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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Computed Tomography

The Effects of Iodine Attenuation on Pulmonary Nodule Volumetry using Novel Dual-Layer Computed Tomography Reconstructions

Authors: A. M. den Harder, F. Bangert, R. W. van Hamersvelt, T. Leiner, Julien Milles, A. M. R. Schilham, M. J. Willemink, P. A. de Jong

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 12/2017

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the effect of iodine attenuation on pulmonary nodule volumetry using virtual non-contrast (VNC) and mono-energetic reconstructions.

Methods

A consecutive series of patients who underwent a contrast-enhanced chest CT scan were included. Images were acquired on a novel dual-layer spectral CT system. Conventional reconstructions as well as VNC and mono-energetic images at different keV levels were used for nodule volumetry.

Results

Twenty-four patients with a total of 63 nodules were included. Conventional reconstructions showed a median (interquartile range) volume and diameter of 174 (87 – 253) mm³ and 6.9 (5.4 – 9.9) mm, respectively. VNC reconstructions resulted in a significant volume reduction of 5.5% (2.6 – 11.2%; p<0.001). Mono-energetic reconstructions showed a correlation between nodule attenuation and nodule volume (Spearman correlation 0.77, (0.49 – 0.94)). Lowering the keV resulted in increased volumes while higher keV levels resulted in decreased pulmonary nodule volumes compared to conventional CT.

Conclusions

Novel dual-layer spectral CT offers the possibility to reconstruct VNC and mono-energetic images. Those reconstructions show that higher pulmonary nodule attenuation results in larger nodule volumes. This may explain the reported underestimation in nodule volume on non-contrast enhanced compared to contrast-enhanced acquisitions.

Key Points

• Pulmonary nodule volumes were measured on virtual non-contrast and mono-energetic reconstructions

• Mono-energetic reconstructions showed that higher attenuation results in larger volumes

• This may explain the reported nodule volume underestimation on non-contrast enhanced CT

• Mostly metastatic pulmonary nodules were evaluated, results might differ for benign nodules

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Title: The Effects of Iodine Attenuation on Pulmonary Nodule Volumetry using Novel Dual-Layer Computed Tomography Reconstructions
Authors: A. M. den Harder
F. Bangert
R. W. van Hamersvelt
T. Leiner
Julien Milles
A. M. R. Schilham
M. J. Willemink
P. A. de Jong
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 12/2017
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-017-4938-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The Effects of Iodine Attenuation on Pulmonary Nodule Volumetry using Novel Dual-Layer Computed Tomography Reconstructions

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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