Advanced abdominal imaging with dual energy CT is feasible without increasing radiation dose

Abstract

BackgroundDual energy CT (DECT) has proven its potential in oncological imaging. Considering the repeated follow-up examinations, radiation dose should not exceed conventional single energy CT (SECT). Comparison studies on the same scanner with a large number of patients, considering patient geometries and image quality, and exploiting full potential of SECT dose reduction are rare. Purpose of this retrospective study was to compare dose of dual source DECT versus dose-optimized SECT abdominal imaging in clinical routine.MethodsOne hundred patients (62y (±14)) had either contrast-enhanced SECT including automatic voltage control (44) or DECT (56). CT dose index (CTDIvol), size-specific dose-estimate (SSDE) and dose-length product (DLP) were reported. Image noise (SD) was recorded as mean of three ROIs placed in subcutaneous fat and normalized to dose by . For dose-normalized contrast-to-noise ratio (CNRD), mean attenuation of psoas muscle (CTmuscle) and subcutaneous fat (CTfat) were compared by CNRD = (CTmuscle − CTfat)/SDn. Statistical significance was tested with two-sided t-test (α = 0.05).ResultsThere was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between DECT and SECT: Mean CTDIvol was 14.2 mGy (±3.9) (DECT) and 14.3 mGy (±4.5) (SECT). Mean DLP was 680 mGy*cm (±220) (DECT) and 665 mGy*cm (±231) (SECT). Mean SSDE was 15.7 mGy (±1.9) (DECT) and 16.1 mGy (±2.5) (SECT). Mean SDn was 42.2 (±13.9) HU (DECT) and 47.8 (±14.9) HU (SECT). Mean CNRD was 3.9 (±1.3) . (DECT) and 4.0 (±1.3) (SECT).ConclusionAbdominal DECT is feasible without increasing radiation dose or deteriorating image quality, even compared to dose-optimized SECT including automatic voltage control. Thus DECT can contribute to sophisticated oncological imaging without dose penalty.

Low-dose spectral insufflation computed tomography protocol preoperatively optimized for T stage esophageal cancer - preliminary research experience

“…Reducing the radiation dose while maintaining image quality has become a key issue in CT research[ 16 ]. Reasonable adjustments of the ASIR-weighted value with the appropriate reduction in the scanning conditions are the main factors for low-dose scanning[ 17 ]. As a type of automatic dynamic real-time radiation dose control technology, GSI appropriately changes the tube to compensate for the loss of image contrast by adjusting the field of view, rotation speed and detector width[ 18 , 19 ].…”

Spectral CT Detection of Entrapped Gallstone Based on Z-effective Map

“…In an acute setting, doubtful or difficult cases on US are evaluated additionally with CT [10]. As in our case, the relevant contribution of spectral CT has been demonstrated in the literature with a similar or a reduced radiation dose as compared to conventional CT [11,12]. In such acute conditions, MRI is not the preferred method for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, but may contribute to detect entrapped choledocholithiasis and its related complications [10].…”

An attempt to evaluate intraductal components of breast cancer by dual energy computed tomography

“…Considering that oncological patients undergo repeated follow-up CT examinations, dose issues should not be neglected and the management of overall radiation exposure should be considered important. Recent studies have mentioned that DECT can be performed without radiation dose penalty or reduction in image quality when compared with SECT [33][34][35]. Optimization of the radiation dose in CT is indispensable [35], however, imaging quality should not be affected.…”