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Skeletal Radiology

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01-04-2021 | Computed Tomography | Scientific Article

Dual-energy CT arthrography: a feasibility study

Authors: Rashpal Sandhu, Mercan Aslan, Nancy Obuchowski, Andrew Primak, Wadih Karim, Naveen Subhas

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of producing 2-dimensional (2D) virtual noncontrast images and 3-dimensional (3D) bone models from dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) arthrograms and to determine whether this is best accomplished using 190 keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) or virtual unenhanced (VUE) images.

Materials and methods

VMI and VUE images were retrospectively reconstructed from patients with internal derangement of the shoulder or knee joint who underwent DECT arthrography between September 2017 and August 2019. A region of interest was placed in the area of brightest contrast, and the mean attenuation (in Hounsfield units [HUs]) was recorded. Two blinded musculoskeletal radiologists qualitatively graded the 2D images and 3D models using scores ranging from 0 to 3 (0 considered optimal).

Results

Twenty-six patients (mean age ± SD, 57.5 ± 16.8 years; 6 women) were included in the study. The contrast attenuation on VUE images (overall mean ± SD, 10.5 ± 16.4 HU; knee, 19.3 ± 10.7 HU; shoulder, 5.0 ± 17.2 HU) was significantly lower (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) than on VMI (overall mean ± SD, 107.7 ± 43.8 HU; knee, 104.6 ± 31.1 HU; shoulder, 109.6 ± 51.0 HU). The proportion of cases with optimal scores (0 or 1) was significantly higher with VUE than with VMI for both 2D and 3D images (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

DECT arthrography can be used to produce 2D virtual noncontrast images and to generate 3D bone models. The VUE technique is superior to VMI in producing virtual noncontrast images.

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Title: Dual-energy CT arthrography: a feasibility study
Authors: Rashpal Sandhu
Mercan Aslan
Nancy Obuchowski
Andrew Primak
Wadih Karim
Naveen Subhas
Publication date: 01-04-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Arthrography
Published in: Skeletal Radiology / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-020-03603-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Dual-energy CT arthrography: a feasibility study

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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