Dual energy computed tomography for detection of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Regional lymph node metastasis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is not uncommon, and is often under-or misdiagnosed. Regional lymph node metastasis is associated with a negative prognosis in patients with HCC, and surgical resection of lymph node metastasis is considered feasible and efficacious in improving the survival and prognosis. It is critical to characterize lymph node preoperatively. There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal method for the assessment of regional lymph nodes in patients with HCC.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value of single source dual energy computed tomography(CT) in regional lymph node assessment for HCC patients.METHODS Forty-three patients with pathologically confirmed HCC who underwent partial hepatectomy with lymphadenectomy were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent dual-energy CT preoperatively. Regional lymph nodes(n = 156) were divided into either a metastatic(group P, n = 52) or a non-metastasis group(group N, n = 104), and further, according to pathology, divided into an active hepatitis(group P1, n = 34; group N1, n = 73) and a non-active hepatitis group(group P2, n = 18; group N2, n = 31). The maximal short axis diameter(MSAD),iodine concentration(IC), normalized IC(NIC), and the slope of the spectralcurve(λ_(HU)) of each group in the arterial phase(AP), portal phase(PP), and delayed phase(DP) were analyzed.RESULTS Analysis of the MSAD, IC, NIC, and λ_(HU) showed statistical differences between groups P and N(P < 0.05) during all three phases. To distinguish benign from metastatic lymph nodes, the diagnostic efficacy of IC, NIC, and λ_(HU) in the PP was the best among the three phases(AP, PP, and DP), with a sensitivity up to 81.9%,83.9%, and 81.8%, and a specificity up to 82.4%, 84.1% and 84.1%, respectively.The diagnostic value of combined analyses of MSAD with IC, NIC, or λ_(HU) in the PP was superior to the dual energy CT parameters alone, with a sensitivity up to84.5%, 86.9%, and 86.2%, and a specificity up to 83.0%, 93.6% and 89.8%,respectively. Between groups P1 and P2 and groups N1 and N2, only IC, NIC,and λ_(HU) between groups N1 and N2 in the PP had a statistically significant difference(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION Dual-energy CT contributes beneficially to regional lymph node assessment in HCC patients. Combination of MSAD with IC, NIC, or λ_(HU) values in the PP is superior to using any single parameter alone. Active hepatitis does not deteriorate the capabilities for characterization of metastatic lymph nodes.

Amiodarone-induced hepatotoxicity-quantitative measurement of iodine density in the liver using dual-energy computed tomography:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Amiodarone is the drug most commonly used to manage arrhythmias.Long-term amiodarone administration causes hepatotoxicity due to iodine accumulation in the liver.Here,we present three cases of amiodarone-induced hepatotoxicity in patients on long-term oral amiodarone therapy who underwent dual-energy computed tomography(DECT).CASE SUMMARY We report the clinical and iodine density in the liver using DECT in three patients with amiodarone-induced hepatotoxicity.Liver enzymes were increased in these three patients,and abdominal DECT without contrast medium showed highly increased attenuation in the liver.Furthermore,the iodine concentration in the liver was increased.The first patient with amiodarone-induced reversible hepatotoxicity,showed a reversible course of liver function and a decrease in CT values after discontinuation of amiodarone.The second patient on long-term oral amiodarone had increased iodine concentration in the liver and liver damage,the patient eventually developed rapidly progressive pneumonia and died of multiple organ failure.The third patient,showed an increased iodine concentration in the liver and elevated liver enzymes.However,the patient refused radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation and continued oral amiodarone to control atrial fibrillation,and routine liver function tests were required every 3-6 mo in this patient.CONCLUSION DECT is a potentially noninvasive diagnostic tool for quantifying iodine concentration in the liver and monitoring adverse reactions due to amiodarone.

Energy spectrum computed tomography multi-parameter imaging in preoperative assessment of vascular and neuroinvasive status in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Vascular and nerve infiltration are important indicators for the progression and prognosis of gastric cancer(GC),but traditional imaging methods have some limitations in preoperative evaluation.In recent years,energy spectrum computed tomography(CT)multiparameter imaging technology has been gradually applied in clinical practice because of its advantages in tissue contrast and lesion detail display.AIM To explore and analyze the value of multiparameter energy spectrum CT imaging in the preoperative assessment of vascular invasion(LVI)and nerve invasion(PNI)in GC patients.METHODS Data from 62 patients with GC confirmed by pathology and accompanied by energy spectrum CT scanning at our hospital between September 2022 and September 2023,including 46 males and 16 females aged 36-71(57.5±9.1)years,were retrospectively collected.The patients were divided into a positive group(42 patients)and a negative group(20 patients)according to the presence of LVI/PNI.The CT values(CT40 keV,CT70 keV),iodine concentration(IC),and normalized IC(NIC)of lesions in the upper energy spectrum CT images of the arterial phase,venous phase,and delayed phase 40 and 70 keV were measured,and the slopes of the energy spectrum curves[K(40-70)]from 40 to 70 keV were calculated.Arterial Core Tip:To investigate the application value of multiparameter energy spectrum computed tomography(CT)imaging in the preoperative assessment of vascular and nerve infiltration in patients with gastric cancer(GC).The imaging data of GC patients were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the accuracy and sensitivity of CT for identifying and quantifying vascular and nerve infiltration and for comparison with postoperative pathological results.The purpose of this study was to verify the clinical feasibility and potential advantages of multiparameter energy spectrum CT imaging in guiding preoperative diagnosis and treatment decision-making and to provide a new imaging basis for improving the diagnostic accuracy and prognosis of GC patients.

Characterization of ureteral stents by dual-energy computed tomography: Clinical implications

Dual-energy computed-tomography(DECT) has been suggested as the method of choice for imaging urinary calculi due to the modality's high sensitivity for detect-ing stones and its capability of accurately differentiat-ing between uric-acid(UA) and non-UA(predominantly calcium) stones. The clinical significance of the latter feature relates to the differences in management of UA vs non-UA calculi. Like calculi, ureteral stents are assigned color by the dual-energy post-processing algorithm, which may lead to improved or worsened stone visualization based on the resulting stent/stone contrast. Herein we depict the case of a nephrolithiasis patient with bilateral stents, each with different color, clearly displaying the effect of stent color on stone vi-sualization. Further, three-dimensional reconstruction of the DECT images illustrates advantages of this enhancement compared to conventional two-dimensional computed tomography. The resulting stent/stone contrast produces an unanticipated potential advantage of DECT in patients with urolithiasis and stents and may promote improved management decision-making.

COVID-19-related cardiomyopathy:Can dual-energy computed tomography be a diagnostic tool?

BACKGROUND No study on dual energy computed tomography(DECT)has been found in the literature to evaluate possibly fatal cardiac/myocardial problems in corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients.Myocardial perfusion deficits can be found in COVID-19 patients even without any significant coronary artery occlusion,and these deficits can be shown via DECT with a perfect interrater agreement.AIM To assess lung perfusion alterations in COVID-19 patients.To our knowledge,no study using DECT has been performed to evaluate possibly fatal cardiac/myocardial problems in COVID-19 patients.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of DECT in the detection of COVID-19-related cardiac diseases.METHODS Two blinded independent examiners evaluated CT images using the 17-segment model according to the American Heart Association’s classification of the segmentation of the left ventricular myocardium.Additionally,intraluminal diseases and abnormalities in the main coronary arteries and branches were investigated.Following segment-by-segment analysis,perfusion deficiencies identified on the iodine map pictures on DECT were identified.RESULTS The study enrolled a total of 87 patients.Forty-two of these individuals were classified as COVID-19 positive,and 45 were classified as controls.Perfusion deficits were identified in 66.6%(n=30)of the cases.All control patients had a normal iodine distribution map.Perfusion deficits were found on DECT iodine map images with subepicardial(n=12,40%),intramyocardial(n=8,26.6%),or transmural(n=10,33.3%)anatomical locations within the left ventricular wall.There was no subendocardial involvement in any of the patients.CONCLUSION Myocardial perfusion deficits can be found in COVID-19 patients even without any significant coronary artery occlusion.These deficits can be shown via DECT with a perfect interrater agreement.Additionally,the presence of perfusion deficit is positively correlated with D-dimer levels.

Head dual energy-computed tomography angiography versus neuro-digital subtraction angiography

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry provides two modes of head computed tomography （CT） angiography scanning： neuro-digital subtraction angiography and dual-energy CT angiography （DE-CTA）. Previous studies have compared image quality, radiation exposure, and bone removal between neuro-digital subtraction angiography and DE-CTA. However, the number of cases was relatively small. The present study examined 300 suspected cases of cerebrovascular disease and observed the methods and duration of post-processing, examination time, and data volume. Results demonstrated similar image quality between the two methods, but lower radiation doses and shorter examination time in DE-CTA. DE-CTA allowed for faster and more stable scanning performance and post-processing methods, facilitating accurate and direct diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease.

Fused monochromatic imaging acquired by single source dual energy CT in hepatocellular carcinoma during arterial phase: an initial experience

Objective： To explore whether single and fused monochromatic images can improve liver tumor detection and delineation by single source dual energy CT （ssDECT） in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） during arterial phase. Methods： Fifty-seven patients with HCC who underwent ssDECT scanning at Beijing Cancer Hospital were enrolled retrospectively. Twenty-one sets of monochromatic images from 40 to 140 keV were reconstructed at 5 keV intervals in arterial phase. The optimal contrast-noise ratio （CNR） monochromatic images of the liver tumor and the lowest-noise monochromatic images were selected for image fusion. We evaluated the image quality of the optimal-CNR monochromatic images, the lowest-noise monochromatic images and the fused monochromatic images, respectively. The evaluation indicators included the spatial resolution of the anatomical structure, the noise level, the contrast and CNR of the tumor. Results： In arterial phase, the anatomical structure of the liver can be displayed most clearly in the 65-keV monochromatic images, with the lowest image noise. The optimal-CNR monochromatic images of HCC tumor were 50-keV monochromatic images in which the internal structural features of the liver tumors were displayed most clearly and meticulously. For tumor detection, the fused monochromatic images and the 50-keV monochromatic images had similar performances, and were more sensitive than 65-keV monochromatic images. Conclusions： We achieved good arterial phase images by fusing the optimal-CNR monochromatic images of the HCC tumor and the lowest-noise monochromatic images. The fused images displayed liver tumors and anatomical structures more clearly, which is potentially helpful for identifying more and smaller HCC tumors.

Evaluation of the dual vascular supply patterns in ground-glass nodules with a dynamic volume computed tomography

BACKGROUND In recent years,the detection rate of ground-glass nodules(GGNs)has been improved dramatically due to the popularization of low-dose computed tomography(CT)screening with high-resolution CT technique.This presents challenges for the characterization and management of the GGNs,which depends on a thorough investigation and sufficient diagnostic knowledge of the GGNs.In most diagnostic studies of the GGNs,morphological manifestations are used to differentiate benignancy and malignancy.In contrast,few studies are dedicated to the assessment of the hemodynamics,i.e.,perfusion parameters of the GGNs.AIM To assess the dual vascular supply patterns of GGNs on different histopathology and opacities.METHODS Forty-seven GGNs from 47 patients were prospectively included and underwent the dynamic volume CT.Histopathologic diagnoses were obtained within two weeks after the CT examination.Blood flow from the bronchial artery[bronchial flow(BF)]and pulmonary artery[pulmonary flow(PF)]as well as the perfusion index(PI)=[PF/(PF+BF)]were obtained using first-pass dual-input CT perfusion analysis and compared respectively between different histopathology and lesion types(pure or mixed GGNs)and correlated with the attenuation values of the lesions using one-way ANOVA,student’s t test and Pearson correlation analysis.RESULTS Of the 47 GGNs(mean diameter,8.17 mm;range,5.3-12.7 mm),30(64%)were carcinoma,6(13%)were atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and 11(23%)were organizing pneumonia.All perfusion parameters(BF,PF and PI)demonstrated no significant difference among the three conditions(all P>0.05).The PFs were higher than the BFs in all the three conditions(all P<0.001).Of the 30 GGN carcinomas,14 showed mixed GGNs and 16 pure GGNs with a higher PI in the latter(P<0.01).Of the 17 benign GGNs,4 showed mixed GGNs and 13 pure GGNs with no significant difference of the PI between the GGN types(P=0.21).A negative correlation(r=-0.76,P<0.001)was demonstrated between the CT attenuation values and the PIs in the 30 GGN carcinomas.CONCLUSION The GGNs are perfused dominantly by the PF regardless of its histopathology while the weight of the BF in the GGN carcinomas increases gradually during the progress of its opacification.

Correlation analysis of dual-energy CT iodine maps with quantitative pulmonary perfusion MRI

AIM:To correlate dual-energy computed tomography(DECT) pulmonary angiography derived iodine maps with parameter maps of quantitative pulmonary perfusion magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS:Eighteen patients with pulmonary perfusion defects detected on DECT derived iodine maps were included in this prospective study and additionally underwent time-resolved contrast-enhanced pulmonary MRI [dynamic contrast enhanced(DCE)-MRI].DCE-MRI data were quantitatively analyzed using a pixel-by-pixel deconvolution analysis calculating regional pulmonary blood flow(PBF),pulmonary blood volume(PBV) and mean transit time(MTT) in visually normal lung parenchyma and perfusion defects.Perfusion parameterswere correlated to mean attenuation values of normal lung and perfusion defects on DECT iodine maps.Two readers rated the concordance of perfusion defects in a visual analysis using a 5-point Likert-scale(1 = no correlation,5 = excellent correlation).RESULTS:In visually normal pulmonary tissue mean DECT and MRI values were:22.6 ± 8.3 Hounsfield units(HU);PBF:58.8 ± 36.0 mL/100 mL per minute;PBV:16.6 ± 8.5 mL;MTT:17.1 ± 10.3 s.In areas with restricted perfusion mean DECT and MRI values were:4.0 ± 3.9 HU;PBF:10.3 ± 5.5 mL/100 mL per minute,PBV:5 ± 4 mL,MTT:21.6 ± 14.0 s.The differences between visually normal parenchyma and areas of restricted perfusion were statistically significant for PBF,PBV and DECT(P < 0.0001).No linear correlation was found between MRI perfusion parameters and attenuation values of DECT iodine maps(PBF:r = 0.35,P = 0.15;PBV:r = 0.34,P = 0.16;MTT:r = 0.41,P = 0.08).Visual analysis revealed a moderate correlation between perfusion defects on DECT iodine maps and the parameter maps of DCE-MRI(mean score 3.6,k 0.45).CONCLUSION:There is a moderate visual but not statistically significant correlation between DECT iodine maps and perfusion parameter maps of DCE-MRI.

Determinants of Detection of Stones and Calcifications in the Hepatobiliary System on Virtual Nonenhanced Dual-energy CT

Objective To retrospectively determine the features of stones and calcifications in hepatobiliary system on virtual nonenhanced (VNE) dual-energy computed tomography (CT), and to evaluate the possibility of VNE images in diagnosis for those lesions. Methods A total of 128 gall stones and calcifications of the liver found in 110 patients were examined with triple phase abdominal CT scan from July 2007 to December 2011, in which true nonenhanced (TNE) phase and arterial phase were performed with single-energy CT (120 kVp) and portal venous phase was performed with dual-energy CT (100 kVp and 140 kVp). VNE images were generated from the portal venous phase dual-energy CT data sets by using commercially VNC software. The mean CT values for the stone, liver, bile and paraspinal muscle, mean lesion density and size in area dimension, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of lesion to the liver or bile, and image noise were assessed and compared between VNE and TNE images. The effective dose and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) were also calculated. Results The mean CT values of the lesions measured on VNE images declined significantly compared with those measured on TNE images (164.51±102.13vs. 290.72±197.80 HU,P<0.001), so did the lesion-to-liver CNR (10.80±11.82vs.18.81±17.06,P<0.001) and the lesion-to-bile CNR (17.24±14.41 vs. 21.32±17.31,P<0.001). There was no significant difference in size of lesions area between VNE and TNE images (0.69±0.88vs.0.72±0.85 cm2,P=0.062). Compared to the 128 lesions found in TNE images, VNE images showed the same density in 30 (23.4%) lesions, lighter density in 88 (68.8%) lesions, while failed to show 10 (7.8%) lesions, and showed the same size in 61 (47.7%) lesions and smaller size in 57 (44.5%)&nbsp;lesions. The CT cutoff values of lesion and size were 229.21 HU and 0.15 cm2, respectively. The total effective dose for triple phase scan protocol with TNE images was 19.51±7.03 mSv, and the SSDE was 39.84±11.10 mGy. The effective dose for dual phase scan protocol with VNE images instead of TNE images was 13.29±4.89 mSv, and the SSDE was 27.83±9.99 mGy. Compared with TNE images, the effective dose and SSDE of VNE images were down by 32.05%±3.69 % and 30.63%±2.34 %, respectively. Conclusions Although the CT values and CNR of the lesions decreased in VNE images, the lesions of which attenuation greater than 229.21 HU and size larger than 0.15 cm2could be detected with good reliability and obvious dose reduction. There was good consistency in the size of stones and calcifications in hepatobiliary system between VNE images and TNE images, which ensured the possibility of the clinical application of VNE images.

Effective Atomic Number Measurement with Energy-Resolved Computed Tomography Using Two-Dimensional “transXend” Detector

Introduction: We have previously developed an effective atomic number (Zeff) measurement method using linear attenuation coefficients (LACs) obtained by energy-resolved computed tomography (CT) with one-dimensional (1D) detector. The energy-resolved CT was performed with a “transXend” detector, which measured X-rays as electric current and then gave X-ray energy distribution with unfolding analysis using pre-estimated response function (RF). The purpose of this study is to measure Zeff by the energy-resolved CT using a flat panel detector (FPD). Methods: To demonstrate a 2D transXend detector, we developed the stripe absorbers for the FPD. Eleven human tissue-equivalent material rods which were grouped into four material categories were measured by X-rays with 120 kVp tube voltage, 2.3 mA tube current, and 1.0 s exposure time. Zeff is measured by the ratio of LACs with two different pseudo-monochromatic X-ray energies. RFs of each rod material were estimated by numerical calculation. First, we employed the RF estimated for the same rod material (self-RF scenario). Second, we employed the RF estimated for the different rod materials in the same material category (cross-RF scenario). The purpose of the cross-RF scenario was to find representative rod materials in each material category. Results: Upon the self-RF scenario, measured Zeffs were systematically underestimated. Median relative error to theoretical Zeff was -6.92% (range: -7.89% - -4.60%). After normalizing measured Zeffs to the theoretical one for Breast, median relative error improved to -0.75% (range: -1.79% - +1.73%). Upon the cross-RF scenario, the representative rod materials were found in two material categories. Conclusion: Zeff measurements were performed by energy-resolved CT using 2D transXend detector with numerically-estimated RF data. Normalized Zeffs for all rod materials in the self-RF scenario were in good agreement with the theoretical ones.

Application of an Advanced Image-Based Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstruction of Dual Source Dual-Energy CT Data at Low keV Increases Image Quality for Esophageal Cancer Patients Imaging

Purpose: To explore the significance of dual-source computed tomography (DECT) virtual monoenergetic reconstructions technology in improving the imaging quality of esophageal cancer patients. Materials and methods: 68 patients with clinically suspected esophageal cancer (all confirmed by pathology) were collected. Routine plain scan was performed with SIEMENS Force dual-energy CT and then dual-phase scans were performed. The venous phase images were respectively subjected to traditional virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono_E) and new generation virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono+). Mono_E 55 keV and Mono+ 55 keV virtual single-energy images were obtained respectively. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of normal esophageal tissue and esophageal cancer lesions, noise and contrast noise ratio (CNR tumor) of normal esophageal tissue and esophageal cancer lesions were compared among 100 kV images, Mono_E images and Mono+ images. At the same time, two imaging physicians read the films and scored the images of each group by using a 5-point scoring method. Results: Mono+ 55 keV images, SNR, SNRtumor, noise and CNRtumor were statistically different from those of 100 kV images and Mono_E images (P < 0.05). And Mono+ 55 keV images also had the highest subjective score, with statistical significance (P 55 keV images had the best quality. Conclusion: The new generation of virtual monoenergetic reconstructions post-processing (Mono+) could reduce image noise and improve the contrast between esophageal cancer lesions and normal esophageal tissues, which was of great significance to improve the imaging quality of esophageal cancer patients and improve the early detection rate of esophageal cancer.

Validation of quantitative computed tomography-derived areal bone mineral density with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in an elderly Chinese population

Background The performance of computed tomography X-ray absorptiometry （CTXA） against the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry （DXA） as standard has not been studied in Chinese population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision of this measurement and validate the value of quantitative computed tomography （QCT） by comparing CTXA results with DXA results in an elderly Chinese population. Methods One hundred and three females of 46 to 76 years old and 49 males of 52 to 76 years old were recruited from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study. All subjects underwent hip scans by both QCT and DXA on the same day. For precision determination, 30 subjects had duplicate DXA hip scans. The hip QCT data of a subset of 27 subjects were separately analyzed by two observers and reanalyzed by one observer at a different time. The inter- and intra-observer variations of CTXA measurement were assessed, and the difference and correlation between CTXA and DXA results were analyzed. Results The inter- and intra-observer variations of CTXA were 0.070 and 0.024 g/cm^2 in the femoral neck （FN）, and 0.030 and 0.012 g/cm2 in the total hip （TH）, which were comparable to the DXA inter-scan variations （0.013 g/cm2 for FN and 0.014 g/cm2 for TH）. The results of CTXA bone mineral density （BMD） were highly correlated with those of DXA （R2 = 0.810 for FN and R2 = 0.878 for TH）. The BMD values of CTXA in FN and TH were lower than those of DXA by 21.0% and 17.8% （P〈0.05）, respectively. However, after appropriate transformation, the difference was eliminated and a comparable T score could be obtained. Conclusions CTXA shows good agreement with DXA for the measurement of BMD in the proximal femur, which makes QCT suitable for the quantification of bone mineral content in the hip and helpful for the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Diagnostic accuracy of cardiac computed tomography angiography for myocardial infarction

AIM:To investigate diagnostic accuracy of high,low and mixed voltage dual energy computed tomography(DECT) for detection of prior myocardial infarction(MI).METHODS:Twenty-four consecutive patients(88% male,mean age 65 ± 11 years old) with clinically documented prior MI(】 6 mo) were prospectively recruited to undergo late phase DECT for characterization of their MI.Computed tomography(CT) examinations were performed using a dual source CT system(64-slice Definition or 128-slice Definition FLASH,Siemens Healthcare) with initial first pass and 10 min late phase image acquisitions.Using the 17-segment model,regional systolic function was analyzed using first pass CT as normal or abnormal(hypokinetic,akinetic,dyskinetic).Regions with abnormal systolic function were identified as infarct segments.Late phase DE scans were reconstructed into:140 kVp,100 kVp,mixed(120 kVp) images and iodine-only datasets.Using the same 17-segment model,each dataset was evaluated for possible(grade 2) or definite(grade 3) late phase myocardial enhancement abnormalities.Logistic regression for correlated data was used to compare reconstructions in terms of the accuracy for detecting infarct segments using late myocardial hyperenhancement scores.RESULTS:All patients reported prior history of documented myocardial infarction,with most occurring more than 5 years prior(n = 18;75% of cohort).Fiftyfive of 408(13%) segments demonstrated abnormal wall motion and were classified as infarct.The remaining 353 segments were classified as non-infarcted segments.A total of 1692 segments were analyzed for late phase enhancement abnormalities,with 91(5.5%) segments not interpretable due to artifact.Combined grades 2 and 3 compared to grade 3 only enhancement abnormalities demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity and similar specificity for detection of infarct segments for all reconstructions evaluated.Evaluation of different voltage acquisitions demonstrated the highest diagnostic performance for the 100 kVp reconstruction which had higher diagnostic accuracy(87%;95%CI:80%-90%),sensitivity(86%-93%;95%CI:54%-78%) and specificity(90%;95%CI:86%-93%) compared to the other reconstructions.For sensitivity,there were significant differences noted between 100 kVp vs 140 kVp(P【0.0005),100 kVp vs mixed(P【0.0001),and 100 kVp vs iodine only(P【0.005) using combined grade 2 and grade 3 perfusion abnormalities.For specificity,there were significant differences noted between 100 kVp vs 140 kVp(P【0.005),and 100 kVp vs mixed(P【0.01) using combined grades 2 and 3 perfusion abnormalities.CONCLUSION:Low voltage acquisition CT,100 kVp in this study,demonstrates superior diagnostic performance when compared to higher and mixed voltage acquisitions for detection of prior MI.

Future of cardiac computed tomography

Coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)has become an integral tool in the noninvasive diagnostic workup of patients with suspected coronary artery disease in both elective and emergency settings. Today, it represents a mature technique providing accurate, non-invasive morphological assessment of the coronary arteries and atherosclerotic plaque burden. Iterative reconstruction algorithms, low kV imaging, and single-heart beat acquisitions hold promise to further reduce dose requirements and improve the safety and robustness of the technique in several circumstances including imaging of heavily calcified vessels, patients with morbid obesity or irregular heart rates, and assessment in the emergency setting. However, it has become clear over recent years that cardiac radiologists need to take further steps towards the development and integration of functional imaging with morphological CCTA assessment to truly provide a comprehensive evaluation of the heart. Computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging, including both dynamic and static dual-energy approaches, has demonstrated the ability to directly assess and quantify myocardial ischemia with simultaneous CCTA acquisition with a reasonable contrast medium volume and radiation dose delivered to the patient. In order to promote CCTA in the clinical and research environments, radiologists should prepare to embrace the change from morphological to functional imaging, furnishing all the necessary resources and information to referring clinicians.

B超、双能CT、细针穿刺在甲状腺乳头状癌术前评估淋巴结转移中的优化选择

目的探寻高分辨率超声检查(B超)、双能计算机断层扫描(DECT)以及细针穿刺抽吸活检(FNAB)在甲状腺癌患者术前淋巴结转移(LNM)诊断时的最佳选择。方法回顾性分析了1174例在南京医科大学第一附属医院行手术治疗的甲状腺乳头状癌患者的资料,术前所有患者均行B超和DECT检查,其中167例患者加做侧区淋巴结FNAB和细针穿刺抽吸物洗脱液甲状腺球蛋白测定(FNA-TG)以评估LNM情况,手术后的常规病理结果作为诊断“金标准”,分析不同情况下甲状腺乳头状癌(PTC)LNM评估方法的最优选择。结果DECT对于中央区淋巴结转移(CLNM)和侧区PTC淋巴结转移(LLNM)预测的灵敏度较B超有显著提高(55.4%vs.44.8%,P<0.001)(90.9%vs.71.6%,P<0.001),B超在LLNM预测的特异性较DECT有优势(72.7%vs.42.7%,P<0.001);B超、DECT联合诊断对CLNM和LLNM的阳性预测准确率较高(91.6%,94.8%),当联合诊断结果不一致时其阳性预测值明显下降(74.3%,63.1%)。此时,增加可疑淋巴结FNAB及FNA-TG检测后其准确率增加至87.9%。结论B超、DECT联合评估是必要的;联合诊断均有转移时,不需要进行额外检查,联合诊断结果不一致时,需要进一步进行淋巴结的FNAB和FNA-TG检测以避免不必要的侧区清扫。

单源双能量CT虚拟去钙成像对脊柱压缩性骨折骨髓水肿的诊断价值研究

目的:探讨利用单源双能量CT(DECT)的虚拟去钙(VNCa)成像在脊柱压缩性骨折骨髓水肿诊断准确性的价值。方法:回顾性分析2021年1月至2022年6月期间于中国中医科学院望京医院就诊的60例胸椎及腰椎椎体压缩性骨折患者的临床及影像资料。两名医生在未知MRI结果前提下,主观评估VNCa图像,计算对骨折椎体骨髓水肿的诊断灵敏度、特异度及准确率;以MRI结果为参考标准,比较水肿椎体与正常椎体CT值的差异,运用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析虚拟去钙图的CT值对脊椎骨髓水肿的诊断价值。结果:60例患者中共观察451个椎体,其中胸椎238个,腰椎213个,MRI诊断椎体骨髓水肿83个,正常椎体368个。以MRI检查为参考标准,阅片者使用VNCa图像进行诊断脊椎压缩性骨折骨髓水肿的灵敏度为87.95%,特异度为98.91%,准确率为96.90%。使用VNCa图像定量测定骨髓水肿的平均CT值(-13.82±24.97)HU高于正常椎体(-51.67±23.78)HU,差异具有统计学意义(t=12.98,P<0.05)。定量测定ROC曲线下面积为0.867,骨髓水肿的截断值设定为-26.90 HU,灵敏度、特异度及准确率分别为78.30%、84.50%和86.7%。结论:DECT的VNCa图像视觉和定量分析均可以有效诊断椎体压缩性骨折骨髓水肿。

双源双能量CT图像优化技术对肺动脉成像图像质量的影响

目的定量评价双源双能量CT最佳单能量成像技术及非线性融合技术对肺动脉图像质量影响。方法回顾性分析28例肺动脉栓塞患者影像学资料,经处理获得100 kVp图像(A组)、140 kVp图像(B组)、非线性融合图像(C组)及最佳单能量图像(D组),分别测量4组图像中肺动脉栓子的CT值、噪声及邻近血管CT值,计算信噪比(SNR)及对比噪声比(CNR),进行相应统计学分析。结果4组图像间栓子CT值差异无统计学意义;噪声、CNR、SNR等参数差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);其中非线性融合图像质量最佳;最佳单能量图像较常规图像也具有一定优势。结论非线性融合技术及最佳单能量成像技术可以优化肺动脉图像成像质量。

影响能谱CTU虚拟平扫尿路结石检出的因素分析

目的 基于Logistic回归分析评估影响能谱CT尿路造影(CTU)虚拟平扫图像检出尿路结石的因素。方法 回顾性纳入150例尿路结石并行能谱CTU的患者(记录所用碘对比剂)。将平扫图像重建为120 kVp-like图像,静脉期和排泄期的增强图像采用碘去除技术分别重建为静脉期和排泄期的虚拟平扫图像。2位医师独立评估以上3组图像,并记录3组图像的尿路结石数量、所在解剖位置及虚拟平扫图像是否有碘残留;结石大小和CT值仅在真实平扫图像上测量。结石大小、CT值、结石所在位置和所用碘对比剂纳入Logistic回归分析,用于评估影响虚拟平扫尿路结石检出的因素。受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线用于绘制各指标的曲线下面积(AUC)值、诊断灵敏度和特异度及最佳临界值。结果 真实平扫上检出304枚结石,而静脉期和排泄期虚拟平扫结石检出率分别为92.4%和71.4%。结石大小和CT值是影响静脉期和排泄期虚拟平扫结石检出的独立风险因素(P<0.01),结石大小和CT值在静脉期虚拟平扫结石检出的AUC值达0.96以上,诊断临界值分别是3.52 mm和469 HU,而在排泄期虚拟平扫结石检出的结石大小、CT值及解剖位置等指标的综合AUC值降为0.88。排泄期虚拟平扫结石检出率在碘对比剂组间无统计学差异(P=0.57)。另外,排泄期肾盂肾盏处虚拟平扫结石检出率明显降低(P<0.001)。结论 在增强CT的2个扫描期相中,静脉期虚拟平扫结石检出效果更佳。结石大小和CT值是影响虚拟平扫结石检出的重要因素。肾盂肾盏处排泄期虚拟平扫结石检出率低与碘去除效果欠佳相关。