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01-06-2015 | Head and Neck Radiology

Objective and subjective image quality of primary and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma on head and neck low-tube-voltage 80-kVp computed tomography

Authors: Jan-Erik Scholtz, Moritz Kaup, Johannes Kraft, Eva-Maria Nöske, Friedrich Scheerer, Boris Schulz, Iris Burck, Jens Wagenblast, J. Matthias Kerl, Ralf W. Bauer, Thomas Lehnert, Thomas J. Vogl, Julian L. Wichmann

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 6/2015

Abstract

Introduction

To investigate low-tube-voltage 80-kVp computed tomography (CT) of head and neck primary and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) regarding objective and subjective image quality.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 65 patients (47 male, 18 female; mean age: 62.1 years) who underwent head and neck dual-energy CT (DECT) due to biopsy-proven primary (n = 50) or recurrent (n = 15) SCC. Eighty peak kilovoltage and standard blended 120-kVp images were compared. Attenuation and noise of malignancy and various soft tissue structures were measured. Tumor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. Subjective image quality was rated by three reviewers using 5-point grading scales regarding overall image quality, lesion delineation, image sharpness, and image noise. Radiation dose was assessed as CT dose index volume (CTDI_vol). Interobserver agreement was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Mean tumor attenuation (153.8 Hounsfield unit (HU) vs. 97.1 HU), SNR (10.7 vs. 8.3), CNR (8.1 vs. 4.8), and subjective tumor delineation (score, 4.46 vs. 4.13) were significantly increased (all P < 0.001) with 80-kVp acquisition compared to standard blended 120-kVp images. Noise of all measured structures was increased in 80-kVp acquisition (P < 0.001). Overall interobserver agreement was good (ICC, 0.86; 95 % confidence intervals: 0.82–0.89). CTDI_vol was reduced by 48.7 % with 80-kVp acquisition compared to standard DECT (4.85 ± 0.51 vs. 9.94 ± 0.81 mGy cm, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Head and neck CT with low-tube-voltage 80-kVp acquisition provides increased tumor delineation, SNR, and CNR for CT imaging of primary and recurrent SCC compared to standard 120-kVp acquisition with an accompanying significant reduction of radiation exposure.

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Title: Objective and subjective image quality of primary and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma on head and neck low-tube-voltage 80-kVp computed tomography
Authors: Jan-Erik Scholtz
Moritz Kaup
Johannes Kraft
Eva-Maria Nöske
Friedrich Scheerer
Boris Schulz
Iris Burck
Jens Wagenblast
J. Matthias Kerl
Ralf W. Bauer
Thomas Lehnert
Thomas J. Vogl
Julian L. Wichmann
Publication date: 01-06-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-015-1512-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Objective and subjective image quality of primary and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma on head and neck low-tube-voltage 80-kVp computed tomography

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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