Optimal Monochromatic Imaging of Spectral Computed Tomography Potentially Improves the Quality of Hepatic Vascular Imaging

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficiency of spectral computed tomography (CT) optimal monochromatic images in improving imaging quality of liver vessels.Materials and MethodsThe imaging data of 35 patients with abdominal CT angiography were retrospectively analyzed. Hepatic arteries, portal veins, and hepatic veins were reconstructed with mixed energy (quality check, QC), 70 keV and optimal monochromatic mode. Comparative parameters were analyzed including CT value, image noise (IN), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and subjective qualitative analysis.ResultsThe optimal monochromatic value for assessment of the common hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein ranged between 49 keV and 53 keV, with a mean of 51 keV. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) among the optimal monochromatic, 70 keV and QC images with regards to the hepatic vascular CT value, IN, CNR, SNR, and subjective qualitative score. CNR of the common hepatic artery in the optimal monochromatic, 70 keV and QC groups was 24.6 ± 10.9, 18.1 ± 8.3, and 11.6 ± 4.6, respectively (p < 0.001) with subjective scores of 4.7 ± 0.2, 4.0 ± 0.3, and 3.6 ± 0.4, respectively (p < 0.001). CNR of the hepatic portal vein was 6.9 ± 2.7, 4.3 ± 1.9, and 3.0 ± 2.1, respectively (p < 0.001) with subjective scores of 4.5 ± 0.3, 3.9 ± 0.4, and 3.3 ± 0.3, respectively (p < 0.001). CNR of the hepatic vein was 5.7 ± 2.3, 4.2 ± 1.9, and 2.7 ± 1.4, respectively with subjective scores of 4.3 ± 0.3, 3.8 ± 0.4, and 3.2 ± 0.3, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionOptimal monochromatic images can lead to improvement in the imaging parameters and optimization of the image quality of the common hepatic artery, hepatic portal vein and hepatic vein compared with conventional mixed kV and with 70 keV datasets.

Optimal combination periprosthetic vasculature visualization and metal artifact reduction by spectral computed tomography using virtual monoenergetic images in total hip arthroplasty

“…For qualitative assessment, the vascular contour, the extent of artifact, and overall diagnostic evaluation were separately assessed by two musculoskeletal radiologists (Zhao and Yang, with 2 and 18 years of clinical experience, respectively) using a five-point Likert scale in the same axial slice. The radiologists had accepted a series of training about the subjective scoring system and performed several group meetings for the consensus evaluation referring to previous studies [ 20 , 27 , 28 ]. The vascular contour was graded as follows: blurred vascular contour = 1, less clear vascular contour = 2, basically sharp vascular contour = 3, relatively sharp vascular contour = 4, and very sharp vascular contour = 5 [ 27 ].…”

“…The radiologists had accepted a series of training about the subjective scoring system and performed several group meetings for the consensus evaluation referring to previous studies [ 20 , 27 , 28 ]. The vascular contour was graded as follows: blurred vascular contour = 1, less clear vascular contour = 2, basically sharp vascular contour = 3, relatively sharp vascular contour = 4, and very sharp vascular contour = 5 [ 27 ]. The extent of artifact was rated as follows: massive artifacts = 1, pronounced artifacts = 2, moderate artifacts = 3, little artifacts = 4, no artifacts = 5.…”

Spectral CT: Current Liver Applications

“…The use of low-keV VMIs allowed us to obtain better objective and subjective image quality for the evaluation of hepatic vasculature [98][99][100]. These allowed for a 25.4% reduction in iodine contrast load [101].…”

“…Vascular applications -Low-keV VMIs improve the evaluation of hepatic vasculature [98][99][100]102] and allow for a 25.4% reduction in iodine contrast load [101]. -Iodine concentration is a promising tool for assessing portal venous hypertension [103] and blood flow changes after TIPS placement [104].…”

A Glimpse on Trends and Characteristics of Recent Articles Published in the Korean Journal of Radiology

“…KJR started to publish articles on deep learning or artificial intelligence as many other journals are interested in them (1234567891011121314). KJR also welcomes articles on radiomics (1151617), other advanced imaging techniques, and new imaging systems (181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950). KJR increasingly publishes meta-analyses (251525354555657585960), and guidelines (193161626364656667686970717273747576777879), and KJR also publishes consensus statements and recommendations (67808182) in collaboration with Korean Society of Radiology or other societies (68788384).…”