Photon-Counting Detector CT Virtual Monoengergetic Images for Cochlear Implant Visualization—A Head to Head Comparison to Energy-Integrating Detector CT

Abstract

Cochlear implants (CIs) are the primary treatment method in patients with profound sensorineural hearing loss. Interpretation of postoperative imaging with conventional energy-integrating detector computed tomography (EID-CT) following CI surgery remains challenging due to metal artifacts. Still, the photon-counting detector (PCD-CT) is a new emerging technology with the potential to eliminate these problems. This study evaluated the performance of virtual monoenergetic (VME) EID-CT images versus PCD-CT in CI imaging. In this cadaveric study, two temporal bone specimens with implanted CIs were scanned with EID-CT and PCD-CT. The images were assessed according to the visibility of interelectrode wire, size of electrode contact, and diameter of halo artifacts. The visibility of interelectrode wire sections was significantly higher when reviewing PCD-CT images. The difference in diameter measurements for electrode contacts between the two CT scanner modalities showed that the PCD-CT technology generally led to significantly larger diameter readings. The larger measurements were closer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the CI electrode. The size of halo artifacts surrounding the electrode contacts did not differ significantly between the two imaging modalities. PCT-CT imaging is a promising technology for CI imaging with improved spatial resolution and better visibility of small structures than conventional EID-CT.

Initial experience on abdominal photon-counting computed tomography in clinical routine: general image quality and dose exposure

“…In direct comparison, PCCT showed an increase in general image quality, which is consistent with results from previous studies by others comparing PCCT and conventional CT in the evaluation of bony structures [25] or cochlear implants [26]. However, images of conventional CT were also rated "very good" in this study.…”

Advanced Neuroimaging With Photon-Counting Detector CT

“…3). The combination of high-resolution imaging, the option to perform low-dose imaging, and the possibility to apply MAR techniques as shown in cochlear implants 8 makes PCT-CT imaging a promising technology for temporal bone imaging with substantial advantages compared with conventional EID-CT.…”

“…4,5 The benefit of these new, technically guided opportunities is subject of intensive ongoing research. To date, already several studies have shown advantages of PCD-CT over conventional CT, [6][7][8] including applications for abdominal, vascular, cardiac, or chest imaging and various other fields of radiology may benefit from the new detector technique. [9][10][11][12] In this review, we summarize the current status of PCD-CT with regards to applications focusing on the central nervous system and the head and neck region.…”

CT technology: photon-counting detector computed tomography

“…B. dem Incudostapedialgelenk ermöglicht [ 23 ]. Auch eine verbesserte Darstellung von Cochleaimplantaten mittels PCD-CT konnte nachgewiesen werden [ 24 ].

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“…So können beispielsweise VMI, Jodkarten, virtuelle Kalziumsubtraktionen oder virtuell-native Bilder rekonstruiert werden. VMI können beispielsweise verwendet werden, um Artefakte zu reduzieren oder das Jodsignal zu verstärken und somit die Bildqualität sowie letztlich die diagnostische Sicherheit in Ergänzung zu den polyenergetischen Rekonstruktionen erhöhen [ 24 , 40 ]. Perspektivisch könnte die neue Technik das klinische Potenzial von Quantifizierungsaufgaben, wie z.…”