Calcium score of small coronary calcifications on multidetector computed tomography: Results from a static phantom study

Systematic assessment of coronary calcium detectability and quantification on four generations of CT reconstruction techniques: a patient and phantom study

In computed tomography, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores are influenced by image reconstruction. The effect of a newly introduced deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR) on CAC scoring in relation to other algorithms is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of four generations of image reconstruction techniques (filtered back projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), and DLR) on CAC detectability, quantification, and risk classification. First, CAC detectability was assessed with a dedicated static phantom containing 100 small calcifications varying in size and density. Second, CAC quantification was assessed with a dynamic coronary phantom with velocities equivalent to heart rates of 60-75 bpm. Both phantoms were scanned and reconstructed with four techniques. Last, scans of fifty patients were included and the Agatston calcium score was calculated for all four reconstruction techniques. FBP was used as a reference. In the phantom studies, all reconstruction techniques resulted in less detected small calcifications, up to 22%. No clinically relevant quantification changes occurred with different reconstruction techniques (less than 10%). In the patient study, the cardiovascular risk classification resulted, for all reconstruction techniques, in excellent agreement with the reference (κ = 0.96-0.97). However, MBIR resulted in significantly higher Agatston scores (61 (5.5-435.0) vs. 81.5 (9.25-435.0); p < 0.001) and 6% reclassification rate. In conclusion, HIR and DLR reconstructed scans resulted in similar Agatston scores with excellent agreement and low-risk reclassification rate compared with routine reconstructed scans (FBP). However, caution should be taken with low Agatston scores, as based on phantom study, detectability of small calcifications varies with the used reconstruction algorithm, especially with MBIR and DLR.

Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring: Toward a New Standard

OBJECTIVES

Although the Agatston score is a commonly used quantification method, rescan reproducibility is suboptimal, and different CT scanners result in different scores. In 2007, McCollough et al (Radiology 2007;243:527-538) proposed a standard for coronary artery calcium quantification. Advancements in CT technology over the last decade, however, allow for improved acquisition and reconstruction methods. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of a reproducible reduced dose alternative of the standardized approach for coronary artery calcium quantification on state-of-the-art CT systems from 4 major vendors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An anthropomorphic phantom containing 9 calcifications and 2 extension rings were used. Images were acquired with 4 state-of-the-art CT systems using routine protocols and a variety of tube voltages (80-120 kV), tube currents (100% to 25% dose levels), slice thicknesses (3/2.5 and 1/1.25 mm), and reconstruction techniques (filtered back projection and iterative reconstruction). Every protocol was scanned 5 times after repositioning the phantom to assess reproducibility. Calcifications were quantified as Agatston scores.

RESULTS

Reducing tube voltage to 100 kV, dose to 75%, and slice thickness to 1 or 1.25 mm combined with higher iterative reconstruction levels resulted in an on average 36% lower intrascanner variability (interquartile range) compared with the standard 120 kV protocol. Interscanner variability per phantom size decreased by 34% on average. With the standard protocol, on average, 6.2 ± 0.4 calcifications were detected, whereas 7.0 ± 0.4 were detected with the proposed protocol. Pairwise comparisons of Agatston scores between scanners within the same phantom size demonstrated 3 significantly different comparisons at the standard protocol (P < 0.05), whereas no significantly different comparisons arose at the proposed protocol (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

On state-of-the-art CT systems of 4 different vendors, a 25% reduced dose, thin-slice calcium scoring protocol led to improved intrascanner and interscanner reproducibility and increased detectability of small and low-density calcifications in this phantom. The protocol should be extensively validated before clinical use, but it could potentially improve clinical interscanner/interinstitutional reproducibility and enable more consistent risk assessment and treatment strategies.

Coronary calcium scoring potential of large field-of-view spectral photon-counting CT: a phantom study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current study was, first, to assess the coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring potential of spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) in comparison with computed tomography (CT) for routine clinical protocols. Second, improved CAC detection and quantification at reduced slice thickness were assessed.

METHODS

Raw data was acquired and reconstructed with several combinations of reduced slice thickness and increasing strengths of iterative reconstruction (IR) for both CT systems with routine clinical CAC protocols for CT. Two CAC-containing cylindrical inserts, consisting of CAC of different densities and sizes, were placed in an anthropomorphic phantom. A specific CAC was detectable when 3 or more connected voxels exceeded the CAC scoring threshold of 130 Hounsfield units (HU). For all reconstructions, total CAC detectability was compared between both CT systems. Significant differences in CAC quantification (Agatston and volume scores) were assessed with Mann-Whitney U tests. Furthermore, volume scores were compared with the known CAC physical.

RESULTS

CAC scores for routine clinical protocols were comparable between SPCCT and CT. SPCCT showed 34% and 4% higher detectability of CAC for the small and large phantom, respectively. At reduced slice thickness, CAC detection increased by 142% and 169% for CT and SPCCT, respectively. In comparison with CT, volume scores from SPCCT were more comparable with the physical volume of the CAC.

CONCLUSION

CAC scores using routine clinical protocols are comparable between conventional CT and SPCCT. The increased spatial resolution of SPCCT allows for increased detectability and more accurate CAC volume estimation.

KEY POINTS

• Coronary artery calcium scores using routine clinical protocols are comparable between conventional CT and spectral photon-counting CT. • In comparison with conventional CT, increased coronary artery calcium detectability was shown for spectral photon-counting CT due to increased spatial resolution. • Volumes scores were more accurately determined with spectral photon-counting CT.

Dose reduction for CT coronary calcium scoring with a calcium-aware image reconstruction technique: a phantom study

Objective

To assess the dose reduction potential of a calcium-aware reconstruction technique, which aims at tube voltage-independent computed tomography (CT) numbers for calcium.

Methods and materials

A cardiothoracic phantom, mimicking three different patient sizes, was scanned with two calcium inserts (named D100 and CCI), containing calcifications varying in size and density. Tube voltage was varied both manually (range 70–150 and Sn100 kVp) and automatically. Tube current was automatically adapted to maintain reference image quality defined at 120 kVp. Data was reconstructed with the standard reconstruction technique (kernel Qr36) and the calcium-aware reconstruction technique (kernel Sa36). We assessed the radiation dose reduction potential (volumetric CT dose index values (CTDIvol)), noise (standard deviation (SD)), mean CT number (HU) of each calcification, and Agatston scores for varying kVp. Results were compared with the reference acquired at 120 kVp and reconstructed with Qr36.

Results

Automatic selection of the optimal tube voltage resulted in a CTDIvol reduction of 22%, 15%, and 12% compared with the reference for the small, medium, and large phantom, respectively. CT numbers differed up to 64% for the standard reconstruction and 11% for the calcium-aware reconstruction. Similarly, Agatston scores deviated up to 40% and 8% for the standard and calcium-aware reconstruction technique, respectively.

Conclusion

CT numbers remained consistent with comparable calcium scores when the calcium-aware image reconstruction technique was applied with varying tube voltage. Less consistency was observed in small calcifications with low density. Automatic reduction of tube voltage resulted in a dose reduction of up to 22%.

Key Points

• The calcium-aware image reconstruction technique allows for consistent CT numbers when varying the tube voltage.

• Automatic reduction of tube voltage results in a reduced radiation exposure of up to 22%.

• This study stresses the known limitations of the current Agatston score technique.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00330-020-06709-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring: Is It Time for a Change in Methodology?

Quantification of coronary artery calcium (CAC) has been shown to be reliable, reproducible, and predictive of cardiovascular risk. Formal CAC scoring was introduced in 1990, with early scoring algorithms notable for their simplicity and elegance. Yet, with little evidence available on how to best build a score, and without a conceptual model guiding score development, these scores were, to a large degree, arbitrary. In this review, we describe the traditional approaches for clinical CAC scoring, noting their strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. We then discuss a conceptual model for developing an improved CAC score, reviewing the evidence supporting approaches most likely to lead to meaningful score improvement (for example, accounting for CAC density and regional distribution). After discussing the potential implementation of an improved score in clinical practice, we follow with a discussion of the future of CAC scoring, asking the central question: do we really need a new CAC score?

Coronary Artery Calcium Imaging in the ROBINSCA Trial: Rationale, Design, and Technical Background

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To describe the rationale, design, and technical background of coronary artery calcium (CAC) imaging in the large-scale population-based cardiovascular disease screening trial (Risk Or Benefit IN Screening for CArdiovascular Diseases [ROBINSCA]).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, literature search was performed to review the logistics, setup, and settings of previously performed CAC imaging studies, and current clinical CAC imaging protocols of participating centers in the ROBINSCA trial were evaluated. A second literature search was performed to evaluate the impact of computed tomography parameter settings on CAC score.

RESULTS

Based on literature reviews and experts opinion an imaging protocol accompanied by data management protocol was created for ROBINSCA. The imaging protocol should consist of a fixed tube voltage, individually tailored tube current setting, mid-diastolic electrocardiography-triggering, fixed field-of-view, fixed reconstruction kernel, fixed slice thickness, overlapping reconstruction and without iterative reconstruction. The analysis of scans is performed with one type and version of CAC scoring software, by two dedicated and experienced researchers. The data management protocol describes the organization of data handling between the coordinating center, participating centers, and core analysis center.

CONCLUSION

In this paper we describe the rationale and technical considerations to be taken in developing CAC imaging protocol, and we present a detailed protocol that can be implemented for CAC screening purposes.

Coronary artery calcium quantification on first, second and third generation dual source CT: A comparison study

BACKGROUND

Differences in coronary artery calcium (CAC) quantification of successive CT systems of one vendor could impact results of CAC screening and progression studies. The purpose of this study is to compare CAC quantification between three generations of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) systems.

METHODS

Three DSCT generations were used to repeatedly scan an anthropomorphic chest phantom and three inserts. The first and second insert contained 100 small and nine large calcifications, respectively, to determine detectability, and the Agatston and (calibrated) mass score, respectively. A third insert containing a moving artificial coronary artery was used to determine impact of movement on calcium scoring. Data were acquired at 120 kVp, 90 reference mAs with prospective electrocardiographic(ECG)-gating at sequential and high-pitch spiral mode, for respectively first and second/third generation DSCT. Differences and variability in detectability and calcium scores were analyzed.

RESULTS

Although noise levels differed (p=<0.002), no differences in detectability were found between the three DSCT generations; median (range) for first, second and third generation were 11 (8), 11 (4) and 12 (2) out of 100 calcifications (p > 0.272). Between second and third generation no difference was found in Agatston score for the large calcification phantom (p > 0.05). The intra-scanner variability and inter-scanner median relative difference ranged for Agatston score from 2.1 to 8.3% and 0.5-12.7% and for mass score from 1.4% to 4.4% and 0.7-5.6%. Overall, intra-scanner variability was lowest for third generation DSCT.

CONCLUSION

The three DSCT generations have similar detectability of calcifications. Median Agatston and mass score differed by no more than 12.7% and 5.6%.

Influence of dose reduction and iterative reconstruction on CT calcium scores: a multi-manufacturer dynamic phantom study

To evaluate the influence of dose reduction in combination with iterative reconstruction (IR) on coronary calcium scores (CCS) in a dynamic phantom on state-of-the-art CT systems from different manufacturers. Calcified inserts in an anthropomorphic chest phantom were translated at 20 mm/s corresponding to heart rates between 60 and 75 bpm. The inserts were scanned five times with routinely used CCS protocols at reference dose and 40 and 80% dose reduction on four high-end CT systems. Filtered back projection (FBP) and increasing levels of IR were applied. Noise levels were determined. CCS, quantified as Agatston and mass scores, were compared to physical mass and scores at FBP reference dose. For the reference dose in combination with FBP, noise level variation between CT systems was less than 18%. Decreasing dose almost always resulted in increased CCS, while at increased levels of IR, CCS decreased again. The influence of IR on CCS was smaller than the influence of dose reduction. At reference dose, physical mass was underestimated 3–30%. All CT systems showed similar CCS at 40% dose reduction in combinations with specific reconstructions. For some CT systems CCS was not affected at 80% dose reduction, in combination with IR. This multivendor study showed that radiation dose reductions of 40% did not influence CCS in a dynamic phantom using state-of-the-art CT systems in combination with specific reconstruction settings. Dose reduction resulted in increased noise and consequently increased CCS, whereas increased IR resulted in decreased CCS.

Feasibility of spectral shaping for detection and quantification of coronary calcifications in ultra-low dose CT

Objectives

To evaluate detectability and quantification of coronary calcifications for CT with a tin filter for spectral shaping.

Methods

Phantom inserts with 100 small and 9 large calcifications, and a moving artificial artery with 3 calcifications (speed 0–30 mm/s) were placed in a thorax phantom simulating different patient sizes. The phantom was scanned in high-pitch spiral mode at 100 kVp with tin filter (Sn100 kVp), and at a reference of 120 kVp, with electrocardiographic (ECG) gating. Detectability and quantification of calcifications were analyzed for standard (130 HU) and adapted thresholds.

Results

Sn100 kVp yielded lower detectability of calcifications (9 % versus 12 %, p = 0.027) and lower Agatston scores (p < 0.008), irrespective of calcification, patient size and speed. Volume scores of the moving calcifications for Sn100 kVp at speed 10–30 mm/s were lower (p < 0.001), while mass scores were similar (p = 0.131). For Sn100 kVp with adapted threshold of 117 HU, detectability (p = 1.000) and Agatston score (p > 0.206) were similar to 120 kVp. Spectral shaping resulted in median dose reduction of 62.3 % (range 59.0–73.4 %).

Conclusions

Coronary calcium scanning with spectral shaping yields lower detectability of calcifications and lower Agatston scores compared to 120 kVp scanning, for which a HU threshold correction should be developed.

Key points

• Sn100kVp yields lower detectability and lower Agatston scores compared to 120kVp

• Adapted HU threshold for Sn100kVp provides Agatston scores comparable to 120kVp

• Sn100 kVp considerably reduces dose in calcium scoring versus 120 kVp