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Yan C, Zhou L, Li J, Zhang G, Yang C, Gu J, Lu X, Zhang L, Zeng M. Improved small vessel visibility in diabetic foot arteriography using dual-energy CT. Clin Radiol 2024; 79:e424-e431. [PMID: 38101997 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
AIM To test the feasibility and performance of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in foot arteriography of diabetic patients, where contrast medium is largely reduced within the small vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 50 diabetic patients were enrolled prospectively, where DECT was acquired immediately after the CT angiography (CTA, group A) of the lower extremity. Two images were derived from the DECT data, one optimal virtual monochromatic image (VMI, group B) and one fusion image (group C), both of which were compared against the CTA image for visualising the foot arteries. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were evaluated. The arterial course and contrast were graded each using a five-point scale. The clarity of small vessel depiction was quantified by comparing the number of plantar metatarsal arteries found in the maximum intensity projection image. RESULTS The median CNRs and SNRs obtained in group B were approximately 45% and 20% higher than those in groups A and C, respectively (p<0.05). Group B also received higher subjective scores on the posterior tibial artery and the foot arteries (all >3) than groups A and C. The number of visible branches of the plantar metatarsal arteries was found to be substantially higher (p<0.05) in group B (median=6) than in groups A (median=2) and C (median=4). CONCLUSION DECT was found to be superior to conventional CTA in foot arteriography, and beyond the lower extremity, it might be a general favourable solution for imaging regions with small vessels and reduced contrast medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Yan
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - L Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - J Li
- United Imaging Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - G Zhang
- United Imaging Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - C Yang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - J Gu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - X Lu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - L Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - M Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China.
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Wang Y, Chen X, Lu G, Su Y, Yang L, Shi G, Zhang F, Zhuo J, Duan X, Hu H. Improving the Visualization of the Adrenal Veins Using Virtual Monoenergetic Images from Dual-Energy Computed Tomography before Adrenal Venous Sampling. Tomography 2023; 9:485-496. [PMID: 36960999 PMCID: PMC10037600 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9020040] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This study explored the optimal energy level in advanced virtual monoenergetic images (VMI+) from dual-energy computed tomography angiography (DE-CTA) for adrenal veins visualization before adrenal venous sampling (AVS). (2) Methods: Thirty-nine patients were included in this prospective single-center study. The CT value, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured in both adrenal veins and abdominal solid organs and were then compared between VMI+ within the range of 40-80 kiloelectron volt (keV). The visualization rate of the adrenal veins and the overall image quality of solid organs were subjectively compared among different keV VMI+. The AVS success rate was recorded for 20 patients. (3) Results: For the adrenal veins, 40 keV VMI+ had the peak CT value, noise and CNR (p < 0.05). Subjectively, the visualization rate was the highest at 40 keV (100% for the right adrenal vein, and 97.4% for the left adrenal vein) (p < 0.05). For solid organs, the CT value, noise and CNR at 50 keV were lower than those at 40 keV (p < 0.05), but the SNR was similar between 40 keV and 50 keV. The overall subjective image quality of solid organs at 50 keV was the best (p < 0.05). The AVS success rate was 95%. (4) Conclusions: For VMI+, 40 keV was the preferential energy level to obtain a high visualization rate of the adrenal veins and a high success rate of AVS, while 50 keV was the favorable energy level for the depiction of abdominal organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Guoxiong Lu
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yun Su
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Lingjie Yang
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Guangzi Shi
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jiayi Zhuo
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiaohui Duan
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Huijun Hu
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou 510120, China
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Lin L, Han L, Jia S, Zhang T, Liu Z, Fan J. Evaluating image quality and optimal parameters for non-linear blending dual-energy computed tomography images of hepatic portal veins by blending-property-map. JOURNAL OF X-RAY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 30:835-846. [PMID: 35599529 DOI: 10.3233/xst-221182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blending technology is usually used to improve quality of dual-energy computed (DECT) images. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the blended DECT image qualities by employing the Blending-Property-Map (BP-Map) and elucidating the optimal parameters with the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). METHODS Sixty pairs of 80 kV and 140 kV CT images are blended non-linearly by four methods. Protocol A uses the fixed values of blending width (BW) and blending center (BC); Protocol B uses the values of BW = (CThepatic portal vein - CThepatic parenchymal) / 2 and BC = (CThepatic portal vein + CThepatic parenchymal) / 2; Protocol C uses a BW ranging from 10 to 100 HU at an interval of 10 HU and BC = (CThepatic portal vein + CThepatic parenchymal) / 2; Protocol D uses the BP-Map that covers all possible values of BW and BC. RESULTS When using CT value of adipose tissue as noise, the calculated SNR and CNR of optimal blending width and blending center were 123.22±41.73 and 9.00±3.52, respectively, by the BP-Map in the protocol D. By employing the CT value of back muscle as noise, the SNR and CNR of the best-blended images were 75.90±14.52 and 6.39±2.37, respectively. The subjective score of protocol D was 4.88±0.12. CONCLUSIONS Compared to traditional blending methods, the BP-Map technique can determine the optimal blending parameter and provide the best-blended images with the highest SNR and CNR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Lin
- First Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Han
- School of Medical Imaging, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaowei Jia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyou Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zefeng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Fan
- School of Linguistics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
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Wang T, Han Y, Lin L, Yu C, Lv R, Han L. Image quality enhancement of CT hepatic portal venography using dual energy blending with computer determined parameters. JOURNAL OF X-RAY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 30:307-317. [PMID: 35001902 DOI: 10.3233/xst-210967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that using some post-processing methods, such as nonlinear-blending and linear blending techniques, has potential to improve dual-energy computed (DECT) image quality. OBJECTIVE To improve DECT image quality of hepatic portal venography (CTPV) using a new non-linear blending method with computer-determined parameters, and to compare the results to additional linear and non-linear blending techniques. METHODS DECT images of 60 patients who were clinically diagnosed with liver cirrhosis were selected and studied. Dual-energy scanning (80 kVp and Sn140 kVp) of CTPV was utilized in the portal venous phase through a dual-source CT scanner. For image processing, four protocols were utilized including linear blending with a weighing factor of 0.3 (protocol A) and 1.0 (protocol B), non-linear blending with fixed blending width of 200 HU and set blending center of 150HU (protocol C), and computer-based blending (protocol D). Several image quality indicators, including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and contrast of hepatic portal vein and hepatic parenchyma, were evaluated using the paired-sample t-test. A 5-grade scale scoring system was also utilized for subjective analysis. RESULTS SNR of protocols A-D were 9.1±2.1, 12.1±3.0, 11.6±2.8 and 14.4±3.2, respectively. CNR of protocols A-D were 4.6±1.3, 8.0±2.3, 7.0±2.0 and 9.8±2.4, respectively. The contrast of protocols A-D were 37.7±11.6, 91.9±21.0, 66.2±19.0 and 107.7±21.3, respectively. The differences between protocol D and other three protocols were significant (P < 0.01). In subjective evaluation, the modes of protocols A, B, C, and D were rated poor, good, generally acceptable, and excellent, respectively. CONCLUSION The non-linear blending technique of protocol D with computer-determined blending parameters can help improve imaging quality of CTPV and contribute to a diagnosis of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Artificial Cell, Tianjin, China
- Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of Public Health Ministry, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuxin Han
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Artificial Cell, Tianjin, China
- Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of Public Health Ministry, Tianjin, China
| | - Liying Lin
- First Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Changlu Yu
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Artificial Cell, Tianjin, China
- Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of Public Health Ministry, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Lv
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Artificial Cell, Tianjin, China
- Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of Public Health Ministry, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Han
- School of Medical Imaging, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Li Q, Tan H, Lv F. Molecular characterization of solitary pulmonary nodules in dual-energy CT nonlinear image fusion technology. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2020; 42:95-99. [PMID: 33256505 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2020.1853158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huan Tan
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Furong Lv
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Accuracy of Pulmonary Nodule Volumetry Using Noise-Optimized Virtual Monoenergetic Image and Nonlinear Blending Image Algorithms in Dual-Energy Computed Tomography: A Phantom Study. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2020; 44:847-851. [PMID: 32976271 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000001102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess accuracy of pulmonary nodule volumetry using noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic image (VMI+) and nonlinear blending image (NBI) algorithms in dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). METHODS An anthropomorphic chest phantom with 10 simulated nodules (5 solid nodules and 5 ground-glass opacities) was scanned using DECT80/Sn140kV, DECT100/Sn140kV, and single-energy CT (SECT120kV/200mAs), respectively. The dual-energy images were reconstructed using VMI+ (70 keV) and NBI algorithms. The contrast-to-noise ratio and absolute percentage error (APE) of nodule volume were measured to assess image quality and accuracy of nodule volumetry. The radiation dose was also estimated. RESULTS The contrast-to-noise ratio of SECT120kV/200mAs was significantly higher than that of NBI80/Sn140kV and VMI+80/Sn140kV (both corrected P < 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences between NBI100/sn140kV and SECT120kV/200mAs and between VMI+100/sn140kV and SECT120kV/200mAs (both corrected P > 0.05). The APE of SECT120kV/200mAs was significantly lower than that of NBI80/Sn140kV and VMI+80/Sn140kV in both types of nodules (all corrected P < 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences between VMI+100/sn140kV and SECT120kV/200mAs in solid nodules and between NBI100/Sn140kV and SECT120kV/200mAs in ground-glass opacities (both corrected P > 0.05). The radiation dose of DECT100/Sn140kV and DECT80/Sn140kV were significantly lower than that of SECT120kV/200mAs (both corrected P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The DECT100/sn140kV can ensure image quality and nodule volumetry accuracy with lower radiation dose compared with SECT120kV/200mAs. Specifically, the VMI+ algorithm could be used in solid nodules and NBI algorithm in ground-glass opacities.
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Manoharan D, Sharma S, Das CJ, Kumar R, Singh G, Kumar P. Single-Acquisition Triple-Bolus Dual-Energy CT Protocol for Comprehensive Evaluation of Renal Masses: A Single-Center Randomized Noninferiority Trial. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2018; 211:W22-W32. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.17.18786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Manoharan
- Department of Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Department of Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Chandan J. Das
- Department of Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India
| | - Geetika Singh
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India
| | - Pratik Kumar
- Department of Medical Physics, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India
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Image Quality of a Novel Frequency Selective Nonlinear Blending Algorithm: An Ex Vivo Phantom Study in Comparison to Single-Energy Acquisitions and Dual-Energy Acquisitions With Monoenergetic Reconstructions. Invest Radiol 2017; 51:647-54. [PMID: 27175549 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aim of this ex vivo phantom study was to evaluate the contrast enhancement applying a new frequency split nonlinear blending algorithm (best contrast [BC]) and to compare it with standard 120-kV single-energy computed tomography (SECT) images, as well as with low-kiloelectron volt monoenergetic extrapolations (Mono+40-100keV) from dual-energy CT (DECT) and with low-kilovolt (70-100 kV) SECT acquisitions. MATERIALS AND METHODS A dilution series of iodinated contrast material-filled syringes was centered in an attenuation phantom and was scanned with SECT70-120kV and DECT80-100/Sn150. Monoenergetic images (40-100 keV) were reconstructed, and a new manual frequency split nonlinear blending algorithm (BC) was applied to SECT70kV and SECT120kV images. Manual BC settings were set to simulate a reading situation with fixed overall best values (FVBC120kV) as well as to achieve best possible values for each syringe (BVBC120kV) for maximum contrast enhancement. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were used as an objective region of interest-based image analysis parameter. Two radiologists evaluated the detectability of hyperdense and hypodense syringes (Likert). Results were compared between SECT70-100kV, Mono+40-100keV, and DECT80-100/Sn150kV, as well as FVBC120kV, BVBC120kV, and BC70kV. RESULTS Highest CNR without BC was detected at SECT70kV (5.04 ± 0.12) and Mono+40keV (4.40 ± 0.11). FVBC and BVBC images allow a significant increase of CNR compared with SECT120kV (CNRBVBC, 5.21 ± 0.15; CNRFVBC, 5.12 ± 0.16; CNRSECT120kV, 2.5 ± 0.08; all P ≤ 0.01). There was no significant difference in CNR between BVBC and FVBC. Averaged CNR in BVBC and FVBC was significantly higher compared with Mono+40-100keV (all P ≤ 0.01). Compared with SECT70kV, averaged CNR in BVBC and FVBC show no significant differences. BVBC70kV (7.67 ± 0.17) significantly increases CNR in SECT70kV up to 213%.Subjective image analysis showed an interobserver agreement of 0.63 to 0.83 (κ), confirming the superiority of BC in detecting hyperdense and hypodense syringes, when compared with SECT120kV. Compared with SECT120kV, BVBC70kV was scored highest, followed by SECT70kV. BVBC showed higher scores when comparing to Mono+40keV, however almost identical to those of SECT70kV. Scores of FVBC were slightly lower than SECT70kV, but in the range of Mono+40keV. CONCLUSIONS The new frequency split nonlinear blending algorithm with fixed settings offers a superior differentiation of contrast levels from low- to high-contrast settings. Using the optimal settings, this algorithm shows an equivalent contrast enhancement when compared with SECT70kV. Because of the non-DECT-based algorithm of BC, the new method of contrast enhancement seems to be particularly valuable for implementation in CT systems not equipped for dual-energy or spectral CT imaging.
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Hou P, Feng X, Liu J, Zhou Y, Jiang Y, Jiang X, Gao J. Iterative reconstruction in single-source dual-energy CT angiography: feasibility of low and ultra-low volume contrast medium protocols. Br J Radiol 2017; 90:20160506. [PMID: 28555508 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20160506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of using contrast medium (CM) of low and ultra-low volumes and injection rates in aortic CT angiography (CTA) through the joint application of single-source dual-energy CT (ssDECT) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR). METHODS 120 patients with known or suspected aortic dissection underwent aortic CTA and were equally divided into 3 groups. Conventional 120-kVp scan with a CM volume of 70 ml and an injection rate of 5 ml s-1 was performed on Group A. Groups B and C underwent ssDECT scan with CM volumes of 0.6 and 0.4 ml kg-1, respectively. 40% and 50% ASIR algorithms were applied for Groups B and C, respectively. A five-point grading scheme was utilized to subjectively evaluate the image quality, and the CT value and contrast-to-noise ratio were recorded as objective measures. The radiation dose was also evaluated. RESULTS Groups B and C had equivalent subjective scores and CT values as Group A, whereas they had higher or equivalent contrast-to-noise ratios. Group B had 40.1% and 30% reductions on CM volume and injection rate, respectively, than Group A. Group C further resulted in 19.2% and 22% lesser CM volume and injection rate than Group B. The average effective radiation doses for the study groups were 22.5-24.5% lower than the control group. CONCLUSION With the aid of ASIR and ssDECT for aortic CTA, it is feasible to adopt low and ultra-low CM volumes and injection rates while obtaining good quality images. Advances in knowledge: Low and ultra-low CM volumes and injection rates are feasible in CTA through the joint application of ssDECT and ASIR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Hou
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiangnan Feng
- 2 Department of Statistics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yaojun Jiang
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaochen Jiang
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jianbo Gao
- 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Liu Y, Liu A, Liu L, Tian S, Liu J, Pu R, Fang X, Liu X, Yuan G. Feasibility of spectral imaging with low-concentration contrast medium in abdominal CT angiography of obese patients. Int J Clin Pract 2016; 70 Suppl 9B:B37-43. [PMID: 27577512 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the application value of dual-energy spectral imaging scanning with low radiation dose and low-concentration contrast medium (270 mg I/mL) in abdominal CT angiography (CTA) of obese patients. METHODS A total of 127 obese patients (BMI≥25 kg/m(2) and waist circumference ≥900 mm) referred for abdominal CTA were prospectively enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into two groups; in group A (n=69), a spectral imaging scan mode and 270 mg I/mL iodine concentration contrast medium was used, and in group B (n=58), a conventional imaging scan mode using 120 kVp and 350 mg I/mL iodine concentration contrast medium was used. The image quality of the right renal artery in the two groups was evaluated by two observers using a 5-point scale, and the scores were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test; the inter-observer agreement for the scores was analysed using the Kappa test. The CT values of the abdominal aorta, the superior mesenteric artery, the common hepatic artery and the splenic artery, and the CT value and standard deviation (SD) of the erector spinae at the level of the right renal hilum in groups A and B were measured by two observers; the inter-observer agreement of the measurement data was analysed using the inter-class correlation coefficient test. The following parameters were compared between the two groups using an independent sample t-test: the CT values of the abdominal aorta and its main branches; the image contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and figure of merit (FOM) of the abdominal aorta; the CT dose index (CTDIvol ); the dose length product (DLP); and the total iodine intake of the patients. P<.05 suggested a statistically significant difference. RESULTS The image scores of the right renal artery in groups A (4.59±0.60) and B (4.53±0.63) were the same (P=.57), with good inter-observer agreement. The CT values of the abdominal aorta, the superior mesenteric artery, the common hepatic artery and the splenic artery were >300 HU in both the groups; there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (all P>.05), and inter-observer agreement was also good. Group A had significantly higher CNR and FOM values in the abdominal aorta than group B (all P<.001). Compared with group B, the CTDIvol and DLP values in group A were decreased by 46% and 35%, respectively. The total iodine intake for patients in group A was 27 g, 23% lower than the 35 g intake for patients in group B. CONCLUSION Compared with conventional CT, spectral CT imaging significantly reduces both radiation dose and contrast dose while maintaining image quality in abdominal CTA for patients with central obesity and high BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Liu
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ailian Liu
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shifeng Tian
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jinghong Liu
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Renwang Pu
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xin Fang
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Gang Yuan
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Mao X, Wang S, Jiang X, Zhang L, Xu W. Diagnostic Value of Dual-Source Computerized Tomography Combined with Perfusion Imaging for Peripheral Pulmonary Embolism. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY : A QUARTERLY JOURNAL PUBLISHED BY THE IRANIAN RADIOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2016; 13:e29402. [PMID: 27703656 PMCID: PMC5039736 DOI: 10.5812/iranjradiol.29402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary embolism has become the third most common cardiovascular disease, which can seriously harm human health. OBJECTIVES To investigate the diagnostic value of dual-source computerized tomography (CT) and perfusion imaging for peripheral pulmonary embolism. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-two patients with suspected pulmonary embolism underwent dual-source CT exams. To compare the ability of pulmonary embolism detection software (PED) with CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in determining the presence, numbers, and locations of pulmonary emboli, the subsequent images were reviewed by two radiologists using both imaging modalities. Also, the diagnostic consistency between PED and CTPA images and dual-energy pulmonary perfusion imaging (DEPI) for segmental pulmonary embolism was compared. RESULTS CTPA images revealed 50 (7.81%) segmental and 56 (4.38%) sub-segmental pulmonary embolisms, while the PED images showed 68 (10.63%) segmental and 94 (7.34%) sub-segmental pulmonary embolisms. Thus, the detection rate on PED images for peripheral pulmonary embolism was significantly higher than that of the CTPA images (P < 0.05). There was good consistency for diagnosing segmental pulmonary embolism between PED and CTPA and DEPI (kappa = 0.85). The sensitivity and specificity of DEPI images for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism were 91.7% and 97.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION PED software of dual-source CT combined with perfusion imaging can significantly improve the detection rate of peripheral pulmonary embolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijin Mao
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, Binzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, Binzhou, China
| | - Xingyue Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, Binzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, Binzhou, China
| | - Wenjian Xu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Corresponding author: Wenjian Xu, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China. Tel: +86-13963952822, Fax: +86-53282824980, E-mail:
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Optimal Contrast of Cerebral Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Angiography in Patients With Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2015; 40:48-52. [PMID: 26571057 PMCID: PMC4718178 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000000336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the image quality of cerebral dual-energy computed tomography (CT) angiography using a nonlinear image blending technique as compared with the conventional linear blending method in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods A retrospective review of 30 consecutive spontaneous SAH patients who underwent a dual-source, dual-energy (80 kV and Sn140 kV mode) cerebral CT angiography was performed with permission from hospital ethical committee. Optimized images using nonlinear blending method were generated and compared with the 0.6 linear blending images by evaluating cerebral artery enhancement, attenuation of SAH, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), respectively. Two neuroradiologists independently assessed subjective vessel visualization per segment using a 5-point scale. Results The nonlinear blending images showed higher cerebral artery enhancement (307.24 ± 58.04 Hounsfield unit [HU]), lower attenuation of SAH (67.07 ± 6.79 HU), and image noise (7.18 ± 1.20 HU), thus achieving better SNR (43.92 ± 11.14) and CNR (34.34 ± 10.25), compared with those of linear blending images (235.47 ± 46.45 HU for cerebral artery enhancement, 70.00 ± 6.41 HU for attenuation of SAH, 8.39 ± 1.25 HU for image noise, 28.86 ± 8.43 for SNR, and 20.37 ± 7.74 for CNR) (all P < 0.01). The segmental scorings of the nonlinear blending image (31.6% segments with a score of 5, 57.4% segments with a score of 4, 11% segments with a score of 3) ranged significantly higher than those of linear blending images (11.5% segments with a score of 5, 77.5% segments with a score of 4, 11% segments with a score of 3) (P < 0.01). The interobserver agreement was good (κ = 0.762), and intraobserver agreement was excellent for both observers (κ = 0.844 and 0.858, respectively). Conclusions The nonlinear image blending technique improved vessel visualization of cerebral dual-energy CT angiography by optimizing contrast enhancement in spontaneous SAH patients.
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Lv P, Liu J, Zhang R, Jia Y, Gao J. Combined Use of Automatic Tube Voltage Selection and Current Modulation with Iterative Reconstruction for CT Evaluation of Small Hypervascular Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Effect on Lesion Conspicuity and Image Quality. Korean J Radiol 2015; 16:531-40. [PMID: 25995682 PMCID: PMC4435983 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2015.16.3.531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the lesion conspicuity and image quality in CT evaluation of small (≤ 3 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) using automatic tube voltage selection (ATVS) and automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) with or without iterative reconstruction. Materials and Methods One hundred and five patients with 123 HCC lesions were included. Fifty-seven patients were scanned using both ATVS and ATCM and images were reconstructed using either filtered back-projection (FBP) (group A1) or sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) (group A2). Forty-eight patients were imaged using only ATCM, with a fixed tube potential of 120 kVp and FBP reconstruction (group B). Quantitative parameters (image noise in Hounsfield unit and contrast-to-noise ratio of the aorta, the liver, and the hepatic tumors) and qualitative visual parameters (image noise, overall image quality, and lesion conspicuity as graded on a 5-point scale) were compared among the groups. Results Group A2 scanned with the automatically chosen 80 kVp and 100 kVp tube voltages ranked the best in lesion conspicuity and subjective and objective image quality (p values ranging from < 0.001 to 0.004) among the three groups, except for overall image quality between group A2 and group B (p = 0.022). Group A1 showed higher image noise (p = 0.005) but similar lesion conspicuity and overall image quality as compared with group B. The radiation dose in group A was 19% lower than that in group B (p = 0.022). Conclusion CT scanning with combined use of ATVS and ATCM and image reconstruction with SAFIRE algorithm provides higher lesion conspicuity and better image quality for evaluating small hepatic HCCs with radiation dose reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijie Lv
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
| | - Yan Jia
- Siemens Healthcare China, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Jianbo Gao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
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Non-linear image blending improves visualization of head and neck primary squamous cell carcinoma compared to linear blending in dual-energy CT. Clin Radiol 2015; 70:168-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2014.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Clark ZE, Bolus DN, Little MD, Morgan DE. Abdominal rapid-kVp-switching dual-energy MDCT with reduced IV contrast compared to conventional MDCT with standard weight-based IV contrast: an intra-patient comparison. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 40:852-8. [PMID: 25261257 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-014-0253-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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