Faculty Collaboration Database

Initial experience with single-source dual-energy CT abdominal angiography and comparison with single-energy CT angiography: image quality, enhancement, diagnosis and radiation dose. Eur Radiol 2013 Feb;23(2):351-9

Date

08/25/2012

Pubmed ID

22918562

DOI

10.1007/s00330-012-2624-x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84876260141 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   116 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess image quality of virtual monochromatic spectral (VMS) images, compared to single-energy (SE) CT, and to evaluate the feasibility of material density imaging in abdominal aortic disease.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, single-source (ss) dual-energy (DE) CT of the aorto-iliac system in 35 patients (32 male, mean age 76.5 years) was compared to SE-CT. By post-processing the data from ssDECT, VMS images at different energies and material density water (WD) images were generated. The image quality parameters were rated on 5-point scales. The aorto-iliac attenuation and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were recorded. Quality of WD images was compared to true unenhanced (TNE) images. Radiation dose was recorded and statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS: Image quality and noise were better at 70 keV (P < 0.01). Renal artery branch visualisation was better at 50 keV (P < 0.005). Attenuation and CNR were higher at 50 and 70 keV (P < 0.0001). The WD images had diagnostic quality but higher noise than TNE images (P < 0.0001). Radiation dose was lower using single-phase ssDECT compared to dual-phase SE-CT (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: 70-keV images from ssDECT provide higher contrast enhancement and improved image quality for aorto-iliac CT when compared to SE-CT at 120 kVp. WD images are an effective substitute for TNE images with a potential for dose reduction.

Author List

Pinho DF, Kulkarni NM, Krishnaraj A, Kalva SP, Sahani DV

Author

Naveen Kulkarni MD Assistant Professor in the Radiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Abdominal Cavity
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aneurysm, Ruptured
Angiography
Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal
Artifacts
Cohort Studies
Contrast Media
Databases, Factual
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Quality Control
Radiation Dosage
Radiographic Image Enhancement
Radiography, Dual-Energy Scanned Projection
Reproducibility of Results
Retrospective Studies
Sensitivity and Specificity
Tomography, X-Ray Computed