Advanced image-based virtual monoenergetic dual-energy CT angiography of the abdomen: optimization of kiloelectron volt settings to improve image contrast.
Eur Radiol
; 26(6): 1863-70, 2016 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26334508
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
To compare quantitative image quality parameters in abdominal dual-energy computed tomography angiography (DE-CTA) using an advanced image-based (Mono+) reconstruction algorithm for virtual monoenergetic imaging and standard DE-CTA.METHODS:
Fifty-five patients (36 men; mean age, 64.2 ± 12.7 years) who underwent abdominal DE-CTA were retrospectively included. Mono + images were reconstructed at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 keV levels and as standard linearly blended M_0.6 images (60 % 100 kV, 40 % 140 kV). The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the common hepatic (CHA), splenic (SA), superior mesenteric (SMA) and left renal arteries (LRA) were objectively measured.RESULTS:
Mono+ DE-CTA series showed a statistically superior CNR for 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 keV (P < 0.031) compared to M_0.6 images for all investigated arteries except SMA at 80 keV (P = 0.08). CNR at 40 keV revealed a mean relative increase of 287.7 % compared to linearly blended images among all assessed arteries (P < 0.001). SNR of Mono+ images was consistently significantly higher at 40, 50, 60 and 70 keV compared to M_0.6 for CHA and SA (P < 0.009).CONCLUSIONS:
Compared to linearly blended images, Mono+ reconstructions at low keV levels of abdominal DE-CTA datasets significantly improve quantitative image quality. KEY POINTS ⢠Mono+ combines increased attenuation with reduced image noise compared to standard DE-CTA. ⢠Mono+ shows superior contrast-to-noise ratios at low keV compared to linearly-blended images. ⢠Contrast-to-noise ratio in monoenergetic DE-CTA peaks at 40 keV. ⢠Mono+ reconstructions significantly improve quantitative image quality at low keV levels.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Algorithms
/
Radiography, Dual-Energy Scanned Projection
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Abdominal Cavity
/
Computed Tomography Angiography
Type of study:
Observational_studies
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
Eur Radiol
Journal subject:
RADIOLOGIA
Year:
2016
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Germany