中国XRT智能预选抛废技术应用研究与实践

我国矿石资源普遍禀赋差,选矿成本高,但选矿工艺技术及设备研发水平较高。为了推动近年取得重大突破的高效大块预选设备———XRT智能选矿机更好地服务矿山,提升矿山的生产力水平和经济效益,建设绿色生态矿山,在简要介绍了XRT智能选矿机系统组成与分选原理、工艺技术的适用性及要求、工艺技术与设备的特点和优越性基础上,按矿种分类介绍了代表性矿山开展XRT智能预选抛废研究与生产实践的情况。试验研究与生产实践表明:XRT智能选矿机对矿种具有广泛的适应性,且具有分选客观、科学、精准、智能、节能、环保等特点;可以兼顾两种及以上目标矿物或元素的高效综合回收;应用工艺简单,对现场碎矿流程的冲击、干扰小;入选粒度粗,高度契合能抛早抛、能收早收理念;对薄、小、边、残、贫矿石资源的开发具有显著的扩能、降本、提质意义。并就XRT智能选矿机的研发和工艺技术应用给出了7点建议:解决分选粒度向上下拓展与分选效率、可靠性、稳定性和工艺的适应性问题,以实现多抛多收的目标;解决设备的大型化、系列化问题,以降低投资和生产成本,并方便现场配置和生产管理;研发三产品XRT智能选矿机,为后续制定高效的选矿工艺和产品方案创造条件;制定全面、科学的矿废判定标准,以实现资源效益的最大化;支持并携手矿石选择性破碎技术共同发展,为预选创造更好的条件;科学制定包容其他预选抛废技术的高效抛废工艺,使抛废更彻底、工艺流程更简洁顺畅、技术经济指标更好;论证废石洗矿工艺替代筛分洗矿工艺或给矿洗矿工艺的科学性,以使全系统工艺流程更简单、生产环境更整洁、投资和生产成本更低。最后指出,除磁铁矿石外,其他铁矿石及非金属矿石的粗粒预选抛废,应用不断进步的XRT智能预选抛废技术应是大势所趋。

Characterization of tumors of jaw:Additive value of contrast enhancement and dual-energy computed tomography

BACKGROUND Currently,the differentiation of jaw tumors is mainly based on the lesion’s morphology rather than the enhancement characteristics,which are important in the differentiation of neoplasms across the body.There is a paucity of literature on the enhancement characteristics of jaw tumors.This is mainly because,even though computed tomography(CT)is used to evaluate these lesions,they are often imaged without intravenous contrast.This study hypothesised that the enhancement characteristics of the solid component of jaw tumors can aid in the differentiation of these lesions in addition to their morphology by dual-energy CT,therefore improving the ability to differentiate between various pathologies.AIM To evaluate the role of contrast enhancement and dual-energy quantitative parameters in CT in the differentiation of jaw tumors.METHODS Fifty-seven patients with jaw tumors underwent contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT.Morphological analysis of the tumor,including the enhancing solid component,was done,followed by quantitative analysis of iodine concentration(IC),water concentration(WC),HU,and normalized IC.The study population was divided into four subgroups based on histopathological analysis-central giant cell granuloma(CGCG),ameloblastoma,odontogenic keratocyst(OKC),and other jaw tumors.A one-way ANOVA test for parametric variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for nonparametric variables were used.If significant differences were found,a series of independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were used.RESULTS Ameloblastoma was the most common pathology(n=20),followed by CGCG(n=11)and OKC.CGCG showed a higher mean concentration of all quantitative parameters than ameloblastomas(P<0.05).An IC threshold of 31.35×100μg/cm^(3) had the maximum sensitivity(81.8%)and specificity(65%).Between ameloblastomas and OKC,the former showed a higher mean concentration of all quantitative parameters(P<0.001),however when comparing unilocular ameloblastomas with OKCs,the latter showed significantly higher WC.Also,ameloblastoma had a higher IC and lower WC compared to“other jaw tumors”group.CONCLUSION Enhancement characteristics of solid components combined with dual-energy parameters offer a more precise way to differentiate between jaw tumors.

Swift XRT Analysis of Type II-P Supernova SN 2008ij

This study investigates the X-ray properties and evolution of Type II supernovae (SNe II) observed by Swift, examining variations among supernovae and exploring their X-ray characteristics over time. We present the first X-ray study of the Type IIp supernova SN 2008ij using data from the Swift X-ray mission. This investigation focuses on its spectral properties, identifying an X-ray flux of 1.20 (+0.11, −0.10) × 10−13 erg/cm2/s and a plasma temperature of 4.76 (+1.22, −0.83) keV. Our study marks an advancement in understanding SN 2008ij, providing crucial results into its X-ray emission characteristics. These results lay the groundwork for future studies of Type IIp supernovae, offering a foundation for exploring their evolutionary and physical processes.

双能XRT智能拣选技术分选复合铁矿石应用研究

为推动双能XRT智能拣选技术在复合铁矿石高效预选中的应用,在分析了双能XRT检测复合铁矿石的理论依据基础上,开展了复合铁矿石双能XRT智能拣选试验。结果表明:①对安徽霍邱矿区某复合铁矿石中的50~12 mm、120~50 mm粒级进行预选,可抛出产率不低于14.64%、TFe品位约不高于8%的尾矿,即双能XRT智能拣选机可作为复合铁矿石的干选设备;②对安徽庐枞矿区某含铜高硫复合铁矿石细碎筛上弱磁干选尾矿进行有用矿物回收,获得的粗精矿作业产率为36.81%,Cu、TFe、SS富集比达2.0~1.6,回收率分别为68.82%、65.79%和62.03%,尾矿mFe、TFe品位均低于现场磨选作业磁选尾矿,即通过双能XRT智能拣选,共(伴)生铜硫复合铁矿石中有用矿物得到有效回收,显著减少了金属流失。最后对双能XRT智能拣选技术在铁矿选矿厂的应用进行了分析探讨。

Prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis detected by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry among Chinese patients with primary biliary cholangitis

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is an extrahepatic complication of primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)that increases the risk of fractures and mortality.However,Epidemiological studies of osteoporosis in patients with PBC in China and the Asia-Pacific region is lack.AIM To assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of osteoporosis in Chinese patients with PBC.METHODS This retrospective analysis included consecutive patients with PBC from a tertiary care center in China who underwent bone mineral density(BMD)assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry between January 2013 and December 2021.We defined subjects with T-scores≤-2.5 in any sites(L1 to L4,femoral neck,or total hip)as having osteoporosis.Demographic,serological,clinical,and histological data were collected.Independent risk factors for osteoporosis were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS A total of 268 patients with PBC[236 women(88.1%);mean age,56.7±10.6 years;163 liver biopsies(60.8%)]were included.The overall prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with PBC was 45.5%(122/268),with the prevalence of osteoporosis in women and men being 47.0%and 34.4%,respectively.The prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women was significantly higher than that in premenopausal women(56.3%vs 21.0%,P<0.001).Osteoporosis in patients with PBC is associated with age,fatigue,menopausal status,previous steroid therapy,body mass index(BMI),splenomegaly,gastroesophageal varices,ascites,Mayo risk score,histological stage,alanine aminotransferase,albumin,bilirubin,platelet and prothrombin activity.Multivariate regression analysis identified that older age,lower BMI,previous steroid therapy,higher Mayo risk score,and advanced histological stage as the main independent risk factors for osteoporosis in PBC.CONCLUSION Osteoporosis is very common in Chinese patients with PBC,allowing for prior screening of BMD in those PBC patients with older age,lower BMI,previous steroid therapy and advanced liver disease.

Association between body mass index and body fat measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:We examined the association between body mass index(BMI)and body fat percentage(BF%)measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA)among adults and children in China.Methods:We searched four databases-PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,and Vip for studies published in the past 22 years.Meta-analysis was conducted using random-or fixed-effect models.Results:In total of 21 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in review,and 17 ot them in meta-analysis.They were conducted across China.Their sample size ranged from 62 to 5726,and participants'age ranged from 6-80 years.Meta-analysis revealed strong associations between BMI and BF% measured by DXA in adults(pooled r=0.71,95% CI:0.66 to 0.74)and children(pooled r=0.60,95% CI:0.52 to 0.68).The association was stronger in Northern China than in East China in children(β=-0.40,95%CI:-0.65 to-0.14)and in Central China in adults(β=-0.25;95% CI:-0.51 to-0.01).Urban children's BMI was strongly associated with BF%than rural(β=0.19;95%CI:0.04 to 0.35),whereas it was stronger in adults living in rural than in urban(β=-0.35;95% CI:-0.66 to-0.05).Conclusions:BMI was strongly associated with BF%measured by DXA,and the association in children and adults in China varied by residence and region.

Prospective observational study on the prognosis of ureteral lesions caused by impacted stones via dual-energy spectral computed tomography

Objective Ureteral lesions caused by impacted ureteral stones are likely to result in postoperative ureteral stricture.On this basis,the study aimed to investigate if dual-energy spectral computed tomography can predict ureteral hardening caused by impacted stones and to explore the relationship between different types of ureteral lesions and the risk of ureteral stricture.Methods This prospective study collected data of 93 patients with impacted stones from hospital automation system during January 2018 to October 2019.They underwent an abdominal scan on a dual-energy spectral computed tomography.During surgery,the operator used ureteroscopy to identify ureteral lesions,which were classified into four categories:edema,polyps,pallor,and hardening.Seven months later,90 patients were reviewed for the degree of hydronephrosis.Results Endoscopic observations revealed 38(41%)cases of ureteral edema,20(22%)cases of polyps,13(14%)cases of pallor,and 22(24%)cases of hardening.There were significant differences in hydronephrosis,the period of impaction,the calcium concentration of the ureter,and the slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit curve between the four groups.After that,we evaluated the factors associated with ureteral hardening and found that the calcium concentration of the ureter and hydronephrosis remained independent predictors of ureteral hardening.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that 5.3 mg/cm^(3)calcium concentration of the ureter is an optimal cut-off value to predict ureteral hardening.The result of follow-up showed that 80 patients had complete remission of hydronephrosis,with a complete remission rate of 61.9%(13/21)in the hardening group and 97.1%(67/69)in the non-hardening group(p<0.001).Conclusion Calcium concentration of the ureter is an independent predictor of ureteral hardening.Patients with ureteral hardening have more severe hydronephrosis after ureteroscopic lithotripsy.When the calcium concentration of the ureter is less than 5.3 mg/cm^(3),ureteral lesions should be actively treated.

The application study of dual-energy CT nonlinearblending technique in pulmonary angiography

Objective This study aimed to explore the feasibility of enhancing image quality in computed tomography(CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and reducing radiation dose using the nonlinear blending (NLB)technique of dual-energy CT.Methods A total of 61 patients scheduled for CTPA were enrolled, and 30 patients underwent dual-energyscanning. Nonlinear blending images (NLB group) and three groups of linear blending images (LB group,80 kV group, and 140 kV group) were reconstructed after scanning;31 patients underwent single-energyscanning (120 kV group). The CT values and standard deviations of the pulmonary trunk, left and rightpulmonary arteries, and ipsilateral back muscle at the bifurcation level of the left and right pulmonaryarteries were measured. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the fivegroups were calculated. The subjective image quality of the five groups was assessed. The radiation dosesof the dual- and single-energy groups were recorded and calculated.Results The CNR and SNR values of blood vessels in the NLB group were significantly higher than thosein the LB, 140 kV, and 80 kV groups (CNR of pulmonary artery trunk: t = 3.50, 4.06, 7.17, all P < 0.05;SNRof pulmonary trunk: t = 3.76, 4.71, 6.92, all P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in the CNR andSNR values between the NLB group and 120 kV group (P > 0.05). The effective radiation dose of the dualenergygroup was lower than that of the single-energy group (t = –4.52, P < 0.05). The subjective scores ofimages in the NLB group were the highest (4.28 ± 0.74).Conclusion The NLB technique of dual-energy CT can improve the image quality of CTPA and reducethe radiation dose, providing more reliable imaging data for the clinical diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

中国块状合格精矿直接提取工艺研究与实践

为了启示资源品质较优的矿山,特别是有用矿物嵌布粒度粗大-特别粗大、有用矿物大量呈集合体形式出现的矿山,更积极主动地开展粗粒预选直接提取块状高附加值合格精矿的研究,尽可能探索出更高效、更低成本、更环保的选矿工艺,在简要介绍了跳汰预选、重介质旋流器预选、磁力预选、色选及XRT智能分选技术的基础上,列举了一些应用这些技术获取粗粒块状合格精矿的典型案例,供矿山开发研究者参考。

Characteristics of the imaging diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis

Alveolar echinococcosis(AE)primarily manifests in the liver and exhibits charac-teristics resembling those of slow-growing malignant tumours.Untreated Echino-coccus multilocularis infection can be lethal.By infiltrating the vascular systems,biliary tracts,and the hilum of the liver,it might lead to various problems.Due to its ability to infiltrate neighbouring tissues or metastasize to distant organs,AE can often be mistaken for malignancies.We present a concise overview of the epi-demiological and pathophysiological characteristics of AE,as well as the clinical manifestations of the disease.This article primarily examines the imaging charac-teristics of AE using various imaging techniques such as ultrasonography,com-puted tomography(CT),magnetic resonance imaging,diffusion-weighted ima-ging,and virtual non-enhanced dual-energy CT.We additionally examined the contribution of radiography in the diagnosis,treatment,and monitoring of the condition.

宜昌地区某中低品位磷矿光电选矿工艺试验研究

为探索光电选矿工艺在宜昌某中低品位磷矿的适用性,分别对该磷矿Ph_(1)^(3)下磷层和Ph_(2)^(2)中磷层中低品位条带状矿石开展工艺矿物学研究,查明其化学组成、磷元素分布、矿物组成、嵌布关系等特征,然后开展光电选矿试验研究。结果表明,磷元素主要分布在胶磷矿条带中,硅酸盐或碳酸盐等脉石条带中含磷较低,条带界线截然,宽度一般为0.5~3 cm,此矿石特性非常有利于通过光电选矿作业抛除废石实现预富集。将硅酸盐条带型和碳酸盐条带型磷矿石分别破碎筛分预处理后,利用XRT/CCD双融合智能光电选矿机对8~28 mm粒径组分进行选别试验,在抛废率为45%左右时,预处理粉矿(<8 mm)+光选精矿综合富集比>1.2,综合回收率>85%,抛废效果明显,选别指标良好。该研究证实光选工艺可满足矿山中低品位磷矿石选矿需求,可为矿山后期选矿工艺方案选择提供一定的指导。

湖南某钨矿XRT射线智能选矿机预选抛废研究与应用

湖南某钨矿针对原矿品位低、选矿成本高等问题,研究用XRT射线智能选矿机对原矿进行预选抛废,开展实验室试验和半工业试验并实现应用。依据矿石性质、分选原理、预选抛废指标、成本降低幅度进行了工艺流程设计、主要设备选型、应用改造和效果分析。研究表明:XRT射线智能选矿机能有效预富集钨矿,富集比为2.32,抛废率65.37%,降低选矿成本为34.91%,提高选厂处理能力53.33%,提高了低品位钨矿山资源利用率,为同类型原矿XRT射线智能选矿机应用提供参考。

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.

Comparative Analysis of the Multi-Frequency Bio-impedance and Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry on Body Composition in Obese Subjects

To examine accuracy of body composition predicted by the Multi-Frequency Bioelectric Impedance Analysis （MF-BIA） compared with the Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry （DXA） in adults with obese. We measured body composition of 749 adults with obese both by the MF-BIA and DXA. The Lin＇s concordance correlation and the Bland-Altman plots were used to examine the consistency. The concordance correlation coefficient of %BF between the MF-BIA and DXA in men and women was 0.560, and 0.669, respectively. Compared with the DXA, the MF-BIA significantly underestimated %BF by 4.33% in men （P 〈 0.001）, however overestimated %BF by 0.50% in women （P 〈 0.001）. After corrected by the correction equations established in this study, the differences were significantly decreased. Therefore, the MF-BIA （TANITA MC-180） may need to be corrected in estimating body composition for adults with obese.

基于XRT的晶圆检测技术进展

随着晶体管和激光器的发明和发展,工业上对高质量单晶体的需求量大幅度增长。单个集成电路中器件密度在逐渐增加,需要晶圆在组成、组分和晶体结构上高度均匀。X射线形貌术(XRT)是一种能够对完整晶圆的表面及内部进行无损检测的技术,从20世纪中后期就开始用于硅等传统半导体材料生产的质检环节中,并在近年来初步应用在碳化硅、氮化镓等新一代半导体晶圆的检测。同时,XRT在X光管、准直系统和探测器技术以及仿真方法上取得了许多进步和突破。本文旨在介绍近年来基于XRT的晶圆检测原理方法、技术进展和应用。

XRT射线智能选矿机在湖南某白钨选厂的抛废试验

湖南某白钨选厂为提高原矿入选品位,降低生产成本,根据白钨矿性质和嵌布粒度特征,在破碎段采用XRT射线智能选矿机对15~45 mm粒级原矿进行了抛废半工业试验研究。半工业试验结果表明:当WO_3给矿品位为0.30%左右时,抛废废石WO_3品位在0.05%以下,抛废精矿WO_3品位在0.80%左右,抛废率可达68%,抛废精矿回收率可达88%以上,平均单位原矿生产成本较抛废前可减少32.74元/t。

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.

Clinical Value of Dual-energy CT in Detection of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Investigation of the Best Pancreatic Tumor Contrast to Noise Ratio

Objective To quantitatively compare and determine the best pancreatic tumor contrast to noise ratio (CNR) in different dual-energy derived datasets. Methods In this retrospective, single center study, 16 patients (9 male, 7 female, average age 59.4±13.2 years) with pathologically diagnosed pancreatic cancer were enrolled. All patients received an abdominal scan using a dual source CT scanner 7 to 31 days before biopsy or surgery. After injection of iodine contrast agent, arterial and pancreatic parenchyma phase were scanned consequently, using a dual-energy scan mode (100 kVp/230 mAs and Sn 140 kVp/178 mAs) in the pancreatic parenchyma phase. A series of derived dual-energy datasets were evaluated including non-liner blending (non-linear blending width 0-500 HU; blending center -500 to 500 HU), mono-energetic (40-190 keV), 100 kVp and 140 kVp. On each datasets, mean CT values of the pancreatic parenchyma and tumor, as well as standard deviation CT values of subcutaneous fat and psoas muscle were measured. Regions of interest of cutaneous fat and major psoas muscle of 100 kVp and 140 kVp images were calculated. Best CNR of subcutaneous fat (CNR F ) and CNR of the major psoas muscle (CNR M ) of non-liner blending and mono-energetic datasets were calculated with the optimal mono-energetic keV setting and the optimal blending center/width setting for the best CNR. One Way ANOVA test was used for comparison of best CNR between different dual-energy derived datasets. Results The best CNR F (4.48±1.29) was obtained from the non-liner blending datasets at blending center -16.6±103.9 HU and blending width 12.3±10.6 HU. The best CNR F (3.28±0.97) was obtained from the mono-energetic datasets at 73.3±4.3 keV. CNR F in the 100 kVp and 140 kVp were 3.02±0.91 and 1.56±0.56 respectively. Using fat as the noise background, all of these images series showed significant differences (P<0.01) except best CNR F of mono-energetic image sets vs. CNR F of 100 kVp image (P=0.460). Similar results were found using muscle as the noise background (mono-energetic image vs. 100 kVp image: P=0.246; mono-energetic image vs. non-liner blending image: P=0.044; others: P<0.01). Conclusion Compared with mono-energetic datasets and low kVp datasets, non-linear blending image at automatically chosen blending width/window provides better tumor to the pancreas CNR, which might be beneficial for better detection of pancreatic tumors.

Virtual nonenhanced abdominal dual-energy MDCT:Analysis of image characteristics

AIM: To evaluate abdominal and pelvic image characteristics and artifacts on virtual nonenhanced (VNE) images generated from contrast-enhanced dual-energy multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) studies. METHODS: Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Institutional Review Board approval was obtained; 22 patients underwent clinically-indicated abdominal and pelvic single-source dual-energy MDCT (Philips Healthcare, Cleveland, OH, USA), pre- and post-IV administration of Omnipaque 300 contrast (100 cc). Various solid and vascular structures were evaluated. VNE images were generated from the portal contrast-enhanced phase using probabilistic separation. Contrast-enhanced-, regular nonenhanced (RNE)-, and VNE images were evaluated with a total of 1494 density measurements. The ratio of iodine contrast deletion was calculated. Visualization of calcifications, urinary tract stones, and image artifacts in VNE images were assessed. RESULTS: VNE images were successfully generated in all patients. Significant portal-phase iodine contrast deletion was seen in the kidney (61.7%), adrenal gland (55.3%), iliac artery (55.0%), aorta (51.6%), and spleen (34.5%). Contrast deletion was also significant in the right atrium (RA) (51.5%) and portal vein (39.3%), but insignificant in the iliac vein and inferior vena cava (IVC). Average post contrast-to-VNE HU differences were significant (P < 0.05) in the: RA -135.3 (SD 121.8), aorta -114.1 (SD 48.5), iliac artery -104.6 (SD 53.7), kidney -30.3 (SD 34.9), spleen -9.2 (SD 8.8), and portal vein -7.7 (SD 13.2). Average VNE-to-RNE HU differences were significant in all organs but the prostate and subcutaneous fat: aorta 38.0 (SD 9.3), RA 37.8 (SD 16.1), portal vein 21.8 (SD 12.0), IVC 12.2 (SD 11.6), muscle 3.3 (SD 4.9), liver 5.7 (SD 6.4), spleen 22.3 (SD 9.8), kidney 40.5 (SD 6.8), and adrenal 20.7 (SD 13.5). On VNE images, 196/213 calcifications (92%) and 5/6 renal stones (84%) were visualized. Lytic-like artifacts in the vertebral bodies were seen in all studies. CONCLUSION: Iodine deletion in VNE images is most significant in arteries, and less significant in solid organs and veins. Most vascular and intra-abdominal organ calcifications are preserved.

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.