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Boccalini S, Mayard C, Lacombe H, Villien M, Si-Mohamed S, Delahaye F, Boussel L, Budde RPJ, Pozzi M, Douek P. Ultra-High-Resolution and K-Edge Imaging of Prosthetic Heart Valves With Spectral Photon-Counting CT: A Phantom Study. Invest Radiol 2024; 59:589-598. [PMID: 38421666 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The contribution of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for the detection and characterization of prosthetic heart valve (PHV) complications is still limited due mainly to artifacts. Computed tomography systems equipped with photon-counting detectors (PCDs) have the potential to overcome these limitations. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare image quality of PHV with PCD-CT and dual-energy dual-layer CT (DEDL-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Two metallic and 3 biological PHVs were placed in a tube containing diluted iodinated contrast inside a thoracic phantom and scanned repeatedly at different angles on a DEDL-CT and PCD-CT. Two small lesions (~2 mm thickness; containing muscle and fat, respectively) were attached to the structure of 4 valves, placed inside the thoracic phantom, with and without an extension ring, and scanned again. Acquisition parameters were matched for the 2 CT systems and used for all scans. Metallic valves were scanned again with parameters adapted for tungsten K-edge imaging. For all valves, different metallic parts were measured on conventional images to assess their thickness and blooming artifacts. In addition, 6 parallelepipeds per metallic valve were drawn, and all voxels with density <3 times the standard deviation of the contrast media were recorded as an estimate of streak artifacts. For subjective analysis, 3 expert readers assessed conventional images of the valves, with and without lesions, and tungsten K-edge images. Conspicuity and sharpness of the different parts of the valve, the lesions, metallic, and blooming artifacts were scored on a 4-point scale. Measurements and scores were compared with the paired t test or Wilcoxon test. RESULTS The objective analysis showed that, with PCD-CT, valvular metallic structures were thinner and presented less blooming artifacts. Metallic artifacts were also reduced with PCD-CT (11 [interquartile (IQ) = 6] vs 40 [IQ = 13] % of voxels). Subjective analysis allowed noticing that some structures were visible or clearly visible only with PCD-CT. In addition, PCD-CT yielded better scores for the conspicuity and for the sharpness of all structures (all P s < 0.006), except for the conspicuity of the leaflets of the mechanical valves, which were well visible with either technique (4 [IQ = 3] for both). Both blooming and streak artifacts were reduced with PCD-CT ( P ≤ 0.01). Overall, the use of PCD-CT resulted in better conspicuity and sharpness of the lesions compared with DEDL-CT (both P s < 0.02). In addition, only with PCD-CT some differences between the 2 lesions were detectable. Adding the extension ring resulted in reduced conspicuity and sharpness with DEDL-CT ( P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively) and only in reduced sharpness with PCD-CT ( P = 0.04). Tungsten K-edge imaging allowed for the visualization of the only dense structure containing it, the leaflets, and it resulted in images judged having less blooming and metallic artifacts as compared with conventional PCD-CT images ( P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS With PCD-CT, objective and subjective image quality of metallic and biological PHVs is improved compared with DEDL-CT. Notwithstanding the improvements in image quality, millimetric lesions attached to the structure of the valves remain a challenge for PCD-CT. Tungsten K-edge imaging allows for even further reduction of artifacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Boccalini
- From the University of Lyon, INSA-Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France (S.B., F.D.); Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France (S.B., C.M., S.S.-M., L.B., P.D.); University Lyon, INSA-Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, CREATIS UMR 5220, Villeurbanne, France (H.L., S.S.-M., L.B., P.D.); Philips Healthcare, Suresnes, France (M.V.); Department of Cardiology, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France (F.D.); Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (R.B.); and Department of Cardiac Surgery, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France (M.P.)
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Holmes TW, Yin Z, Bujila R, Madhav P, Kim C, Maltz JS, Pourmorteza A. Ultrahigh-Resolution K-Edge Imaging of Coronary Arteries With Prototype Deep-Silicon Photon-Counting CT: Initial Results in Phantoms. Radiology 2024; 311:e231598. [PMID: 38916502 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.231598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Photon-counting CT (PCCT) represents a recent advancement in CT, offering improved spatial resolution and spectral separability. By using multiple adjustable energy bins, PCCT enables K-edge imaging, allowing mixed contrast agent distinction. Deep-silicon is a new type of photon-counting detector with different characteristics compared with cadmium photon-counting detectors. Purpose To evaluate the performance of a prototype deep-Si PCCT scanner and compare it with that of a state-of-the-art dual-energy energy-integrating detector (EID) scanner in imaging coronary artery plaques enhanced with iodine and K-edge contrast agents. Materials and Methods A series of 10 three-dimensional-printed inserts (diameter, 3.5 mm) was prepared, and materials mimicking soft and calcified plaques were added to simulate stenosed coronary arteries. Inserts filled with an iodine- or gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) were scanned. Virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) and iodine maps were generated using two- and eight-energy bin data from EID CT and PCCT, respectively. Gadolinium maps were calculated for PCCT. The CT numbers of VMIs and iodine maps were compared. Spatial resolution and blooming artifacts were compared on the 70-keV VMIs in plaque-free and calcified coronary arteries. Results No evidence of a significant difference in the CT number of 70-keV images was found except in inserts containing GBCAs. In the absence of a GBCA, excellent (r > 0.99) agreement for iodine was found. PCCT could quantify the GBCA within 0.2 mg Gd/mL ± 0.8 accuracy of the ground truth, whereas EID CT failed to detect the GBCA. Lumen measurements were more accurate for PCCT than for EID CT, with mean errors of 167 versus 442 µm (P < .001) compared with the 3.5-mm ground truth. Conclusion Deep-Si PCCT demonstrated good accuracy in iodine quantification and could accurately decompose mixtures of two contrast agents. Its improved spatial resolution resulted in sharper images with blooming artifacts reduced by 50% compared with a state-of-the-art dual-energy EID CT scanner. © RSNA, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wesley Holmes
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (T.W.H., A.P.) and Winship Cancer Institute (A.P.), Emory University, 1701 Uppergate Dr, Ste 5018A, Atlanta, GA 30322; GE HealthCare, Waukesha, Wis (Z.Y., R.B., P.M., C.K., J.S.M.); and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University-Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
| | - Zhye Yin
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (T.W.H., A.P.) and Winship Cancer Institute (A.P.), Emory University, 1701 Uppergate Dr, Ste 5018A, Atlanta, GA 30322; GE HealthCare, Waukesha, Wis (Z.Y., R.B., P.M., C.K., J.S.M.); and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University-Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
| | - Robert Bujila
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (T.W.H., A.P.) and Winship Cancer Institute (A.P.), Emory University, 1701 Uppergate Dr, Ste 5018A, Atlanta, GA 30322; GE HealthCare, Waukesha, Wis (Z.Y., R.B., P.M., C.K., J.S.M.); and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University-Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
| | - Priti Madhav
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (T.W.H., A.P.) and Winship Cancer Institute (A.P.), Emory University, 1701 Uppergate Dr, Ste 5018A, Atlanta, GA 30322; GE HealthCare, Waukesha, Wis (Z.Y., R.B., P.M., C.K., J.S.M.); and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University-Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
| | - Changlyong Kim
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (T.W.H., A.P.) and Winship Cancer Institute (A.P.), Emory University, 1701 Uppergate Dr, Ste 5018A, Atlanta, GA 30322; GE HealthCare, Waukesha, Wis (Z.Y., R.B., P.M., C.K., J.S.M.); and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University-Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
| | - Jonathan S Maltz
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (T.W.H., A.P.) and Winship Cancer Institute (A.P.), Emory University, 1701 Uppergate Dr, Ste 5018A, Atlanta, GA 30322; GE HealthCare, Waukesha, Wis (Z.Y., R.B., P.M., C.K., J.S.M.); and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University-Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
| | - Amir Pourmorteza
- From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (T.W.H., A.P.) and Winship Cancer Institute (A.P.), Emory University, 1701 Uppergate Dr, Ste 5018A, Atlanta, GA 30322; GE HealthCare, Waukesha, Wis (Z.Y., R.B., P.M., C.K., J.S.M.); and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University-Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga (A.P.)
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Tacher V, Barral PA. Is side branch embolization needed before endovascular aortic aneurysm repair to prevent type II endoleak? Diagn Interv Imaging 2024:S2211-5684(24)00103-7. [PMID: 38677922 DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Vania Tacher
- Université Paris Est, Unité INSERM U955 n°18, AP-HP, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Department of Radiology, 94010, Créteil, France.
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Baubeta E, Laurin Gadsböll E, Will L, Holmquist F, Aurumskjöld M. No gadolinium K-edge detected on the first clinical photon-counting computed tomography scanner. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2024; 25:e14324. [PMID: 38470449 PMCID: PMC11005964 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.14324] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to elucidate whether gadolinium contrast in clinically relevant doses can be used with photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) as an alternative contrast agent in clinical applications. MATERIAL/METHODS A CTDI phantom with 3D printed rods filled with different concentrations of gadolinium and iodine contrast was scanned in a PCCT and an energy-integrated computed tomography (EICT). Attenuation values at different monoenergetic steps were extracted for each contrast concentration. RESULTS For PCCT, gadolinium reached an attenuation >100 HU (103 HU) at 40 keV with a concentration 5 mmol/L whereas the same level was reached at 50 keV (118 HU) for 10 mmol/L and 90 keV (114 HU) for 25 mmol/L. For iodine, the same level of attenuation was reached at 100 keV (106 HU) with a concentration 8.75 mg I/mL. For EICT the lowest gadolinium contrast concentration needed to reach >100 HU (108 HU) was 10 mmol/L at 50 keV. For 25 mmol/L 100 HU was reached at 100 keV. For iodine contrast 108 HU was reached at 110 keV for 8.75 mg I/mL. CONCLUSION No K-edge potential or difference in attenuation curves between iodine and gadolinium contrast is detected on the first clinical available PCCT. Clinically relevant attenuation levels were barely achieved in this setting with gadolinium concentrations approved for human use. The results of this study suggest that, given current scanning technology, gadolinium is not a clinically useful contrast agent for computed tomography because no K-edge was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Baubeta
- Department of Imaging and Functional MedicineSkåne University HospitalLundSweden
- Department of Translational MedicineDiagnostic RadiologyLund UniversityMalmöSweden
| | - Eva Laurin Gadsböll
- Department of Imaging and Functional MedicineSkåne University HospitalLundSweden
| | - Leon Will
- Department of Imaging and Functional MedicineSkåne University HospitalLundSweden
| | - Fredrik Holmquist
- Department of Imaging and Functional MedicineSkåne University HospitalLundSweden
- Department of Clinical SciencesDiagnostic RadiologyLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Marie‐Louise Aurumskjöld
- Medical Radiation PhysicsDepartment of Clinical Sciences MalmöSkåne University HospitalLund UniversityLundSweden
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Gentsu T, Yamaguchi M, Sasaki K, Kawasaki R, Horinouchi H, Fukuda T, Miyamoto N, Mori T, Sakamoto N, Uotani K, Taniguchi T, Koda Y, Yamanaka K, Takahashi H, Okada K, Hayashi T, Watanabe T, Nomura Y, Matsushiro K, Ueshima E, Okada T, Sugimoto K, Murakami T. Side branch embolization before endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair to prevent type II endoleak: A prospective multicenter study. Diagn Interv Imaging 2024:S2211-5684(24)00079-2. [PMID: 38503637 DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2024.03.003] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pre-emptive transcatheter arterial embolization (P-TAE) of aortic side branches to prevent type II endoleak in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS This multicenter, prospective, single-arm trial enrolled 100 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm from nine hospitals between 2018 and 2021. There were 85 men and 15 women, with a mean age of 79.6 ± 6.0 (standard deviation) years (range: 65-97 years). P-TAE was attempted for patent aortic side branches, including the inferior mesenteric artery, lumbar arteries, and other branches. The primary endpoint was late type II endoleak incidence at 6 months post-repair. Secondary endpoints included changes in aneurysmal sac diameter at 6- and 12 months, complications, re-intervention, and aneurysm-related mortality. Aneurysm sac changes at 6- and 12 months was compared between the late and no-late type II endoleak groups. RESULTS Coil embolization was successful in 80.9% (321/397) of patent aortic side branches, including 86.3% of the inferior mesenteric arteries, 80.3% of lumbar arteries, and 55.6% of other branches without severe adverse events. Late type II endoleak incidence at 6 months was 8.9% (8/90; 95% confidence interval: 3.9-16.8%). Aneurysm sac shrinkage > 5 mm was observed in 41.1% (37/90) and 55.3% (47/85) of the patients at 6- and 12-months post-EVAR, respectively. Patients with late type II endoleak had less aneurysm sac shrinkage than those without type II endoleak at 12 months (-0.2 mm vs. -6.0 mm; P = 0.040). No patients required re-intervention for type II endoleak, and no aneurysm-related mortalities occurred. CONCLUSION P-TAE is safe and effective in preventing type II endoleak, leading to early sac shrinkage at 12 months following EVAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Gentsu
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, 7-5-2 Kusunokicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Masato Yamaguchi
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, 7-5-2 Kusunokicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Koji Sasaki
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, 7-5-2 Kusunokicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Ryota Kawasaki
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hyogo Prefectural Harima-Himeji General Medical Center, Himeji, Hyogo 670-8560, Japan
| | - Hiroki Horinouchi
- Department of Radiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Fukuda
- Department of Radiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - Naokazu Miyamoto
- Department of Radiology, Kita-harima Medical Center, Ono, Hyogo 675-1323, Japan
| | - Takeki Mori
- Department of Radiology, Japanese Red Cross Kobe Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0073, Japan
| | - Noriaki Sakamoto
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kakogawa Central City Hospital, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-8520, Japan
| | - Kensuke Uotani
- Department of Radiology, Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Medical Center, Sumoto, Hyogo 656-0021, Japan
| | | | - Yojiro Koda
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Yamanaka
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Takahashi
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Kenji Okada
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Taro Hayashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Akashi Medical Center, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0896, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Watanabe
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Akashi Medical Center, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0896, Japan
| | - Yoshikatsu Nomura
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hyogo Prefectural Harima-Himeji General Medical Center, Himeji, Hyogo 670-8560, Japan
| | - Keigo Matsushiro
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, 7-5-2 Kusunokicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Eisuke Ueshima
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, 7-5-2 Kusunokicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Takuya Okada
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, 7-5-2 Kusunokicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Koji Sugimoto
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, 7-5-2 Kusunokicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Takamichi Murakami
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, 7-5-2 Kusunokicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
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Zanon C, Cademartiri F, Toniolo A, Bini C, Clemente A, Colacchio EC, Cabrelle G, Mastro F, Antonello M, Quaia E, Pepe A. Advantages of Photon-Counting Detector CT in Aortic Imaging. Tomography 2023; 10:1-13. [PMID: 38276249 PMCID: PMC10821336 DOI: 10.3390/tomography10010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Photon-counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) is a promising imaging technique. Using detectors that count the number and energy of photons in multiple bins, PCCT offers several advantages over conventional CT, including a higher image quality, reduced contrast agent volume, radiation doses, and artifacts. Although PCCT is well established for cardiac imaging in assessing coronary artery disease, its application in aortic imaging remains limited. This review summarizes the available literature and provides an overview of the current use of PCCT for the diagnosis of aortic imaging, focusing mainly on endoleaks detection and characterization after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), contrast dose volume, and radiation exposure reduction, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease and in those requiring follow-up CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Zanon
- Department of Radiology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Costanza Bini
- Department of Radiology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Clemente
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elda Chiara Colacchio
- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Section, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Giulio Cabrelle
- Department of Radiology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Florinda Mastro
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Michele Antonello
- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Section, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Emilio Quaia
- Department of Radiology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Department of Radiology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
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Boccalini S, Dessouky R, Rodesch PA, Lacombe H, Yagil Y, Lahoud E, Erhard K, Brendel B, Coulon P, Langlois JB, Chaput F, Parola S, Boussel L, Lerouge F, Si-Mohamed S, Douek PC. Gadolinium K-edge angiography with a spectral photon counting CT in atherosclerotic rabbits. Diagn Interv Imaging 2023; 104:490-499. [PMID: 37248095 DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2023.05.002] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of gadolinium-K-edge-angiography (angio-Gd-K-edge) with gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) as obtained with spectral photon counting CT (SPCCT) in atherosclerotic rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven atherosclerotic rabbits underwent angio-SPCCT acquisitions with two GBCAs, with similar intravenous injection protocol. Conventional and angio-Gd-K-edge images were reconstructed with the same parameters. Regions of interest were traced in different locations of the aorta and its branches. Hounsfield unit values, Gd concentrations, signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) were calculated and compared. The maximum diameter and the diameter of the aorta in regard to atherosclerotic plaques were measured by two observers. Images were subjectively evaluated regarding vessels' enhancement, artefacts, border sharpness and overall image quality. RESULTS In the analyzable six rabbits, Gd-K-edge allowed visualization of target vessels and no other structures. HU values and Gd concentrations were greatest in the largest artery (descending aorta, 5.6 ± 0.8 [SD] mm), and lowest in the smallest (renal arteries, 2.1 ± 0.3 mm). While greater for conventional images, CNR and SNR were satisfactory for both images (all P < 0.001). For one observer there were no statistically significant differences in either maximum or plaque-diameters (P = 0.45 and all P > 0.05 in post-hoc analysis, respectively). For the second observer, there were no significant differences for images reconstructed with the same parameters (all P < 0.05). All subjective criteria scored higher for conventional images compared to K-edge (all P < 0.01), with the highest scores for enhancement (4.3-4.4 vs. 3.1-3.4). CONCLUSION With SPCCT, angio-Gd-K-edge after injection of GBCAs in atherosclerotic rabbits is feasible and allows for angiography-like visualization of small arteries and for the reliable measurement of their diameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Boccalini
- Lyon University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France; Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France.
| | - Riham Dessouky
- Lyon University, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, 69100 Villeurbanne, France; Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Pierre-Antoine Rodesch
- Lyon University, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Hugo Lacombe
- Lyon University, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Yoad Yagil
- Philips Medical Systems, 31004 Haifa, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Frederic Chaput
- Laboratoire de Chimie, Université de Lyon, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5182, 69364 Lyon, France
| | - Stephane Parola
- Laboratoire de Chimie, Université de Lyon, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5182, 69364 Lyon, France
| | - Loic Boussel
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France; Lyon University, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Frederic Lerouge
- Laboratoire de Chimie, Université de Lyon, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5182, 69364 Lyon, France
| | - Salim Si-Mohamed
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France; Lyon University, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Philippe C Douek
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France; Lyon University, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, INSERM, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
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Greffier J, Van Ngoc Ty C, Fitton I, Frandon J, Beregi JP, Dabli D. Impact of Phantom Size on Low-Energy Virtual Monoenergetic Images of Three Dual-Energy CT Platforms. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3039. [PMID: 37835782 PMCID: PMC10572153 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193039] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of low-energy virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) obtained with three Dual-Energy CT (DECT) platforms according to the phantom diameter. Three sections of the Mercury Phantom 4.0 were scanned on two generations of split-filter CTs (SFCT-1st and SFCT-2nd) and on one Dual-source CT (DSCT). The noise power spectrum (NPS), task-based transfer function (TTF), and detectability index (d') were assessed on VMIs from 40 to 70 keV. The highest noise magnitude values were found with SFCT-1st and noise magnitude was higher with DSCT than with SFCT-2nd for 26 cm (10.2% ± 1.3%) and 31 cm (7.0% ± 2.5%), and the opposite for 36 cm (-4.2% ± 2.5%). The highest average NPS spatial frequencies and TTF values at 50% (f50) values were found with DSCT. For all energy levels, the f50 values were higher with SFCT-2nd than SFCT-1st for 26 cm (3.2% ± 0.4%) and the opposite for 31 cm (-6.9% ± 0.5%) and 36 cm (-5.6% ± 0.7%). The lowest d' values were found with SFCT-1st. For all energy levels, the d' values were lower with DSCT than with SFCT-2nd for 26 cm (-6.2% ± 0.7%), similar for 31 cm (-0.3% ± 1.9%) and higher for 36 cm (5.4% ± 2.7%). In conclusion, compared to SFCT-1st, SFCT-2nd exhibited a lower noise magnitude and higher detectability values. Compared with DSCT, SFCT-2nd had a lower noise magnitude and higher detectability for the 26 cm, but the opposite was true for the 36 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joël Greffier
- IMAGINE UR UM 103, Department of Medical Imaging, Nimes University Hospital, Montpellier University, 30029 Nimes, France; (J.F.); (J.-P.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Claire Van Ngoc Ty
- Department of Radiology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France; (C.V.N.T.); (I.F.)
| | - Isabelle Fitton
- Department of Radiology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France; (C.V.N.T.); (I.F.)
| | - Julien Frandon
- IMAGINE UR UM 103, Department of Medical Imaging, Nimes University Hospital, Montpellier University, 30029 Nimes, France; (J.F.); (J.-P.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Jean-Paul Beregi
- IMAGINE UR UM 103, Department of Medical Imaging, Nimes University Hospital, Montpellier University, 30029 Nimes, France; (J.F.); (J.-P.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Djamel Dabli
- IMAGINE UR UM 103, Department of Medical Imaging, Nimes University Hospital, Montpellier University, 30029 Nimes, France; (J.F.); (J.-P.B.); (D.D.)
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Layer YC, Kravchenko D, Dell T, Kütting D. [CT technology: photon-counting detector computed tomography]. RADIOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00117-023-01166-z. [PMID: 37289254 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-023-01166-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) is a CT technology that overcomes many limitations of conventional detectors. Direct conversion of photons hitting the detector into electrical signals combined with more sensitive and accurate photon detection simultaneously allows spectral evaluation and also potential reduction in radiation exposure to the patient. The combination of energy thresholds and elimination of detector septa allows for a reduction of electronic noise, an increase of spatial resolution, and an improvement of dose efficiency. ACHIEVEMENTS Recent research has confirmed significantly reduced image noise, reduced radiation dose, increased spatial resolution, improved iodine signal, and a reduction in artifacts. Spectral imaging potentiates these effects and also allows retrospective calculation of virtual monoenergetic images, virtual noncontrast images or iodine maps. Thus, the photon-counting technique offers the possibility of using various contrast agents, with the prospect of single-scan multiphase imaging or visualization of specific metabolic processes. Therefore, further research and complementary approval processes are necessary for clinical application. Likewise, further research is needed to develop and validate optimal settings and reconstructions for a wide variety of situations, as well as to test new application possibilities. CONCLUSIONS The only photon-counting detector CT device available on the market to date received clinical approval in 2021. It remains to be seen which other applications will become possible through improvements in hardware and software. This technology has already demonstrated an impressive superiority compared with the current standard of CT imaging, especially regarding high-resolution imaging of detailed structures and examinations with high radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannik Christian Layer
- Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.
| | - Dmitrij Kravchenko
- Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Tatjana Dell
- Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Daniel Kütting
- Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland
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