1
|
Yang L, Zhang H, Sheng J, Wang M, Liu Y, Xu M, Yang X, Wang B, He X, Gao L, Zheng C. Contrast enhancement boost improves the image quality of CT angiography derived from 80-kVp cerebral CT perfusion data. BMC Med Imaging 2024; 24:193. [PMID: 39080580 PMCID: PMC11290218 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-024-01373-7] [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: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of the contrast enhancement boost (CE-boost) technique on the image quality of CT angiography (CTA) derived from 80-kVp cerebral CT perfusion (CTP) data, and to compare it with conventional CTApeak as well as other currently employed methods for enhancing CTA images, such as CTAtMIP and CTAtAve extracted from CTP. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data of forty-seven patients who underwent CTP at 80 kVp were retrospectively collected. Four sets of images: CTApeak, CTAtMIP, CTAtAve, and CE-boost images. The CTApeak image represents the arterial phase at its peak value, captured as a single time point. CTAtMIP and CTAtAve are 4D CTA images that provide maximum density projection and average images from the three most prominent time points. CE-boost is a postprocessing technique used to enhance contrast in the arterial phase at its peak value. We compared the average CT value, standard deviation (SD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and basilar artery (BA) among the four groups. Image quality was evaluated using a 5-point scale. RESULTS The CE-boost demonstrated and CNR in the ICA and BA (all p < 0.001). Compared with the other three CTA reconstructed images, the CE-boost images had the best subjective image quality, with the highest scores of 4.77 ± 0.43 and 4.87 ± 0.34 for each reader (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Compared with other currently used techniques,CE-boost enhances the image quality of CTA derived from 80-kVp CTP data, leading to improved visualization of intracranial arteries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Department of Radiology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong City, Shannxi Province, China
| | - Haiwei Zhang
- Department of General Medicine, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong, China
| | - Jiexin Sheng
- Department of Radiology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong City, Shannxi Province, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Radiology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong City, Shannxi Province, China
| | - Yaliang Liu
- Department of Radiology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong City, Shannxi Province, China
| | - Min Xu
- Canon Medical Systems (China), Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Canon Medical Systems (China), Beijing, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Radiology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong City, Shannxi Province, China
| | - Xiaolong He
- Department of Radiology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong City, Shannxi Province, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Nneurology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong, China
| | - Chao Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Hanzhong Central Hospital, Hanzhong City, Shannxi Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li W, Huang W, Li P, Wen Y, Shuai T, He Y, You Y, Yu J, Diao K, Song B. Application of deep learning image reconstruction-high algorithm in one-stop coronary and carotid-cerebrovascular CT angiography with low radiation and contrast doses. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2024; 14:1860-1872. [PMID: 38415146 PMCID: PMC10895143 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Background For patients with suspected simultaneous coronary and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis, conventional single-site computed tomography angiography (CTA) for both sites can result in nonnegligible radiation and contrast agent dose. The purpose of this study was to validate the feasibility of one-stop coronary and carotid-cerebrovascular CTA (C&CC-CTA) with a "double-low" (low radiation and contrast) dose protocol reconstructed with deep learning image reconstruction with high setting (DLIR-H) algorithm. Methods From February 2018 to January 2019, 60 patients referred to C&CC-CTA simultaneously in West China Hospital were recruited in this prospective cohort study. By random assignment, patients were divided into two groups: double-low dose group (n=30) used 80 kVp and 24 mgI/kg/s contrast dose with images reconstructed using DLIR-H; and routine-dose group (n=30) used 100 kVp and 32 mgI/kg/s contrast dose with images reconstructed using 50% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V50%). Radiation and contrast doses, subjective image quality score, CT attenuation values, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured and compared between the groups. Results The DLIR-H group used 30% less contrast dose (35.80±4.85 vs. 51.13±6.91 mL) and 48% less overall radiation dose (1.00±0.09 vs. 1.91±0.42 mSv) than the ASIR-V50% group (both P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference on subjective quality score between the two groups (C-CTA: 4.38±0.67 vs. 4.17±0.81, P=0.337 and CC-CTA: 4.18±0.87 vs. 4.08±0.79, P=0.604). For coronary CTA, lower background noise (18.93±1.43 vs. 22.86±3.75 HU) was reached in DLIR-H group, and SNR and CNR at all assessed branches were significantly increased compared to ASIR-V50% group (all P<0.05), except SNR of left anterior descending (P>0.05). For carotid-cerebrovascular CTA, DLIR-H group was comparable in background noise (19.25±1.42 vs. 20.23±2.40 HU), SNR and CNR at all assessed branches with ASIR-V50% group (all P>0.05). Conclusions The "double-low" dose one-stop C&CC-CTA with DLIR-H obtained higher image quality compared with the routine-dose protocol with ASIR-V50% while achieving 48% and 30% reduction in radiation and contrast dose, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanjiang Li
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenyu Huang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Peiyao Li
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Wen
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Shuai
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong He
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongchun You
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianqun Yu
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kaiyue Diao
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiology, Sanya Municipal People's Hospital, Sanya, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rahman H, Khan AR, Sadiq T, Farooqi AH, Khan IU, Lim WH. A Systematic Literature Review of 3D Deep Learning Techniques in Computed Tomography Reconstruction. Tomography 2023; 9:2158-2189. [PMID: 38133073 PMCID: PMC10748093 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9060169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) is used in a wide range of medical imaging diagnoses. However, the reconstruction of CT images from raw projection data is inherently complex and is subject to artifacts and noise, which compromises image quality and accuracy. In order to address these challenges, deep learning developments have the potential to improve the reconstruction of computed tomography images. In this regard, our research aim is to determine the techniques that are used for 3D deep learning in CT reconstruction and to identify the training and validation datasets that are accessible. This research was performed on five databases. After a careful assessment of each record based on the objective and scope of the study, we selected 60 research articles for this review. This systematic literature review revealed that convolutional neural networks (CNNs), 3D convolutional neural networks (3D CNNs), and deep learning reconstruction (DLR) were the most suitable deep learning algorithms for CT reconstruction. Additionally, two major datasets appropriate for training and developing deep learning systems were identified: 2016 NIH-AAPM-Mayo and MSCT. These datasets are important resources for the creation and assessment of CT reconstruction models. According to the results, 3D deep learning may increase the effectiveness of CT image reconstruction, boost image quality, and lower radiation exposure. By using these deep learning approaches, CT image reconstruction may be made more precise and effective, improving patient outcomes, diagnostic accuracy, and healthcare system productivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hameedur Rahman
- Department of Computer Games Development, Faculty of Computing & AI, Air University, E9, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Abdur Rehman Khan
- Department of Creative Technologies, Faculty of Computing & AI, Air University, E9, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Touseef Sadiq
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research, Department of Information and Communication Technology, University of Agder, Jon Lilletuns vei 9, 4879 Grimstad, Norway
| | - Ashfaq Hussain Farooqi
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing AI, Air University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Inam Ullah Khan
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (SEAS), Isra University, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Wei Hong Lim
- Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yasui K, Saito Y, Ito A, Douwaki M, Ogawa S, Kasugai Y, Ooe H, Nagake Y, Hayashi N. Validation of deep learning-based CT image reconstruction for treatment planning. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15413. [PMID: 37723226 PMCID: PMC10507027 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42775-x] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep learning-based CT image reconstruction (DLR) is a state-of-the-art method for obtaining CT images. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of DLR in radiotherapy. Data were acquired using a large-bore CT system and an electron density phantom for radiotherapy. We compared the CT values, image noise, and CT value-to-electron density conversion table of DLR and hybrid iterative reconstruction (H-IR) for various doses. Further, we evaluated three DLR reconstruction strength patterns (Mild, Standard, and Strong). The variations of CT values of DLR and H-IR were large at low doses, and the difference in average CT values was insignificant with less than 10 HU at doses of 100 mAs and above. DLR showed less change in CT values and smaller image noise relative to H-IR. The noise-reduction effect was particularly large in the low-dose region. The difference in image noise between DLR Mild and Standard/Strong was large, suggesting the usefulness of reconstruction intensities higher than Mild. DLR showed stable CT values and low image noise for various materials, even at low doses; particularly for Standard or Strong, the reduction in image noise was significant. These findings indicate the usefulness of DLR in treatment planning using large-bore CT systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Yasui
- Division of Medical Physics, School of Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Yasunori Saito
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Azumi Ito
- Faculty of Radiological Technology, School of Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Momoka Douwaki
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shuta Ogawa
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuri Kasugai
- Faculty of Radiological Technology, School of Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiromu Ooe
- Faculty of Radiological Technology, School of Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuya Nagake
- Faculty of Radiological Technology, School of Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naoki Hayashi
- Division of Medical Physics, School of Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lell M, Kachelrieß M. Computed Tomography 2.0: New Detector Technology, AI, and Other Developments. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:587-601. [PMID: 37378467 PMCID: PMC10332658 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Computed tomography (CT) dramatically improved the capabilities of diagnostic and interventional radiology. Starting in the early 1970s, this imaging modality is still evolving, although tremendous improvements in scan speed, volume coverage, spatial and soft tissue resolution, as well as dose reduction have been achieved. Tube current modulation, automated exposure control, anatomy-based tube voltage (kV) selection, advanced x-ray beam filtration, and iterative image reconstruction techniques improved image quality and decreased radiation exposure. Cardiac imaging triggered the demand for high temporal resolution, volume acquisition, and high pitch modes with electrocardiogram synchronization. Plaque imaging in cardiac CT as well as lung and bone imaging demand for high spatial resolution. Today, we see a transition of photon-counting detectors from experimental and research prototype setups into commercially available systems integrated in patient care. Moreover, with respect to CT technology and CT image formation, artificial intelligence is increasingly used in patient positioning, protocol adjustment, and image reconstruction, but also in image preprocessing or postprocessing. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the technical specifications of up-to-date available whole-body and dedicated CT systems, as well as hardware and software innovations for CT systems in the near future.
Collapse
|
6
|
Hirairi T, Ichikawa K, Urikura A, Kawashima H, Tabata T, Matsunami T. Improvement of diagnostic performance of hyperacute ischemic stroke in head CT using an image-based noise reduction technique with non-black-boxed process. Phys Med 2023; 112:102646. [PMID: 37549457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.102646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to investigate whether an image-based noise reduction (INR) technique with a conventional rule-based algorithm involving no black-boxed processes can outperform an existing hybrid-type iterative reconstruction (HIR) technique, when applied to brain CT images for diagnosis of early CT signs, which generally exhibit low-contrast lesions that are difficult to detect. METHODS The subjects comprised 27 patients having infarctions within 4.5 h of onset and 27 patients with no change in brain parenchyma. Images with thicknesses of 5 mm and 0.625 mm were reconstructed by HIR. Images with a thickness of 0.625 mm reconstructed by filter back projection (FBP) were processed by INR. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated between gray and white matters; lentiform nucleus and internal capsule; infarcted and non-infarcted areas. Two radiologists subjectively evaluated the presence of hyperdense artery signs (HASs) and infarctions and visually scored three properties regarding image quality (0.625-mm HIR images were excluded because of their notably worse noise appearances). RESULTS The CNRs of INR were significantly better than those of HIR with P < 0.001 for all the indicators. INR yielded significantly higher areas under the curve for both infarction and HAS detections than HIR (P < 0.001). Also, INR significantly improved the visual scores of all the three indicators. CONCLUSION The INR incorporating a simple and reproducible algorithm was more effective than HIR in detecting early CT signs and can be potentially applied to CT images from a large variety of CT systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Hirairi
- Department of Radiological Technology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni, Shizuoka, 410-2295, Japan.
| | - Katsuhiro Ichikawa
- Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 5-11-80 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0942, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Urikura
- Department of Radiological Technology, Radiological Diagnosis, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuuouku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Kawashima
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 5-11-80 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa 920-0942, Japan.
| | - Takasumi Tabata
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni, Shizuoka, 410-2295, Japan.
| | - Tamaki Matsunami
- Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni, Shizuoka, 410-2295, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|