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Optimization of wrist tendon detection in virtual monochromatic images using dual energy-computed tomography

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Japanese Journal of Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the depiction of wrist tendons in virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) during a dual-energy CT (DE-CT) with the VMI image of conventional equivalent to 120 kVp.

Materials and methods

Using Catphan600 and phantom analysis software for CT evaluation, measurements of VMI in a DE-CT were performed corresponding to the tube voltages of single-energy CT at 120 kVp. Using a Discovery CT750 HD CT scanner (GE Healthcare) with DE-CT technology, 73 patients were scanned. We calculated the CT number, image noise, visual score, and contrast noise ratio (CNR) at the extensor pollicis tendon, extensor digitorum tendon, and flexor tendon in 11 VMIs from the DE-CT and VMI image of conventional equivalent to 120 kVp. The results from the optimal VMIs were then compared with that of the VMI image of the conventional equivalent to 120 kVp.

Results

The highest CT number and CNR for the tendon were for the 140 keV VMI in the DE-CT compared to the other energy levels. There were significantly higher CT numbers, CNR values, and visual scores for each tendon at 140 keV VMI with the DE-CT (p < 0.01) compared with a VMI image of conventional equivalent to 120 kVp.

Conclusion

Energy level of the VMIs during DE-CT for the best wrist tendon delineation was 140 keV. This value of 140 keV for the DE-CT was significantly higher than the CT number and CNR for the extensor pollicis, extensor digitorum, and flexor tendon compared with a VMI image of conventional equivalent to 120 kVp.

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Abbreviations

VMIs:

Virtual monochromatic images

DE-CT:

Dual-energy computed tomography

CNR:

Contrast noise ratio

CT:

Computed tomography

SE-CT:

Single-energy computed tomography

HU:

Hounsfield unit

ROI:

Region of interest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiological Technologist, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital, 2-25, Kokutai-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama, 700-8511, Japan

    Norimi Nishiyama, Junnichi Nakagawa & Keisuke Terami

  2. Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, 288 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, 701-0193, Japan

    Takanori Masuda

  3. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan

    Takeshi Nakaura

Authors
  1. Norimi Nishiyama
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  2. Takanori Masuda
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  3. Junnichi Nakagawa
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  4. Keisuke Terami
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  5. Takeshi Nakaura
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Correspondence to Takanori Masuda.

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Nishiyama, N., Masuda, T., Nakagawa, J. et al. Optimization of wrist tendon detection in virtual monochromatic images using dual energy-computed tomography. Jpn J Radiol 41, 1397–1404 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-023-01467-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-023-01467-2

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