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Initial experience with single-source dual-energy CT abdominal angiography and comparison with single-energy CT angiography: image quality, enhancement, diagnosis and radiation dose

  • Computed Tomography
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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.

Key Points

• Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography is now a routine procedure.

• Single-source dual-energy CT (ssDECT) can provide simultaneous data with different kilovoltages.

• 70 keV images showed better image quality than conventional single-energy (SE) CT.

• 70 keV images exhibited less image noise in comparison to SE-CT.

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Acknowledgements

DVS has received grant support from GE Healthcare in the past but not related to this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Abdominal Imaging and Intervention, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, White 270, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Daniella F. Pinho, Naveen M. Kulkarni, Arun Krishnaraj & Dushyant V. Sahani

  2. Department of Imaging, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Daniella F. Pinho

  3. Division of Vascular Imaging & Intervention, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, White 270, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Sanjeeva P. Kalva

Authors
  1. Daniella F. Pinho
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  2. Naveen M. Kulkarni
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  3. Arun Krishnaraj
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  4. Sanjeeva P. Kalva
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  5. Dushyant V. Sahani
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Correspondence to Dushyant V. Sahani.

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Pinho, D.F., Kulkarni, N.M., Krishnaraj, A. et al. 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 23, 351–359 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2624-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2624-x

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