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Poly-energetic and virtual mono-energetic images from a novel dual-layer spectral detector CT: optimization of window settings is crucial to improve subjective image quality in abdominal CT angiographies

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Abstract

Purpose

We aimed to determine optimal window settings for poly-energetic (PolyE) and virtual mono-energetic images (MonoE) derived from abdominal angiographic studies on a novel dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT) system.

Methods

From 50 patients, SDCT datasets PolyE and MonoE at 70 and 40 keV levels were reconstructed and best individual window width and level (BI-W/L) manually assessed. Through regression analysis, the so-called optimized individual (OI-W/L) values were obtained. Subjective image quality parameters and vessel diameters were measured to determine influences of different W/L settings.

Results

Image noise was lower and attenuation and contrast-to-noise ratio were higher in MonoE compared to PolyE (all p ≤ 0.002). Mean BI-W/L values for PolyE, 70, and 40 keV were 637/284, 647/291, and 1568/691, respectively. Mean OI-W/L values were 631/276, 628/286, and 1516/667, respectively. Compared to standard settings, all adjusted W/L settings varied significantly and yielded higher subjective scoring. No between-group differences were found between manually adjusted and mathematically calculated W/L settings.

Conclusion

PolyE and MonoE from abdominal angiographic SDCT studies require appropriate W/L settings especially at low energy reconstruction levels. Individual adjustment reaches the best image quality but is time consuming. From our data, predefined W/L settings of 640/280 (PolyE/MonoE 70 keV) and 1570/690 (MonoE 40 keV) as a non-individualized starting point for abdominal angiographic studies from the novel SDCT system are suggested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany

    Jonas Doerner, Andra-Iza Iuga, Jonathan Byrtus, Stefan Haneder, David Maintz & Tilman Hickethier

  2. Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany

    Julian A. Luetkens

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  1. Jonas Doerner
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  2. Julian A. Luetkens
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  3. Andra-Iza Iuga
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  4. Jonathan Byrtus
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  5. Stefan Haneder
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  7. Tilman Hickethier
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Correspondence to Jonas Doerner.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. For this type of study formal consent is not required.

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Doerner, J., Luetkens, J.A., Iuga, AI. et al. Poly-energetic and virtual mono-energetic images from a novel dual-layer spectral detector CT: optimization of window settings is crucial to improve subjective image quality in abdominal CT angiographies. Abdom Radiol 43, 742–750 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-017-1241-1

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