 4.8; p < 0.001). Notably, UHR scans were preferred in subjective assessment when images were reconstructed with the ultrasharp Bv76 kernel, whereas SR was rated superior for Bv60. Interrater agreement was high (W = 0.935). CONCLUSIONS Combinations of UHR scan mode and ultrasharp convolution kernel are able to exploit the full image quality potential in photon-counting CT angiography of the femoral arteries. RELEVANCE STATEMENT The UHR scan mode offers improved image quality and may increase diagnostic accuracy in CT angiography of the peripheral arterial runoff when optimized reconstruction parameters are chosen. KEY POINTS • UHR photon-counting CT improves image quality in combination with ultrasharp convolution kernels. • UHR datasets display lower image noise compared with identically reconstructed standard resolution scans. • Scans in UHR mode show decreased intraluminal attenuation compared with standard resolution imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Viktor Hartung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Peter
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular, and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sven Lichthardt
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular, and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robin Hendel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Marie Augustin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Feldle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Csore J, Drake M, Roy TL. Peripheral arterial disease treatment planning using noninvasive and invasive imaging methods. J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech 2023; 9:101263. [PMID: 37767348 PMCID: PMC10520537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2023.101263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With the growing prevalence and mortality of peripheral arterial disease, preoperative assessment, risk stratification, and determining the correct indication for endovascular and open surgical procedures are essential for therapeutic decision-making. The effectiveness of interventional procedures is significantly influenced by the plaque composition and calcification pattern. Therefore, the identification of patients for whom endovascular treatment is the most appropriate therapeutic solution often remains a challenge. The most commonly used imaging techniques have their own limitations and do not provide findings detailed enough for specific, personalized treatment planning. Using state-of-the-art noninvasive and invasive imaging modalities, it is now possible to obtain a view, not only of the complex vascular anatomy and plaque burden of the lower extremity arterial system, but also of complex plaque structures and various pathologic calcium distribution patterns. In the future, as these latest advancements in diagnostic methods become more widespread, we will be able to obtain more accurate views of the plaque structure and anatomic complexity to guide optimal treatment planning and device selection. We reviewed the implications of the most recent invasive and noninvasive lower extremity imaging techniques and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Csore
- DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Madeline Drake
- DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Trisha L. Roy
- DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
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Gruschwitz P, Hartung V, Kleefeldt F, Ergün S, Lichthardt S, Huflage H, Hendel R, Kunz AS, Pannenbecker P, Kuhl PJ, Augustin AM, Bley TA, Petritsch B, Grunz JP. Standardized assessment of vascular reconstruction kernels in photon-counting CT angiographies of the leg using a continuous extracorporeal perfusion model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12109. [PMID: 37495759 PMCID: PMC10372012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39063-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of different vascular reconstruction kernels on the image quality of CT angiographies of the lower extremity runoff using a 1st-generation photon-counting-detector CT (PCD-CT) compared with dose-matched examinations on a 3rd-generation energy-integrating-detector CT (EID-CT). Inducing continuous extracorporeal perfusion in a human cadaveric model, we performed CT angiographies of eight upper leg arterial runoffs with radiation dose-equivalent 120 kVp acquisition protocols (CTDIvol 5 mGy). Reconstructions were executed with different vascular kernels, matching the individual modulation transfer functions between scanners. Signal-to-noise-ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise-ratios (CNR) were computed to assess objective image quality. Six radiologists evaluated image quality subjectively using a forced-choice pairwise comparison tool. Interrater agreement was determined by calculating Kendall's concordance coefficient (W). The intraluminal attenuation of PCD-CT images was significantly higher than of EID-CT (414.7 ± 27.3 HU vs. 329.3 ± 24.5 HU; p < 0.001). Using comparable kernels, image noise with PCD-CT was significantly lower than with EID-CT (p ≤ 0.044). Correspondingly, SNR and CNR were approximately twofold higher for PCD-CT (p < 0.001). Increasing the spatial frequency for PCD-CT reconstructions by one level resulted in similar metrics compared to EID-CT (CNRfat; EID-CT Bv49: 21.7 ± 3.7 versus PCD-CT Bv60: 21.4 ± 3.5). Overall image quality of PCD-CTA achieved ratings superior to EID-CTA irrespective of the used reconstruction kernels (best: PCD-CT Bv60; worst: EID-CT Bv40; p < 0.001). Interrater agreement was good (W = 0.78). Concluding, PCD-CT offers superior intraluminal attenuation, SNR, and CNR compared to EID-CT in angiographies of the upper leg arterial runoff. Combined with improved subjective image quality, PCD-CT facilitates the use of sharper convolution kernels and ultimately bears the potential of improved vascular structure assessability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Viktor Hartung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Kleefeldt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sven Lichthardt
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular, and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robin Hendel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannenbecker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Josef Kuhl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Marie Augustin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Petritsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Gruschwitz P, Petritsch B, Schmid A, Schmidt AMA, Grunz JP, Kuhl PJ, Heidenreich JF, Huflage H, Bley TA, Kosmala A. Noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic reconstructions of dual-energy CT angiographies improve assessability of the lower leg arterial segments in peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Radiography (Lond) 2023; 29:19-27. [PMID: 36209641 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a noise optimized virtual monoenergetic reconstruction algorithm (VMI+) on the image quality and assessability of dual energy (DE) computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the lower extremity runoff. METHODS A total of 118 lower extremity runoff CTA performed on a 3rd generation DE-CT scanner in 109 patients (54 females; 75.6 ± 9.5 years) were included in this retrospective study. Axial image stacks were reconstructed with a standard 120 kV setting and VMI+ of different keV levels. Objective image quality criteria (contrast attenuation, signal-to-noise [SNR] and contrast-to-noise ratio [CNR]) were measured. Two radiologists evaluated subjective image quality regarding intraluminal attenuation and image noise using a 5-point Likert scale. Diagnostic accuracy for significant stenosis (>75%) and vessel occlusion was assessed for 120 kV and 50 keV VMI+ images rated by two radiologists. In all patients, a digital subtraction angiography (DSA) rated by on board-certified radiologist served as the standard of reference. RESULTS Intraluminal attenuation was highest in 40/50 keV VMI+ while SNR were similar to 120 kV images. In subjective assessment, intraluminal contrast of 50 keV images was deemed superior compared to 120 kV despite higher image noise. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detection of a vessel occlusion were similar in 50 keV VMI+ compared to 120 kV (70%/92%/84%; 70%/91%/83%; p < 0.001) but 13 of 118 (11%) lower leg runoffs were only assessable with 50 keV VMI+. CONCLUSION VMI+ reconstructions improve assessability of DE-CTA by increased luminal attenuation with consistent image noise, also allowing the evaluation of lower leg arterial segments inassessable with standard reconstructions. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Providing higher intraluminal attenuation and similar image noise compared with conventional reconstructions, 50 keV VMI+ may be appropriate for routine evaluation of DE-CTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gruschwitz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - B Petritsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - A Schmid
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - A M A Schmidt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - J-P Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - P J Kuhl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - J F Heidenreich
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - H Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - T A Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - A Kosmala
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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Automatic Plaque Removal Using Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Angiography: Diagnostic Accuracy and Utility in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58101435. [PMID: 36295595 PMCID: PMC9609865 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the utility and accuracy of dual-energy automatic plaque removal (DE-APR) in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 100 patients with PAD who underwent DE computed tomography angiography (DE-CTA) and DSA of the lower extremities. DE-CTA was used to generate APR subtracted images. In the three main arterial segments (aorto-iliac segment, femoro-popliteal segment, and below-the-knee segment), the presence or absence of hemodynamically significant stenosis (>50%) and calcification was assessed using the images. CTA data were analyzed using different imaging approaches (DE-standard reconstruction image (DE-SR), DE-APR maximum intensity projection image (APR), and DE-SR with APR). Results: For all segments evaluated, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting significant stenosis were 98.16%, 81.01%, and 89.58%, respectively, with DE-SR; 97.79%, 83.33%, and 90.56%, respectively, with APR; and 98.16%, 92.25%, and 95.20%, respectively, with DE-SR with APR. DE-SR with APR had greater accuracy than DE-SR or APR alone (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). When analyzed based on vascular wall calcification, the accuracy of DE-SR with APR remained greater than 90% regardless of calcification severity, whereas DE-SR showed a considerable reduction in accuracy in moderate to severe calcification. In the case of APR, the degree of vascular wall calcification did not significantly influence the accuracy in the aorto-iliac and femoro-popliteal segments. DE-SR with APR achieved significantly higher diagnostic accuracy for all lower extremity segments in evaluating hemodynamically significant stenosis in patients with symptomatic PAD and transcended the impact of vascular wall calcification compared with DE-SR. Conclusions: APR demonstrated favorable diagnostic performance in the aorto-iliac and femoro-popliteal segments, exhibiting good agreement with DSA even in cases of moderate to severe vascular wall calcification.
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