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.

Application of Dual-Source CT TurboFlash Coarse Pitch Scanning in Coronary Artery Imaging

Objective: To compare and analyze the image quality and radiation dose of three scanning modes of dual-source CT coronary artery retrospectively, and to discuss the application value of TurboFlash coarse pitch scanning mode. Methods: The imaging data of 100 patients who underwent CT coronary angiography (CCTA) using Siemens force CT retrospective gated triggering spiral scan (RES-SPIRAL), adaptive prospective gated triggering sequence scan (SEQ) and prospective coarse pitch scan (TurboFlash) retrospectively was collected. The image quality was evaluated by objective and subjective methods. The effective radiation dose of patients was compared and analyzed, and the indications of the three scanning modes were analyzed. The application value of dual-source CT TurboFlash coarse pitch scanning in coronary artery imaging was evaluated. Results: The results showed that the left main coronary artery, the right coronary artery and their tertiary branches could be clearly displayed in the three groups of images: the left anterior descending branch, the left circumflex branch, and their three-level branches. There was no statistical difference in subjective image quality among the three groups of pictures (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in objective evaluation indexes, such as CT value, SNR, CNR and Noise among the three groups (P > 0.05). The patient radiation dose results showed that the effective radiation dose ED of RES-SPIRA scan was (9.22 ± 1.33) mSv. The dose of SEQ was (2.88 ± 2.47) mSv, and the dose of TurboFlash was (0.51 ± 0.16) mSv. There was significant difference in comparison of the three groups (P 0.05). RES-spiral scanning had the highest radiation dose and TurboFlash coarse pitch scanning (TurboFlash) had the lowest radiation dose. Conclusion: TurboFlash coarse pitch scanning is low in dosage, fast in speed and wide in adaptability. It is especially suitable for the elderly, children, coma and other patients who cannot cooperate with breath-holding examination, as well as for the screening and examination of coronary artery diseases in asymptomatic population. Undoubtedly, it is a worthy method of heart coronary artery examination.

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.

Significance of an Advanced Image-Based Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstruction of Dual Source Dual-Energy CT Data at Low keV Increases Image Quality for Portal Vein System of Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Purpose: To explore the significance of dual-source computed tomography (DECT) virtual monoenergetic reconstructions technology in improving image quality for portal vein system of pancreatic cancer patients. Materials and methods: 47 patients with clinically suspected pancreatic cancer (all confirmed by pathology) were collected. Routine plain scan was performed with Siemens Force dual-source dual-energy CT followed by 3 scans respectively carried out in arterial phase, portal phase and delayed phase. Traditional virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono_E) and new generation of virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono+) were respectively performed on portal vein images to obtain virtual single energy images including Mono_ E70 keV, Mono_E 55 keV and Mono+ 70 keV and Mono+ 55 keV. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise of portal vein, normal pancreatic tissues and pancreatic lesions of 100 kV, Mono_E and Mono+ images were compared. In addition, the contrast noise ratio of portal vein and lesions as well as pancreatic tissues and lesions (CNR PV, CNRtumor) were also compared. At the same time, two imaging physicians with rich clinical experiences read the films and scored the images of each group by using the 5-point scoring method. Results: Mono+ 55 keV images including SNRpv, SNRpanc, SNRtumor, Noise, CNRpv, CNRtumor were statistically different from 100 KV images and Mono_E images (P < 0.05). As for the subjective score, Mono+ 55 keV image score also had the highest score, which had statistical significance (P < 0.05). The results showed that Mono+ 55 keV images had the best quality. Conclusion: The new generation of virtual Mono+ post-treatment can reduce image noise. Low energy Mono+ images can improve the contrast between pancreatic cancer lesions and portal of pancreatic cancer patients.

Correlation between Low Tube Voltage in Dual Source CT Coronary Artery Imaging with Image Quality and Radiation Dose

The influence of low tube voltage in dual source CT（DSCT） coronary artery imaging on image quality and radiation dose and its application value in clinical practice were investigated. Totally, 300 cases of chest pain with low body mass index（BMI 〈18.5 kg/m2） subjected to DSCT coronary artery imaging were prospectively enrolled. The heart rate in all patients were greater than 65/min. The retrospective ECG gated scanning mode and simple random sampling method were used to assign the patients into groups A, B and C（n=100 each）. The patients in groups A, B and C experienced 120-, 100-, and 80-kV tube voltage imaging respectively, and the image quality was evaluated. The CT volume dose index（CTDIvol） and dose length product（DLP） were recorded, and the effective dose（ED） was calculated in each group. The image quality scores and radiation doses in groups were compared, and the influence of tube voltage on image quality and radiation dose was analyzed. The results showed that the excellent rate of image quality in groups A, B and C was 95.69%, 94.72% and 96.33% respectively with the difference being not statistically significant among the three groups（P〉0.05）. The CTDIvol values in groups A, B and C were 51.35±12.21, 21.28±7.13 and 6.34±3.34 mGy, respectively, with the difference being statistically significant（P〈0.05）. The ED values in groups A, B and C were 9.27±1.63, 4.56±2.29 and 2.29±1.69 mSv, respectively, with the difference being statistically significant（P〈0.05）. It was suggested that for the patients with low BMI, the application of DSCT coronary artery imaging with low tube voltage can obtain satisfactory image quality, and simultaneously, significantly reduce the radiation dose.

An experimental study of dual-energy CT imaging using synchrotron radiation

The measurement of electron density is important for medical diagnosis and charged particle radiotherapy treatment planning.Traditionally,electron density is obtained by CT imaging using the relationship between CT-number and electron densities established beforehand.However,the measurement is not accurate due to the beam hardening effect.In this paper,we propose a simple and practical electron density acquisition method based on dual-energy CT technique.For each sample,the CT imaging is conducted using two selected X-ray energy from synchrotron radiation.A post-processing dual-energy reconstruction method is used.Linear attenuation coefficients of the scanned samples are obtained by FBP reconstruction.The effective atomic number and electron density are got by solving the dual-energy simultaneous equations.Different phantoms and breast tissues were scanned in this experimental study under 10 keV and 30 keV monochromatic X-rays.The distribution of effective atomic numbers and electron densities of the scanned phantoms were obtained by Dual-energy CT image reconstruction,which agrees well with the theoretical values.Compared with conventional methods,the measurement accuracy is greatly improved, and the measurement error is reduced to about 1%.This experimental study demonstrates that DECT imaging based on synchrotron radiation source is applicable to medical diagnosis for quantitative measurement with high accuracy.

Diagnostic Value of Dual-Energy CT in Differentiating Malignant and Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the quantitative iodine parameters, including Iodine Concentration (IC), Normalized Iodine Concentration (NIC), and λHU, in distinguishing malignant and benign thyroid nodules. Methods: Relevant studies were searched from Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database and other complementary sources from inception to May 20, 2020. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were performed following the Cochrane standards and the PRISMA-DTA guideline. Results: Eight studies were included (595 patients with 737 thyroid nodules). The pooled sensitivity, specificity and summary diagnostic odds ratio of IC were 79% (95% CI: 69% - 86%), 76% (95% CI: 65% - 84%) and 11 (95% CI: 5 - 27) respectively;those of NIC were 78% (95% CI: 70% - 85%), 80% (95% CI: 74% - 85%) and 15 (95% CI: 9 - 24) respectively;those of λHU were 80% (95% CI: 71% - 87%), 77% (95% CI: 70% - 83%) and 14 (95% CI: 8 - 24) respectively. Conclusion: DECT can be a potential evaluation tool for thyroid nodules. The NIC may be the most sensitive iodine parameter and could be comparable between different DECT machines in thyroid nodule assessment.

Application of Dual-Energy CT Non-Linear Fusion Technology in Improving CTA Image Quality of Renal Cancer

Objective: To explore the significance of dual-energy CT non-linear fusion technique in improving the quality of CTA image of renal cancer. Methods: The CTA images of 100 patients who had been confirmed by pathology as renal cancer were collected and were randomly divided into experimental group and control group with 50 cases respectively. The two groups of patients were treated with iodine concentration of 300 mg/ml and 350 mg/ml non-ionic contrast agent, with a dosage of 1.5 ml/kg and an injection rate of 4 ml/s. The contrast agent intelligently tracking method was adopted bolus. The control group used the conventional CTA scanning, with a reference tube voltage/tube current of 100 kv/ref150 mas. The experimental group adopted the double energy scanning, with ball tube A and ball tube B. The reference tube voltage/tube current was 100 kv/ref250 mas and sn150 kv/ref125 mas respectively. The images of the experimental group were non-linear fused to obtain the Mono+ 55 kev single-energy images. The CT value, SNR contrast ratio of the abdominal aorta, renal artery and tumor tissue of the experimental group images and the 100 KV images and the Mono+ 55 kev images of the control group were compared. The objective evaluation and subjective evaluation of the image quality of the three groups of images was performed. Results: The results showed that the 100 kV images of the experimental group were statistically different from those of the control group (P05) in CT value, SNR and CNR (P 0.05). And there was no statistically significant difference between the non-linear fusion single-energy Mono+ 55 kev images and the control group images in CT value, SNR and CNR (P > 0.05). The subjective evaluation of image quality showed that there was no significant difference between Mono+ 55 kev images and control group images, and the quality of Mono+ 55 kev images was higher than that of experimental group 100 kV images. Conclusion: The dual-energy CT non-linear fusion technique can improve the quality of CTA image in patients with renal cancer, and it is possible to obtain high quality CTA images with low iodine concentration contrast agent.

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.

Exploration the Method of Low Dose Coronary Artery Imaging with Dual-Source CT

Objective: On the premise that the image quality meets the requirements of clinical diagnosis, we explored the methods to reduce the radiation dose of coronary artery imaging with Dual-Source CT (DSCT). Methods: We randomly selected 200 patients with coronary heat disease (BIM 0.05). The average image noise in group A is (41.76 ± 7.98) HU, in group B the average image noise is (43.97 ± 3.88) HU, the dif- ference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The average CTDIvol of group A and B were (20.63 ± 2.24) mGy, (38.11 ± 10.69) mGy, respectively, then P <0.01. The average DLP of group A and B are (235.75 ± 28.64) mGycm and (492.59 ± 125.49) mGycm respectively, then P <0.01, the dif- ference of radiation dose had statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions: For coronary artery imaging with DSCT the heart electric pulse (AUTO) regulation technology can meet the diagnostic requirements and effectively reduce the radiation dose.

Dual-Energy X-Ray Computed Tomography Scanner Using Two Different Energy-Selection Electronics and a Lutetium-Oxyorthosilicate Photomultiplier Detector

To obtain two kinds of tomograms at two different X-ray energy ranges simultaneously, we have constructed a dual-energy X-ray photon counter with a lutetium-oxyorthosilicate photomultiplier detector system, three comparators, two microcomputers, and two frequency-voltage converters. X-ray photons are detected using the detector system, and the event pulses are input to three comparators simultaneously to determine threshold energies. At a tube voltage of 100 kV, the three threshold energies are 16, 35 and 52 keV, and two energy ranges are 16 - 35 and 52 - 100 keV. X-ray photons in the two ranges are counted using microcomputers, and the logical pulses from the two microcomputers are input to two frequency-voltage converters. In dual-energy computed tomography (CT), the tube voltage and current were 100 kV and 0.29 mA, respectively. Two tomograms were obtained simultaneously at two energy ranges. The energy ranges for gadolinium-L-edge and K-edge CT were 16 - 35 and 52 - 100 keV, respectively. The maximum count rate of dual-energy CT was 105 kilocounts per second with energies ranging from 16 to 100 keV, and the exposure time for tomography was 19.6 min.

Feasibility of Improved Attenuation Correction for SPECT Reconstruction in the Presence of Dense Materials Using Dual-Energy Virtual Monochromatic CT: A Phantom Study

Objective: Computed tomography (CT)-based attenuation correction (CTAC) offers the clear benefit of reliable reconstruction of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images through its ability to achieve object-specific attenuation maps, but artifacts from dense materials often deteriorate CTAC performance. Therefore, we investigate the feasibility of CTAC in the presence of dense materials using dual-energy virtual monochromatic CT data. Methods: A sodium pertechnetate-filled cylindrical uniform phantom, with a pair of undiluted iodine syringes attached, is scanned with a dual-source CT scanner to obtain both single-energy (120 kVp) polychromatic and dual-energy (80 kVp/140 kVp with tin filtering) virtual monochromatic CT images. The single-energy and the dual-energy CT images are then converted to attenuation maps at 141 keV. SPECT images are reconstructed from 99mTc emission data of the phantom using each single-energy and dual-energy attenuation map and incorporating CTAC procedure. A region-of-in- terest analysis is performed to quantitatively compare the attenuation maps between the single-energy and the dual-energy techniques, each at an iodine-free position and a position adjacent to the iodine solutions. Results: At the iodine-free position, the phantom provides a uniform distribution of attenuation maps in both the single-energy and the dual-energy techniques. In the presence of adjacent iodine solutions, however, severe artifacts appeare in the single-energy CT images. These artifacts make attenuation values fluctuate, resulting in erroneous pixel values in the CTAC SPECT images. In contrast, dual-energy CT strongly suppresses the artifacts and hence improves the uniformity of the attenuation maps and the resultant SPECT images. Conclusions: Dual-energy CT with virtual monochromatic reconstruction has the potential to substantially reduce artifacts arising from dense materials. It has the potential to improve the accuracy of attenuation maps and the resultant CTAC SPECT images.

双源CT双能量虚拟平扫对直肠癌壁外血管侵犯的诊断价值

目的:探讨双源CT双能量虚拟平扫(VNC)对直肠癌壁外血管侵犯(EMVI)的术前诊断价值。方法:选取2019年11月至2021年12月间拟手术治疗的150例直肠癌患者术前行双源CT双能量虚拟平扫,女性64例(42.7%)、男性86例(57.3%),平均年龄为(62.3±11.8)岁。两名高年资影像科医师独立分析术前影像资料(包括ctEMVI情况及有无局部淋巴结浸润和远处转移),判断是否存在术前EMVI。以手术病理结果为金标准,分别评价VNC诊断EMVI的敏感性、特异性、准确性、阳性预测值和阴性预测值并采用受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线下面积评价其诊断效能。结果:150例直肠癌患者中,术后病理证实56例(37.3%)为EMVI阳性,94例(62.7%)为EMVI阴性。医师1对EMVI评价准确性、敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为86%、80.36%、89.36%、81.82%、88.42%,AUC为0.831(95%CI 0.756~0.905);医师2的准确性、敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为88.67%、80.36%、93.62%、88.24%、88.89%,AUC为0.870(95%CI 0.802~0.938),医师1与医师2的评估结果一致性较高(k=0.943)。结论:双源CT双能量虚拟平扫对直肠癌EMVI术前评估具有一定的诊断价值。

胸腹部平扫CT值用于机会性筛查骨质疏松的可行性

目的:基于定量CT(QCT)探讨胸部常规kVp平扫和腹部能谱GSI平扫下椎体CT值用于机会性筛查骨质疏松的可行性。方法:前瞻性收集接受胸腹部平扫的患者431例,胸部CT扫描采用常规120 kVp,腹部扫描采用能谱(GSI)模式。对胸腹部扫描重叠的T11~L1椎体进行分析。使用QCT骨密度测量工作站测得胸部常规120 kVp下T11~L1椎体的骨密度(BMD),同时分别测量胸部120 kVp与腹部GSI扫描70 keV单能量下T11~L1椎体的CT值。采用组内相关系数(ICC)评估数据测量的一致性,Spearman相关性检验分析椎体BMD值与CT值之间的相关性。不同椎体间CT值差异采用Friedman秩和检验。参考QCT诊断标准,将椎体分为骨质疏松、骨量减少和骨量正常组,采用Kruskal-Wallis比较三组间及组内CT值差异。组内120 kVp-CT值和GSI-CT值采用Wilcoxon秩和检验。以T11~L1椎体BMD均值行骨质状态判定,采用受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线分析椎体CT值评估骨质状态的诊断效能。结果:椎体BMD与120 kVp-CT值和GSI-CT值均呈正相关(r=0.976、0.963,P<0.001)。120 kVp和GSI下T11~L1椎体CT值依次为T11[144.00(72.00)、158.00(79.00)]、T12[137.00(67.00)、150.00(76.00)]、L1[128.00(67.00)、137.00(74.00)],不同椎体及椎体内差异均有统计学意义(P<0.001)。431例患者共1293个椎体,骨量正常组椎体496个、骨量减少组椎体415个、骨质疏松组椎体382个。120 kVp和GSI下骨量正常、骨量减少和骨质疏松组椎体CT值依次为[181.50(43.67)、199.65(48.57)]、[132.20(18.50)、144.00(23.00)]和[87.75(22.20)、93.30(27.20)],不同骨质状态组间椎体CT值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),且各组组内椎体GSI-CT值均高于椎体120 kVp-CT值(P<0.05)。120 kVp-CT值与GSI-CT值诊断骨量减少的AUC分别为0.976、0.967,差异无统计学意义(P=0.0937);诊断骨质疏松的AUC均为1.000,差异无统计学意义(P=1.000)。结论:胸部常规120 kVp及腹部GSI平扫CT值均可用于机会性筛查骨质疏松,诊断效能良好。

双能量CT非线性融合和噪声优化的虚拟单能量图像技术在喉鳞状细胞癌中的应用

目的:探讨双能量CT线性融合图像(linear blending imaging,LBI)、非线性融合图像(nonlinear blending image,NBI)和噪声优化的虚拟单能量图像(noise-optimized virtual monoenergetic image,VMI+)技术在喉鳞状细胞癌中的应用价值。方法:回顾性分析2019年6月至2022年3月61例经病理证实为喉鳞状细胞癌患者的双能量CT资料。双能量图像采用LBI[融合系数为1(80 kV)和0.6(M0.6)]、NBI和VMI+(40 keV、55 keV)技术重建。比较5组图像的客观图像质量[对比噪声比(contrast-tonoise ratio,CNR)、肿瘤CT值、噪声]和主观图像质量(肿瘤边界评分和整体图像质量评分)。结果:40 keV的CNR、肿瘤CT值和肿瘤边界评分均明显高于80 kV、M0.6、NBI和55 keV,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。NBI的整体图像质量评分明显高于80 kV、M0.6、40 keV和55 keV,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。NBI的噪声明显低于80 kV、40 keV和55 keV,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论:在喉鳞状细胞癌的双能量CT中,采用VMI+技术(40 keV)能提供更好的CNR、肿瘤CT值和肿瘤边界,采用NBI技术能提供更低的噪声和更好的整体图像质量。

双能CT与肌骨超声联合应用对早期痛风的诊断价值

目的:探讨双能CT(DECT)与肌骨超声(MSUS)联合应用对早期痛风的诊断价值。方法:选取142例风湿科住院或门诊收治的高度疑似痛风患者为研究对象。所有患者均进行DECT、MSUS及关节液偏振光显微镜检查,分析DECT、MSUS单独及二者联合对尿酸盐沉积、关节积液、骨侵蚀及滑膜增厚的检出情况;以临床诊断为“金标准”,评价DECT、MSUS单独及二者联合检查对早期痛风的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及准确度,并绘制诊断的受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线。结果:本研究中,诊断为痛风者111例,非痛风者31例。MSUS、DECT二者单独检查时,对尿酸盐沉积、关节积液及骨侵蚀检出率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);MSUS对滑膜增厚的检出率高于DECT(P<0.05)。MSUS联合DECT对尿酸盐沉积、关节积液、骨侵蚀及滑膜增厚的检出率均高于二者单独检测(P<0.05)。以临床诊断为“金标准”,二者联合诊断时任一结果阳性即判定为阳性。结果显示:MSUS检查除敏感度外,诊断效能高于DECT,其余指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);联合检查的敏感度、阴性预测值及准确度均高于DECT单独检查(P<0.05)。ROC曲线显示,MSUS、DECT及二者联合检查的AUC值分别为0.845、0.776及0.848。结论:MSUS与DECT均对早期痛风有较高的诊断效能,且MSUS优于DECT,二者联合检查在不降低特异度的前提下,有更高的敏感度。

双源CT电子密度/有效原子序数(Rho/Z)在孤立性肺结节中的诊断价值

目的:探讨双源CT(DSCT)双能量技术电子密度/有效原子序数(Rho/Z)在孤立性肺结节中良恶性的诊断价值。方法:回顾性收集130例双能量平扫及增强的孤立性肺结节患者,其中恶性组68例,良性组62例,利用Rho/Z应用程序对平扫及增强静脉期图像进行评估,记录参数Rho、Z和双能量指数(DEI)值,比较两组间的差异,对于有统计学差异的参数,将绘制受试者工作特性(ROC)曲线,以评估其诊断效能。结果:平扫时,恶性组Rho (31.1±22.33)HU明显高于良性组(24.69±20.91)HU,两组之间存在显著统计学差异(P=0.003<0.05),Z与DEI在两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);增强静脉期,恶性组Rho (35.3±20.85)HU明显高于良性组(24.73±17.93)HU,两组之间可见显著统计学差异(P=0.001<0.05),Z与DEI在两组间差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。在两组的鉴别诊断中,平扫及增强静脉期Rho的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.652、0.696。结论:DSCT双能量技术Rho/Z有一定特征,有助于孤立性肺结节的诊断。

双源双能量CT碘值测定在胃癌术前T分期诊断中的价值

目的探讨双源双能量CT碘值测定在胃癌术前T分期诊断中的应用价值。方法选取2022年4—5月在福建省立医院放射科接受双源双能量CT,后经手术病理诊断确诊为T分期的138例胃癌患者。患者均采用双源双能量CT检查。比较T_(1)期、T_(2~3)期患者动脉期、静脉期正常胃壁、胃壁内层、胃壁外层碘含量,比较40、60、120 keV时影像学图像质量主观指标与客观指标。结果T_(1)期、T_(2~3)期患者动脉期、静脉期胃壁内层与胃壁外层碘含量比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);胃壁内层与正常胃壁碘含量比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);胃壁外层与正常胃壁碘含量比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0.130、0.262、0.231、0.022)。60 keV[(3.28±0.38)分]时总体图像质量评分高于40、120 keV[(3.01±0.43)、(3.14±0.41)分],差异有统计学意义(P<0.001,P=0.004);40 keV与60 keV、40 keV与120 keV、60 keV与120 keV病灶显著性评分比较,差异均无统计学意义(P=0.129、0.054、0.713)。40keV时CT值、图像噪声、信噪比(signal-noise ratio,SNR)、对比度噪声比(clinical nursing research,CNR)高于60、120keV时,60 keV时CT值、图像噪声、SNR、CNR高于120keV时,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。结论采用双源双能量CT碘值测定方式,对于鉴别诊断T_(1)期、T_(2~3)期胃癌具有一定价值,且能够提高图像的质量,对于提高胃癌术前T分期的准确率有重要意义。

基于第三代双源CT的豆纹动脉成像质量改进研究

目的:探讨通过优化第三代双源CT扫描参数及后处理方法改善豆纹动脉的显示效果。方法:纳入符合标准的100名患者,随机分为常规组(50人,男28,女22)和优化组(50人,男29,女21)。常规组采用Care Dose 4D自动管电流,造影剂注射速率为6.0 mL/s,图像重建卷积核为Hv49,锐利度3,采用M0.6(80 kV的60%与150 kV的40%)重建标准线性图像;优化组采用450 mA管电流,图像重建卷积核为BI57,采用VMI+技术重建40 keV图像的方案,余参数同常规组。以信噪比(SNR)、对比度噪声比(CNR)和豆纹动脉的显示数量作为客观图像质量评价指标;以利克特量表评分作为主观图像质量评价指标。结果:优化组图像的SNR、CNR、主观评分均高于传统组(P<0.01)。优化组的豆纹动脉显示数量为(7.46±1.50)支,相较于传统组的(5.48±1.16)支显示更多(P<0.01)。结论:通过第三代双源CT调整管电流、提高造影剂注射速率、选择锐利的卷积核与VMI+技术在提升了豆纹动脉对比度的同时减少了图像噪声,对豆纹动脉的显示效果相较于传统扫描参数及重建方法,图像质量有明显提升。这对豆纹动脉情况的早期评估具有重要作用,可为脑卒中的病因诊断、治疗及预后评估提供重要的影像依据。

低剂量双源CTP评估急性缺血性脑卒中患者脑组织灌注缺损的价值及对血管内再通治疗的指导意义

目的探究低剂量双源CT灌注成像(CTP)评估急性缺血性脑卒中(AIS)脑组织灌注缺损及指导血管内再通治疗的价值。方法选取2020年8月~2022年8月我院106例AIS患者,随机分为低剂量组(n=53)和常规剂量组(n=53),分别于发病4.5 h内行低剂量、常规剂量双源CTP检查。比较低剂量组和常规剂量组CTP参数[脑血流量(CBF)、脑血容量(CBV)、达峰时间(TTP)、平均通过时间(MTT)]、图像质量、辐射剂量、脑组织灌注异常率及脑组织灌注缺损面积,分析治疗前低剂量CTP参数与美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分的相关性。所有患者均行血管内再通治疗,比较低剂量组不同疗效患者治疗前低剂量CTP参数,分析治疗前低剂量CTP参数预测疗效的价值。结果低剂量组和常规剂量组CTP参数CBF、CBV、TTP、MTT、图像质量评分及脑组织灌注异常率、脑组织灌注缺损面积比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);低剂量组辐射剂量低于常规剂量组(P<0.05);低剂量组CTP参数CBF、CBV与NIHSS评分呈负相关,TTP、MTT与NIHSS评分呈正相关(P<0.05);低剂量组疗效不良患者治疗前CBF、CBV低于疗效良好患者,TTP、MTT高于疗效良好患者(P<0.05);治疗前低剂量CTP参数CBF、CBV、TTP、MTT预测AIS患者血管内再通治疗疗效为不良的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.717、0.820、0.702、0.817。结论低剂量双源CTP能满足评估AIS患者脑组织灌注缺损的临床要求,且能辅助临床预测血管内再通治疗疗效,有助于指导临床选择血管内再通治疗方案。