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Risch F, Harmel E, Rippel K, Wein B, Raake P, Girdauskas E, Elvinger S, Owais T, Scheurig-Muenkler C, Kroencke T, Schwarz F, Braun F, Decker JA. Virtual non-contrast series of photon-counting detector computed tomography angiography for aortic valve calcium scoring. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2024; 40:723-732. [PMID: 38175389 PMCID: PMC11052824 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-023-03040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate two different virtual non-contrast (VNC) algorithms applied to photon counting detector (PCD)-CT data in terms of noise, effectiveness of contrast media subtraction and aortic valve calcium (AVC) scoring compared to reference true non-contrast (TNC)-based results. Consecutive patients underwent TAVR planning examination comprising a TNC scan, followed by a CTA of the heart. VNC series were reconstructed using a conventional (VNCconv) and a calcium-preserving (VNCpc) algorithm. Noise was analyzed by means of the standard deviation of CT-values within the left ventricle. To assess the effectiveness of contrast media removal, heart volumes were segmented and the proportion of their histograms > 130HU was taken. AVC was measured by Agatston and volume score. 41 patients were included. Comparable noise levels to TNC were achieved with all VNC reconstructions. Contrast media was effectively virtually removed (proportions > 130HU from 81% to < 1%). Median calcium scores derived from VNCconv underestimated TNC-based scores (up to 74%). Results with smallest absolute difference to TNC were obtained with VNCpc reconstructions (0.4 mm, Br36, QIR 4), but with persistent significant underestimation (median 29%). Both VNC algorithms showed near-perfect (r²>0.9) correlation with TNC. Thin-slice VNC reconstructions provide equivalent noise levels to standard thick-slice TNC series and effective virtual removal of iodinated contrast. AVC scoring was feasible on both VNC series, showing near-perfect correlation, but with significant underestimation. VNCpc with 0.4 mm slices and Br36 kernel at QIR 4 gave the most comparable results and, with further advances, could be a promising replacement for additional TNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franka Risch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Eva Harmel
- Medical Clinic, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Rippel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Wein
- Medical Clinic, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Philip Raake
- Medical Clinic, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Evaldas Girdauskas
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Sébastien Elvinger
- Medical Clinic, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Tamer Owais
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Christian Scheurig-Muenkler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kroencke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany.
- Centre for Advanced Analytics and Predictive Sciences, Augsburg University, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Florian Schwarz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
- Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Donau-Isar-Klinikum, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Franziska Braun
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Josua A Decker
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
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