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Chakravarti S, Uyeda JW. Expanding Role of Dual-Energy CT for Genitourinary Tract Assessment in the Emergency Department, From the AJR Special Series on Emergency Radiology. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2023; 221:720-730. [PMID: 37073900 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.22.27864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Among explored applications of dual-energy CT (DECT) in the abdomen and pelvis, the genitourinary (GU) tract represents an area where accumulated evidence has established the role of DECT to provide useful information that may change management. This review discusses established applications of DECT for GU tract assessment in the emergency department (ED) setting, including characterization of renal stones, evaluation of traumatic injuries and hemorrhage, and characterization of incidental renal and adrenal findings. Use of DECT for such applications can reduce the need for additional multiphase CT or MRI examinations and reduce follow-up imaging recommendations. Emerging applications are also highlighted, including use of low-energy virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) to improve image quality and potentially reduce contrast media doses and use of high-energy VMIs to mitigate renal mass pseudoenhancement. Finally, implementation of DECT into busy ED radiology practices is presented, weighing the trade-off of additional image acquisition, processing time, and interpretation time against potential additional useful clinical information. Automatic generation of DECT-derived images with direct PACS transfer can facilitate radiologists' adoption of DECT in busy ED environments and minimize impact on interpretation times. Using the described approaches, radiologists can apply DECT technology to improve the quality and efficiency of care in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer W Uyeda
- Department of Emergency Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115
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Virarkar MK, Mileto A, Vulasala SSR, Ananthakrishnan L, Bhosale P. Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Applications in the Genitourinary Tract. Radiol Clin North Am 2023; 61:1051-1068. [PMID: 37758356 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
By virtue of material differentiation capabilities afforded through dedicated postprocessing algorithms, dual-energy CT (DECT) has been shown to provide benefit in the evaluation of various diseases. In this article, we review the diagnostic use of DECT in the assessment of genitourinary diseases, with emphasis on its role in renal stone characterization, incidental renal and adrenal lesion characterization, retroperitoneal trauma, reduction of radiation, and contrast dose and cost-effectiveness potential. We also discuss future perspectives of the DECT scanning mode, including the use of novel contrast injection strategies and photon-counting detector computed tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur K Virarkar
- Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Clinical Center, C90, 2nd Floor, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA
| | - Achille Mileto
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Mayo Building West, 2nd Floor, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Sai Swarupa R Vulasala
- Department of radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Clinical Center, C90, 2nd Floor, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL, 32209, USA.
| | - Lakshmi Ananthakrishnan
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Priya Bhosale
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1479, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Efthymiou FO, Metaxas VI, Dimitroukas CP, Delis HB, Zikou KD, Ntzanis ES, Zampakis PE, Panayiotakis GS, Kalogeropoulou CP. A retrospective survey to establish institutional diagnostic reference levels for CT urography examinations based on clinical indications: preliminary results. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2023; 9:065005. [PMID: 37651989 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/acf582] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective. To establish institutional diagnostic reference levels (IDRLs) based on clinical indications (CIs) for three- and four-phase computed tomography urography (CTU).Methods. Volumetric computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP), patients' demographics, selected CIs like lithiasis, cancer, and other diseases, and protocols' parameters were retrospectively recorded for 198 CTUs conducted on a Toshiba Aquilion Prime 80 scanner. Patients were categorised based on CIs and number of phases. These groups' 75th percentiles of CTDIvoland DLP were proposed as IDRLs. The mean, median and IDRLs were compared with previously published values.Results. For the three-phase protocol, the CTDIvol(mGy) and DLP (mGy.cm) were 22.7/992 for the whole group, 23.4/992 for lithiasis, 22.8/1037 for cancer, and 21.2/981 for other diseases. The corresponding CTDIvol(mGy) and DLP (mGy.cm) values for the four-phase protocol were 28.6/1172, 30.6/1203, 27.3/1077, and 28.7/1252, respectively. A significant difference was found in CTDIvoland DLP between the two protocols, among the phases of three-phase (except cancer) and four-phase protocols (except DLP for other diseases), and in DLP between the second and third phases (except for cancer group). The results are comparable or lower than most studies published in the last decade.Conclusions. The CT technologist must be aware of the critical dose dependence on the scan length and the applied exposure parameters for each phase, according to the patient's clinical background and the corresponding imaging anatomy, which must have been properly targeted by the competent radiologist. When clinically feasible, restricting the number of phases to three instead of four could remarkably reduce the patient's radiation dose. CI-based IDRLs will serve as a baseline for comparison with CTU practice in other hospitals and could contribute to national DRL establishment. The awareness and knowledge of dose levels during CTU will prompt optimisation strategies in CT facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios O Efthymiou
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Vasileios I Metaxas
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Christos P Dimitroukas
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Department of Medical Physics, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Harry B Delis
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Kiriaki D Zikou
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | | | - Petros E Zampakis
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - George S Panayiotakis
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Department of Medical Physics, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Christina P Kalogeropoulou
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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Ascenti G, Cicero G, Cardone G, Bertelli E, Papa M, Ciccone V, Manetta R, Gentili F, Francioso AP, Mazzei MA, Floridi C, Di Cesare E, Gandolfo N, De Filippo M, Miele V, Giovagnoni A. Cornerstones of CT urography: a shared document by the Italian board of urogenital radiology. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2023; 128:601-611. [PMID: 37027091 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-023-01623-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
CT urography is a single term used to refer to different scanning protocols that can be applied for a number of clinical indications. If, on the one hand, this highlights the role of the radiologist in deciding the most suitable technique to perform according to the patient's needs, on the other hand, a certain confusion may arise due to the different technical and clinical variables that have to be taken into account. This has been well demonstrated by a previous work based on an online questionnaire administered to a population of Italian radiologists that brought out similarities as well as differences across the national country. Defining precise guidelines for each clinical scenario, although desirable, is a difficult task to accomplish, if not even unfeasible. According to the prementioned survey, five relevant topics concerning CT urography have been identified: definition and clinical indications, opacification of the excretory system, techniques, post-processing reconstructions, and radiation dose and utility of dual-energy CT. The aim of this work is to deepen and share knowledge about these main points in order to assist the radiology in the daily practice. Moreover, a synopsis of recommendations agreed by the Italian board of genitourinary imaging is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - 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.
| | - Gianpiero Cardone
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Department, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele-Turro, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Bertelli
- Department of Emergency Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizio Papa
- Complex Unit of Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Lodi, Lodi, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ciccone
- Radiology Department, San Giovanni Di Dio E Ruggi D'Aragona Hospital, Salerno, Italy
| | - Rosa Manetta
- Radiology Unit, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Gentili
- Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Radiological Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, "Santa Maria Alle Scotte" General Hospital, Viale Mario Bracci, 16, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Antonio Pio Francioso
- Complex Unit of Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Lodi, Lodi, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Mazzei
- Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neuro Sciences and of Radiological Sciences, University of Siena, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Floridi
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Università Politecnica Delle Marche - University Hospital, Via Tronto 10, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ernesto Di Cesare
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Gandolfo
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, Villa Scassi Hospital-ASL 3, Corso Scassi 1, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo De Filippo
- University of Parma, Parma Hospital, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Vittorio Miele
- Department of Emergency Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Giovagnoni
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Università Politecnica Delle Marche - University Hospital, Via Tronto 10, 60126, Ancona, Italy
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McCoombe K, Dobeli K, Meikle S, Llewellyn S, Kench P. Sensitivity of virtual non-contrast dual-energy CT urogram for detection of urinary calculi: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:8588-8596. [PMID: 35763094 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-08939-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the sensitivity of dual-energy (DE) virtual non-contrast computed tomography (vNCT), generated from the excretory phase of a CT urogram, compared to true non-contrast CT (tNCT) for the detection of urinary calculi. METHODS A search of multiple medical literature databases was performed using predetermined search terms. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and bias risk was assessed by two independent reviewers using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS) tool. Collated estimates of sensitivity were generated, and sources of heterogeneity were identified and reviewed. RESULTS Thirteen studies (1760 patients; 1740 urinary calculi) were included for sensitivity assessment. Pooled sensitivity for urinary calculi on vNCT was 78.1% (95% CI: 70.2 to 85.0%); however, heterogeneity between studies was very high (I2 = 92.0%). Sources of heterogeneity between studies were explored through subgroup analysis by categorising studies according to slice thickness (≥ 2 mm and < 2 mm), use of oral hydration, and use of intravenous furosemide. Pooled sensitivity for detection of urinary calculi on vNCT for studies that used oral hydration and < 2 mm slice thickness was 92.2% (95% CI: 89.5 to 94.5%). Pooled specificity was not performed as true negatives were not reported in most studies. Potential sources of bias were identified in included studies. CONCLUSION vNCT demonstrated a moderate pooled sensitivity compared to tNCT for the detection of urinary calculi in split bolus CT urogram protocols. However, subgroup analysis suggests higher sensitivity when employing oral hydration and < 2 mm slice thickness or increment. KEY POINTS • vNCT demonstrated moderate pooled sensitivity for the detection of urinary calculi in split bolus CT urogram protocols. • Subgroup analysis suggested higher sensitivity with oral hydration and < 2 mm slice thickness or increment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine McCoombe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia. .,Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Karen Dobeli
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Steven Meikle
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stacey Llewellyn
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Kench
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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