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01-04-2020 | Computed Tomography | Technical

Quantitative attenuation accuracy of virtual non-enhanced imaging compared to that of true non-enhanced imaging on dual-source dual-energy CT

Authors: Sanaz Javadi, Sherif Elsherif, Priya Bhosale, Corey T. Jensen, Rick R. Layman, Megan C. Jacobsen, Ott Le, Sun Jia, Rajan J. Parikh, Eric P. Tamm

Published in: Abdominal Radiology | Issue 4/2020

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the quantitative attenuation and reliability of virtual non-contrast (VNC) images of the abdomen acquired from multiphasic scans with a dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) system and compare it with that of true non-enhanced images (TNC) on second- (Flash) and third- (Force) generation DECT scanners.

Methods

This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board and included 123 patients with pancreatic cancer who had undergone routine clinical multiphasic DECT examinations at our institution using Flash and Force scanners between March and August 2017. VNC images of the abdomen were reconstructed from late arterial phase images. For every patient, regions-of-interest were defined in the aorta, fluid-containing structures (gallbladder, pleural effusion, and renal cysts > 10 mm), paravertebral muscles, subcutaneous fat, spleen, pancreas, renal cortex, and liver (eight locations) on TNC and VNC images. The mean attenuation of VNC was compared with TNC by organ for each CT scanner using an equivalence test and the Bland–Altman plot. The mean attenuations for TNC or VNC were compared between the Force and Flash CT scanners using a two-sample t test.

Results

The VNC attenuation of organs on the Force scanner was lower than was that on the Flash, and the mean attenuation difference in different organs on the Force was closer to 0. The estimated means of TNC and VNC were equivalent for an equivalence margin of 10 on the Force scanner.

Conclusion

VNC images in DECT are a promising alternative to TNC images. In clinical scenarios in which non-enhanced CT images are required but are not available for accurate diagnosis, VNC images can potentially serve as an alternative to TNC images without the radiation exposure risks.

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Title: Quantitative attenuation accuracy of virtual non-enhanced imaging compared to that of true non-enhanced imaging on dual-source dual-energy CT
Authors: Sanaz Javadi
Sherif Elsherif
Priya Bhosale
Corey T. Jensen
Rick R. Layman
Megan C. Jacobsen
Ott Le
Sun Jia
Rajan J. Parikh
Eric P. Tamm
Publication date: 01-04-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Published in: Abdominal Radiology / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 2366-004X
Electronic ISSN: 2366-0058
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-020-02415-8

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